Applied Learning Stories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.