Experience Matters - Grand Valley State University

Biomedical Engineering in a Clinical Environment

Alexandria
Major: Interdisciplinary Engineering I processed the data collected during the study using a few custom biomedical motion capture software programs and assisted in pulling together the reports that are then given to a physical therapist. The physical therapist and engineer discuss the patient and the study's finding with a doctor and together, they determine a recommended plan of action. As my supervisor, Professor Amy Lenz, is also teaching at Grand Valley this semester, it was my job to learn the systems in detail so that I could troubleshoot in her absence. I had to make sure that the clinical visits go as smoothly as possible from a technology standpoint while the physical therapist in our office works directly with the patient.

EBW Electronics Co-op II

Bryan
Major: Electrical Engineering Throughout the semester I did some electronics hardware development as well as a write some firmware for a microcontroller. Some projects included use of electronics lab equipment. I also attended meetings with customers and suppliers, as well as learn more about other areas such as manufacturing processes.

Winter 2016 Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Parker
Major: Mechanical Engineering On a weekly basis, I performed a variety of tests on products ranging from those sold at local big box department stores to products newly developed from Attwood's engineering department. I also worked with my fellow engineering co-op students to develop a new product for the company, as well as on an individual project for the lab.

Co-op II: Innotec Group

Lauren
Major: Electrical Engineering In terms of electrical projects, I completed a limit switch project, thermolator project, planned a large controls project, and learned about extensive relay logic. With these projects I learned new 2D CAD software, how to properly draw my own electrical wiring diagrams from scratch, how to work with relays, how to use auxiliary contacts, and much more. I also worked on putting together on-line electrical-check stations for some of the products that my team produces, fixed countless wire and connector damage, updated sensors, and x-rayed parts to help understand electrical failures. Mechanically, I learned how to operate a manual three-axis mill,successfully milling limit switch stops, an entirely new electronic-check station for one of our products with over ten detailed parts needed, and color check stations. Additionally, this semester I assisted our launch team. I made over a dozen unique prototypes for a new product on a CNC machine, which required learning a new CAM software and a new milling interface. I measured light intensity and color data for thousands of parts for multiple new products. I also helped perform analysis on diode functions and analyzed multiple different design performances to choose which scheme should be kept for a final product launch. There were so many more amazing experiences that I worked on, from presenting at company meetings, attending design reviews, ordering materials [working with supply chain], to assisting with 5S projects. I learned something new every single day at work, and I highly recommend Innotec to anyone who wants a fast-paced, hands-on job!

Herman Miller Options Co-op II

Taylor
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering In Herman Miller Options Engineering Department, I would engineer a customer's special order that had some deviations from the standard office furniture product. I would choose which products I wanted and had the ability to complete and start researching the standard products and the changes that were quoted. Then, I would create the appropriate CAD parts and drawings that were needed. The bill of materials would be altered by creating new parts, adding existing parts, and/or removing parts in order to match the order. I would self check all of my work, then pass it onto another engineer to audit. My product would then be signed off and sent to the next step towards manufacturing.

Controls Engineering for Automation

Benjamin
Major: Mechanical Engineering I worked as a controls engineer on several major projects, primarily handling the programming aspects. My projects included a hydraulic edgefold press (in picture) and a medical packaging inspection and placement system. I was the primary person responsible for making the machines execute their operations properly and for making any number of minor changes on request.

Engineering Co-Op Semester at Flex

Lukas
Major: Mechanical Engineering During the semester at Flex i assisted the engineering team in assembling solenoid prototypes to be tested in simulated vehicle transmissions at the Ford motor company prototype testing facility. I was taught how to read and analyze force and pressure output curves in order to tell if a part was good or bad. I also learned how to fix parts and troubleshoot malfunctioning testing equipment in order to get satisfactory force and pressure curves. In order to continue builds in the semester i learned how to use machining equipment so i could modify solenoid assembly components for further testing. I partook in a daily meeting with the engineering team where we discussed what was accomplished the previous day. Lots of engineering conversations took place to meet customer specifications which helped me gain a lot of experience in root cause problem solving.

GE Aviation Electrical Engineering-Dayton

Aaron
Major: Electrical Engineering Some C-programming, little circuit design, lots of hardware debugging and rework (soldering).

Controls Engineering Co-op

Marshall
Major: Electrical Engineering Over the course of the semester, I worked in a manufacturing facility operating controls equipment such as PLC's, safety equipment, and network communications equipment. I used ladder logic to solve issues with machines' programming, AutoCad Electrical to generate electrical wiring diagrams and panel layout prints, and physical components to modify and update machinery.

Wayland Union High School

Kevin
Major: Sport Management Most of the work I did with Justin included scheduling games for various sports, sending emails to receive sports contracts, creating a list of all the schools in the OK Gold Conference and providing addresses to all athletic venues, getting proofs and estimates on a record board project currently being done at the high school and not to mention coaching the JV baseball team.

