Applied Learning Stories

Five Wichita State graphic design seniors partnered with Dzanc Publishing to design original paperback book covers, gaining hands-on experience in a professional publishing environment. Guided by Joshua Smith, Assistant Director of Graphic Design, the students collaborated directly with authors and the Dzanc team to develop visually distinctive concepts that reflect each book's voice and audience.

Madisyn “Mady” Sampson is a senior at Wichita State University completing her coursework online and graduating in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management. Through her applied learning experience, Mady served as the Clinical Coordinator and Instructor for the Surgical Technology Program at Crowder College’s Advanced Training & Workforce Center in Joplin, Missouri.

In December 2025, Tyler Bushnell graduated from the Barton School of Business, attaining a bachelor’s degree in information technology and management information systems. As an adult learner, he resumed his education after more than a decade as an airborne combat engineer for the U.S. Army. Since graduation, Bushnell has been a full-time software developer at POET. He began as a summer 2024 intern at POET, was later promoted to junior software developer, before earning his current full-time role. Reflecting on his career journey, Bushnell shares his return to education, finding new passions and changing careers.

When Marianna Fronciani Farina arrived at Wichita State University, she chose mechanical engineering for its flexibility, unsure exactly where it would lead. Four years later, that foundation, strengthened by hands-on software testing and quality assurance work at NetApp, led her to a full-time role in test engineering, proving that real-world experience can shape both skills and direction. Fronciani was an international student from Paraguay. She decided to pursue her education at WSU because her cousin had studied at the university through the “Comité Paraguay Kansas” program, which allows Paraguayans to study at universities in Kansas with in-state tuition. When she toured WSU, the John Bardo Center blew her away, and she decided to make Wichita her home.

Not long ago, the idea of pursuing a master’s degree made Wichita State University Senior Kaydence Perdue uneasy. Now, as she nears the completion of her undergraduate degree and gains months of hands-on experience in local schools through her 400-hour social work practicum, that uncertainty has turned into confidence. For social work students at Wichita State, the practicum experience is a required, hands-on component of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. It is designed to prepare students for the realities of professional practice, and places seniors directly into community agencies where they complete hundreds of supervised hours in the field. The experience grows students in commitment and adaptability and provides invaluable real-world learning beyond what they learn in a classroom.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way organizations operate, and Mohan Sai Dandu is helping lead that transformation. After earning his master’s degree in data science from Wichita State University in Spring 2024, Dandu now works as the Lead Gen AI Data Scientist at Delta Bravo AI, developing tools that turn complex data into meaningful insights and practical solutions. In his current role, Dandu has the opportunity to work on cutting-edge generative AI initiatives. He works on AI models that help organizations find and use information, turning large amounts of data into useful answers and insights. He uses AI to uncover patterns and insights that help inform business decisions across different departments.

In May 2025, Devon Robinson graduated from Wichita State with his bachelor’s degree in media arts emphasizing in animation. Robinson paired his major with a marketing minor, becoming well-rounded in media production and content promotion. He expanded his education by actively participating in student organizations, pursuing passion projects and engaging in Applied Learning Experiences. His senior year student experiences prepared him for his postgraduate journey. Robinson’s artistic ambition led him to an elaborate, collaborative multimedia project right before his final year.

For many students, time spent with doctors and physical therapists comes after an injury. For Mitchell Steele, however, it’s an opportunity that has become a part of his everyday life. Steele is majoring in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and mechanobiology, along with a minor in mathematics. In addition to his coursework, he serves as Lab Coordinator at WSU’s Motion Assessment Lab, where he studies human movement and injury and further develops his skills through the university’s Applied Learning initiative.

Claire Staggs , a senior psychology major graduating in May 2026, is gaining hands-on experience at  Wichita East High School , part of  Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) , where she supports students as they plan their next steps after graduation. She began the role during the fall semester and continues her work this spring.   

