Two WWU students, McKenna Butler and Garren Miler, had the opportunity to work with theFlorida Conference Institute for Innovation as interns for the biomechatronics program thissummer.
This program provides STEM students with the opportunity to complete projects of theirchoosing under the mentorship of experts at LomaLinda University. These projects haveincluded virtual reality for amputees, reading electricity as it passes through muscles, prostheticdesign, and developing active ankle orthotics that lift the feet of patients with foot drop.
Program participants are given access to any software, databases, or parts that they will needfor their project. In addition, students are connected with the Orthotics and Prostheticsdepartment at Loma Linda University where they receive mentorship from experts.
“I learned what it looks like to ideate with professionals,” said McKenna Butler, senior productdesign student. “Through our virtual meetings, I showed what I had worked on, receivedfeedback, brainstormed, and refined the direction of the project. Classes can only do so muchto prepare you for professional work, but experiencing how professionals think and what theyvalue will serve me well.”
This program was established several years ago for high school students, but it has only beenavailable as a college internship opportunity since the summer of 2020. This program hasprovided STEM students, who have struggled to find internships due to the pandemic, with anopportunity to gain the valuable, experiential, and professional development needed to findjobs after graduation.
“I appreciated the open concept and flexibility of the program,” said Garren Miler, seniormechanical engineering student. “The scope of the project is up to the individual participant,and they can still work another job if necessary. Participants are not paid but are awarded ascholarship the following school year.”
For more information or to suggest an internship opportunity, visit wallawalla.edu/internships.
Posted November 1, 2021
