Applied Learning Stories

As a senior in the applied engineering program at Wichita State University, Haylee Thurman is scheduled to graduate this fall with an emphasis in management. Her academic journey, however, is only part of the story. Since the start of her college career, she has been steadily shaping a dynamic and impactful role in the world of research and development.

For Alexandra Enmark, applied learning at Wichita State University has been more than a stepping stone—it’s been a launching pad toward her dream of one day starting her own theatre company. A BFA student in design and technical theatre, Alexandra currently serves as a student intern in the School of Performing Arts (SPA) office. Her role is as dynamic and multifaceted as the theatre industry itself. She designs production programs, manages the SPA website, creates weekly newsletters, updates digital displays, and ensures essential information is accessible for both students and faculty. It’s a unique blend of creativity, communication, and logistics—all within the vibrant environment of the performing arts.

Luke Samuelson, a senior majoring in game design, has found a unique intersection of creativity, technology, and applied learning through his role at Shocker Studios. As an LED volume and game design lab technician, he is already laying the foundation for a career that blends the immersive world of game development with the rapidly evolving field of virtual production. His dream job would be to produce games for either AAA companies or as an independent developer while also working to develop scenes for virtual production.

Wichita State student Damyin Allmond is gaining applied learning experience by working as a College Access Mentor. Damyin is from Tuttle, Oklahoma, a small town southwest of Oklahoma City, He's pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in mathematics. In addition to his current studies, Damyin is considering adding a track in propulsion or space systems and potentially a minor in physics as well.

As a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Design & Technical Theatre at Wichita State University, Lena Castro has stepped into a leadership role that combines both technical expertise and mentorship. Lena’s applied learning experience as the head electrician and student lighting supervisor has been instrumental in shaping their skills and career aspirations.

Donna Tran, a graduate student from Garden City, Kansas, is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Wichita State University. Alongside her studies, she balances a practicum at United Way of the Plains and a part-time role at Comcare Crisis of Sedgwick County as an Integrated Care Specialist. Donna aspires to become a Licensed Master Social Worker, with a career centered on advocating for vulnerable populations and helping individuals find strength in their own stories of resilience and growth.

Liam O’Connor is an education major specializing in history and government for 6-12th grade. Liam has spent most of his life in Wichita, Kansas, though his journey began in Southern California. Liam is currently working as a student teacher. He has received applied learning funds allowing him to fully focus on developing as a teacher. His responsibilities as a student teacher include—handling instruction, grading, unit creation, and classroom management. His goal after graduation is to become a Social Studies teacher, ideally at a middle school, a choice that often surprises people. “While some think that I am ‘crazy’ for that, I think they are the perfect age!” Looking further ahead, Liam eventually aspires to become a school administrator, envisioning a future where he could lead as a principal.

In the summer of 2023, Amaya Harris interned as a Marketing and Hospitality Manager at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. This experience immersed her in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where she was responsible for a variety of tasks that spanned photography, editing, team registration, hospitality management, and event preparation.