“My applied learning role at Wichita East High School consists of  assisting Ms. Kennedy with  helping students prepare for their futures after high school graduation,” Claire said.  “As a student, I  meet students where they are at and help them find scholarships, coach them through their applications, and help them take advantage of every opportunity presented.”   

With support from State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds, Claire was able to focus on both her role and her coursework.  

Jordan Devoy is a Fine Arts alumna, who majored in filmmaking and graduated in December 2025. Before earning her bachelor’s degree in media arts with a filmmaking concentration, she had on-the-job training at Shocker Studios. Devoy gained experience in solo and collaborative projects throughout the production process. As a studio videographer, she shot and edited videos for Shocker Studios and its clients.

In May 2024, Ananda Smith graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree that included a strong emphasis on studying and practicing public policy. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in communication at the Elliott School of Communication. Throughout her academic journey, Smith has gained extensive experience in multimedia journalism and has recently added a copywriter role to her growing resume. In this position, she connects with Shockers and the greater Wichita community through her media work.

Andrew Gibson is a College of Engineering senior and will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science in May 2026. In his Applied Learning Experience, Gibson is a research assistant at Envision Research Institute. Envision is a Wichita, Kansas, nonprofit that provides services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including employment opportunities, clinical rehabilitation services, childcare and an art program. As a research institute, Envision employs a research team that works together to aid the blind and visually impaired community. Gibson uses his computer science knowledge as a research assistant to advance Envision’s mission.

Wichita State fine arts senior Samantha Bunce is one step closer to becoming a full-time art educator. In fall 2025, she began student teaching at Wichita Brooks Middle School. Under the guidance of art educator Lauren Gilmore, Bunce crafted a creative learning environment for students at this STEM and arts magnet middle school.

In May 2019, Gonzalo Niera Maquilon graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor's degree in psychology and another in anthropology. Driven to serve his community, he earned certificates in community psychology and human factors while attaining his bachelor's degree at Wichita State. Later that year, he began his master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology and graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since graduating from Meredith College in 2021, Maquilon has poured his heart into human resources through various post-graduate roles. In his current role as a human resources specialist for the City of Wichita, he reflects on human resources’ influence on his work and his own “... impact on the life of others at work.”

In December 2023, Timothy “Tim” Cao earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with multiple emphases in economics, finance and real estate, with a minor in business analytics from Wichita State University. Cao continued his education at the Barton School of Business and in December 2024 he earned his master’s degree in economics and quantitative analysis with a data analytics concentration. Now at POET, Cao is a business support analyst, where his expertise in data analysis is vital in POET’s operations. A year after becoming an alumnus, Cao reflects on his academic and career journey with Wichita State’s support.

Kathryn “Kat” Fishwick has spent the past five years at Wichita State researching teen dating violence education programming, a primary prevention technique used to combat the public health crisis of intimate partner violence. Dr. Fishwick earned her doctoral degree in community psychology in May 2025. During her time at WSU, Dr. Fishwick applied her knowledge and expertise while working for the Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education Services department. HOPE Services advocates for suicide, sexual violence and substance misuse prevention, along with mental health and wellness promotion through outreach and education. Dr. Fishwick’s years at Shocker Nation encompassed research dedication, community outreach and professional development.

In August 2025, Santiago Carbajal began his sophomore year as a software engineering student contractor at NetApp through Ennovar. Working with NetApp’s Performance and Benchmarking Team, Carbajal actively shapes his future through hands-on experience in this Applied Learning Experience. Carbajal advances in his own future and in future technology, by coding, testing and learning new technologies like machine learning and AI development at NetApp.

In May 2025, Michael Rivas graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Before graduating, he shared his educational journey and its challenges with Wichita Public Schools (USD 259) high school students. Working with Wichita State Undergraduate Admissions’ Lead Admissions Representative, Baylee Almos, Rivas became a college access coach his senior year. He became integral in enhancing college accessibility and providing post-secondary planning to high school upperclassmen. Rivas connected with students about his honest experience as a first-generation, transfer and nontraditional student.