Landscape Forms Co-op Experience

Shane
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering For my co-op, I worked on updating work instructions for lines of product that were changed in any way. This included but was not limited to a fixture change or update, and update to hardware or an update to components. Also, I was able to do time studies of products to determine the correct time to allow to build each product. Finally, I worked with manufacturing and the shop floor to design and implement new fixtures

Track and Field Internship

Brandon
Major: Sport Management Compilation and distribution of a biweekly newsletter to alumni, which was comprised of multiple athlete interviews. Management of social media accounts, more specifically live tweeting meets and posting photos and videos to Instagram. Meet set up and tear down. Promotion of upcoming summer camps at home meets and local high schools.

Grand Rapids Griffins Game Night Intern

Erin
Major: Sport Management As a Game Night Intern, most of my tasks involved box office duties. These tasks included ticket sales, will call, and customer service duties. Also, during select games I worked in guest services. In guest services I was able to give great customer service and help with any issues that may happen. Throughout my internship I was able to help distribute promotional items, assist with season ticket holder benefits, and assist with payments during jersey auctions.

JR Automation Co-Op

Gunnar
Major: Mechanical Engineering As a quoting engineer my responsibilities included concept development for customer, creating a budget/estimate of cost for the cell, and customer communication. This job really combined the design side of engineering with the customer interaction required when selling a product to a customer.

Community Mental Health

Shona
Major: Allied Health Sciences A large part of my job here was to expand the resources for schools who had purchased the be nice. kits. This resource list included additional games, songs, books, activities, and fundraising ideas. The teachers have access to a portal where all this information is available to them in hopes that they can pick a new activity just to re-enforce the be nice. model monthly. I also was able to teach some lessons in both elementary and middle school. This was a wonderful experience because I personally was able to help educate the young minds with tools that will help in their futures.

Social Media Intern

Morgan
Major: Communications I managed the social media accounts and website for Access Health.

GVSU Rec Center Intern

Matthew
Major: Sport Management As a staff member/intern my main non-project based assignment is to keep the environment friendly. We stress customer service with the best of them. I find this so important as I flip the page to the next chapter of my life. The project-based assignment I am in charge of is research how to have great employee retention. The rec center has struggled over the years retaining their employees. I communicate with other universities around the country and our area to see if they have answers.

Nursing Facility Transitions

Kelsey
Major: Social Work Throughout my experience at DAKC, I was able to perform outreach in five counties to over 35 nursing facilities. I also helped to identify barriers to independent living and develop and monitor service plans for consumers while promoting consumer self-determination and using a person-centered perspective.

Internship at Women at Risk, Int'l

Kayla
Major: International Relations As an Executive Operational Assistant or administrative intern, I helped with any tasks that the administrative staff needed help completing. I answered phones, researched other organizations, completed various projects, and supervised the Volunteer Center.

Haworth Engineering 3rd co-op

Colton
Major: Mechanical Engineering I worked on many projects that included quality control, new product development and product enhancement. I helped to document and design several parts for a new product. I was also able to help in the testing of product.

City of East Jordan

Logan
Major: Sport Management While I was an intern at my site, I helped develop and organize recreational sports leagues (dodgeball, kickball, flag football, beach volleyball, soccer, etc.). I created information packets for league captains. I opened up our local recreational facility for pick-up volleyball, basketball, and dodgeball games. I was also responsible for collecting and tracking money for these games. I interacted with the players at these pick-up games and helped assist them with any questions or concerns. I also helped research and plan a men's fast pitch softball league that will begin spring/summer 2016.

Advocate for Worlds Poor

Jedidiah
Major: International Relations Advocate: We meet with U.S. Congressional leaders to secure support for crucial poverty-reducing legislation. Mobilize: We mobilize people across the globe behind efforts to make poverty a political priority. Educate: We teach basic advocacy skills that allow citizens to communicate with their government. Issue Message: We build awareness of global issues and innovations in poverty-reduction through our online and community presence. Team members located in several states, all work telecommute to advocate local governments.

One World, One Dura

Dustin
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering Disassembled competitor assemblies to perform competitive analyses and completed PowerPoint presentations with pictures to show the specifics of the competitor's shifter. Wrote VBA programs to pull specific data from a directory full of excel files and performed statistical analyses on the data. Worked with international engineers to get engineering drawings created using proper GD&T for parts and made corrections where needed. Made engineering changes to assemblies when component suppliers went out of business or discontinued parts. Designed and machined testing fixture to perform testing on manufactured parts.

Irwin Seating, 3rd Co-op

Heather
Major: Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering A big project I worked on was designing a new style of armrest from sheet metal which the customer would interpret as more expensive and classier. This project was tied into another one involving hybrid standard which results in cost reduction, and a new wood bottom style seat. Irwin Seating is known for doing a lot of custom solutions for customers that other companies might not, so I also worked on prototyping solutions for project bids. I also acted as support for other engineers' projects doing CAD and drawing work for them.

Cell Lead for Automation Company

Kyle
Major: Mechanical Engineering Managed an automotive line that built an overhead lighting component that went into 3 different vehicles. Presented daily efficiency reports and monthly reports. Designed components for new projects and upgrades on the assembly line. Managed projects and production schedules.