Applied Learning Stories

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.

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.