Nidhi Shenoy is a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in quantitative analysis and economics at Wichita State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and economics from Mount Carmel College in May 2024. Since then, Shenoy has embraced every opportunity to bridge data analysis with storytelling. In the summer of 2025, Shenoy became an essential part of internal communication at The Smart Factory by Deloitte. As an internal marketing intern, she played a key role in streamlining communication for thousands of employees. Drawing on her background in journalism and economics, Shenoy analyzed data and produced content for the experience team.

New program pairs Barton School of Business students with nonprofits, startups, government, and corporate partners for paid, hands-on projects.

In May 2025, Rory Mata graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and another in chemistry. She also earned a Spanish for the Professions undergraduate certificate. Mata fully explored professional pathways in both fields during her internships. She explored a career as a chemistry researcher at NASA in Kansas and as a Spanish translator at The Exploration Place, through an internship funded by Wichita State’s Applied Learning Fund.

Golam Morshed Khan, a recent graduate, received his master’s degree in management science in supply chain management in May 2025. Before attending Wichita State, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Independent University in his home city, Dhaka, Bangladesh. While completing his master’s, he worked at Wichita State’s Student Outreach and Support as a front desk student assistant, where he developed soft and technical skills.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical education, PreK–12, in fall 2023, Trajata Colbert returned to Wichita State in spring 2025 to complete her student teaching and earn her teaching license. During this final step in her preparation, she gained hands-on experience through an applied learning placement that took her to multiple schools. These rotations provided a variety of professional experiences and meaningful connections with students—solidifying her path as a fully licensed teacher after spring 2025.

Amrutha Dasyam is a Wichita State Ph.D. candidate majoring in aerospace engineering. Her research focuses on spacecraft trajectory design and planning using artificial intelligence at Wichita State’s Astronautics Laboratory . In 2021, she earned her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Wichita S tate and stayed to pursue her doctorate through the postbaccalaureate plan of study. Now as a doctoral student, she focuses on her research in her graduate research assistant role.  

Zayden Tomson, a graphic design senior, currently interns with the Shocker Career Accelerator, where he creates promotional materials for student career resources and events. His professional design journey with the Shocker Career Accelerator began in Summer 2025, and since then, he’s been refining his skills while making a visible impact across campus.

This fall, Wichita State launched a new course designed specifically for students beginning their English degree. ENGL 198: English Career Seminar is an eight-week, one-credit-hour class that introduces students to the wide range of possibilities available to English majors and equips them with tools to begin shaping their academic and career pathways.

Janett Lerma-Reyes, a mechanical engineering sophomore and was an operations summer 2025 intern at Shuttlewagon. Shuttlewagon, a mobile railcar mover manufacturer, designs railcar movers for rail yards, industrial facilities, and ports. At the Kansas City location, Lerma-Reyes' work centers around Shuttlewagon’s assembly line processes, improving its efficiency, accuracy, and safety for workers.

Niki Noland is a spring 2025 Wichita State graduate who majored in studio art, concentrating in print media. Before leaving Wichita State and the College of Fine Arts, Noland directly impacted Wichita’s art scene, interning for the City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department and Public Art Manager, Jana Erwin.

Emily Rueda is an Integrated Marketing Communication senior at Wichita State University. In the Spring 2025 semester, she experienced the behind-the-scenes aspects of social media marketing through an internship with the College of Fine Arts. Funded through WSU’s Applied Learning Fund, which provides paid, hands-on experiences in students' majors and future career fields.

Vivian Salazar is a junior at Wichita State majoring in mechanical engineering. On campus, Salazar is a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Engineering intern for The Smart Factory by Deloitte. At Deloitte, she supports the smart maintenance and repair facility by managing Industry 4.0 machinery.

Liza Danilova is a senior majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications at Wichita State University. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Danilova came to Kansas as an international student and has since embraced every opportunity to grow her skills and gain professional experience in the U.S. With a strong interest in social media management, she has taken on several roles at WSU that align with her career goals. As graduation approaches, Danilova’s diverse internships have equipped her with the skills and confidence to pursue her dream job in the field.

Karaline Scott, a Wichita State electrical engineering sophomore, is currently interning for Professional Engineering Consultants. As a power and process division intern her tasks are focused on AutoCAD software, reading diagrams and schematics used in real world electrical systems.  

Lucas Garces is a double- alumnus of Wichita State University. He first graduated in 2018 with a bachelor's in business administration, then again in 2020 with a master’s in applied economics. Today, he works at Google as a data scientist.

Matilyn “Mati” Newman graduated from Wichita State University in May 2025, earning her bachelor's in integrated marketing communications from the Elliot School of Communication. As a recent graduate, Newman hit the ground running with her role as the digital marketing assistant at the Rotary Club of Wichita. In her role, Newman has witnessed how her classwork intertwines with her professional work.

As a fourth-year graphic design major at Wichita State, Janis Hwang has found her applied learning experience to be both creatively fulfilling and professionally transformative. Through her role designing for No Choice but Action, a project that aims to preserve and highlight Kansas' often-overlooked role in American independent and post-punk music, she has been able to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to work as a designer in a real-world context.

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.

Haylee currently serves as the Automation Technical Lead at the NIAR Automation Research Center (ARC), where she oversees a team of 12 students and staff across five ongoing projects. These projects cover a range of industries, including agriculture and aerospace. Her work encompasses industrial and digital design, and her daily responsibilities blend technical design with leadership and project management.

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.

Tony Mai, a proud double alumnus, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the spring of 2018 and later completed his Master of Social Work in the spring of 2022. Tony took advantage of many applied learning experiences during his time at Wichita State. Today, he serves as a Program Manager at the Rudd Foundation, where he oversees the expansion of community service programs and manages mentorship and professional development for sophomore cohorts across four campuses. With Wichita State consistently enrolling the highest number of Rudd Scholars each year, Tony’s work strengthens the bridge between the foundation and his alma mater. Beyond his professional role, Tony remains deeply engaged with the community.

Aram Khader has a strong family legacy at WSU, including her four older siblings and mother. Attending Wichita State University was a natural step in her career journey. What she didn’t expect, however, was how the university’s applied learning opportunities would shape her career and lead her to a role as a Strategy Analyst at Deloitte.

More than 50 Wichita State students will get unique applied learning experiences during the NCAA Tournament as it returns to Wichita March 20 and 22 at Intrust Bank Arena.

Kelly O. Humphries’ career path is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and a lifelong passion for storytelling and space exploration. From his early days as a journalism student at Wichita State University to becoming News Chief at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Humphries has spent decades  helping  shape how the world understands human spaceflight.

Akash Pandey's journey at Wichita State University is one of resilience, growth, and determination. Pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics with an expected graduation in May 2025, Akash took a leap of faith moving from India to the United States. "As an international student, I faced cultural adjustments, financial pressures, and the rigor of managing academics alongside work. These experiences were not just obstacles—they became the building blocks of my resilience and professional growth."

Bella, a recent graduate of the fall 2024 class, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and is now embarking on the next chapter of her journey. She is pursuing a Master of Education in Exercise Science, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in the field. Originally from Moriarty, New Mexico, Bella was heavily involved in sports and various school organizations throughout her academic career.

Pranav Sathya Prasad arrived in the United States in 2015 as an international student from Mysore, India. A double-alumni of Wichita State University, he earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering. After more than three years of combined technical engineering experience, Pranav made the jump to Apple—where he works to this day!

Brendan Kohler’s journey through Wichita State University is a testament to the power of applied learning experiences and the impact of a well-rounded education. As a proud double alumnus, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and his Master’s degree in 2022 in Sport Management, he has taken the knowledge and skills acquired at WSU and applied them to his career as a Topps Senior Production Coordinator at Fanatics. His story highlights the significance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and diverse educational opportunities in shaping a professional path.

Reflecting on his time in the sport management program at WSU, Brendan credits the wide range of available courses for his preparedness in the sports industry. He notes that learning about different sectors within the field has equipped him with the flexibility to pursue various career paths. “The sport management program at Wichita State helped me immensely in my professional and personal development. One thing that stands out to me looking back on it is the wide range of classes available for students to take. I learned a lot about many sectors of the sport industry in those classes, and with that knowledge, I feel like I would now be well prepared for many different jobs in the sports industry.”

In his applied learning role at HOPE, Matthew takes on multifaceted responsibilities to ensure the organization’s programs and events run seamlessly. From preparing events and editing websites to engaging in table events, his work plays a vital role in maintaining HOPE's mission of promoting mental wellness across campus.

Kaushik Avancha’s journey from student to professional is a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities available at Wichita State University. As a proud alum, he attributes much of his career success to the resources, experiences, and support he received during his time at WSU.

Nidhi’s journey as an international student pursuing her Master of Science in Economics and Quantitative Analysis at Wichita State University reflects ambition, resilience, and a strong desire for growth. Expected to graduate in May 2026, she arrived in the U.S. in July 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Economics in India. The move marked a significant turning point as she sought to gain a global perspective on economics, blending her undergraduate expertise with new learnings to create a unique career niche.

Daysha Bullocks earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2020 and her master’s degree in sport management in 2021. During her time at Wichita State, she excelled not only academically but also athletically, competing as a track and field sprinter. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, Daysha’s exceptional time-management skills allowed her to seize a variety of applied learning opportunities that paved the way for her future success.

Bhavani Ruthwik Goteti, a graduate student in Management Science and Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) at Wichita State University, is carving an impressive path for himself in logistics and supply chain management. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Ruthwik now interns at Union Pacific Railroad under Loup Logistics, where he applies his academic knowledge to solve real-world logistics challenges. His journey—from classroom to career—has been one of growth, innovation, and inspiration. 

Meet Paige Youngdahl, a senior at Wichita State University majoring in Information Technology and Management Information Systems. This past summer, Paige advanced her skills as a Data Analyst Intern at Koch Industries, an opportunity that came through a unique connection—a former coaching relationship where one of her players' parents, a Koch employee, recognized her potential and shared her resume with her current supervisor.

Meet Ja'Nae McKelvy, a dedicated Sport Management student at Wichita State University, who is making significant strides in her field. After completing an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs as a KC Training Camp Intern this past summer, Ja'Nae is excited to take on a new role as the Fall 2024 intern with the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation.

Ashlyn Riggs, a senior in Wichita State University’s online  Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) , is not just working toward her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Unified / Elementary Education—she’s already living her dream of becoming a teacher. 

Braden Webb, a WSU senior studying computer science and mathematics, turned his lifelong passion for public transportation into a transformative internship with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Through hands-on projects, industry connections, and a focus on applied learning, Braden merged his skills with his interests, setting the foundation for a promising career in transit technology.

Lauren Coffman, a current biomedical engineering student at Wichita State University (WSU), has always been fascinated by space. Her childhood interest turned into a reality when she secured a NASA Pathways Internship in Human Health and Performance at Johnson Space Center (JSC). From an early love of space exploration to landing an internship with NASA, Lauren’s journey has been filled with determination, hard work, and guidance from her mentors at WSU.

Nataleigh Holguin, a Wichita State University student majoring in marketing, took a leap this summer that many only dream of. For ten transformative weeks, Nataleigh left her Kansas roots behind to intern with Hasbro in Rhode Island—a far cry from the familiar surroundings of her college life. Working with Hasbro’s Action Brands team, she contributed to globally recognized franchises like Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Ryan Summerlin, a senior sport management major at Wichita State University, spent his summer as a Sport Management Intern at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. His internship provided an immersive experience in various aspects of the sport industry, from event management and public relations to facility maintenance and crisis management.

Rafael Guereque, a junior at Wichita State University (WSU), is a first-generation college student from Hugoton, Kansas, who is already gaining real-world experience in his chosen field of forensic science. WSU brought him closer to his dreams, and he’s now interning with the Wichita Police Department.