Skip to content

Senior Student Spotlight: Jacob Seals

  Student Stories , ,  

Jacob Seals HeadshotHello! My name is Jacob Seals, and I’m an Industrial and Systems Engineering major from Surgoinsville, TN. My main interests are in engineering management, process improvement, and finding ways to apply engineering non-traditionally (like creative fields). I am a proud first-generation college student. I love to drink coffee, read, and hangout with the friends I’ve made at the University of Tennessee (UT)! I will be working for PepsiCo at their headquarters in Chicago after I graduate this December.

I have done co-ops with 2 companies, totaling 4 rotations, and 1 internship. My first co-op was one rotation with DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, TN. There, I found room for improvement in ergonomics and productivity, especially in an area where operators were stacking boxes. The box movement process created motions that caused aches and pains and lengthened the cycle time due to motion waste. The solution my team designed is a machine that combines a lift and a stacker/de-stacker, automating the stacking of boxes. The machine removes the strenuous motions, reducing ergonomic risk and cycle time.

I have also worked 3 co-op rotations with FedEx Supply Chain in their Project Engineering team. During my first rotation, I was able to travel and visit multiple distribution centers, observing how they operate, conducting time studies, and recommending improvements. I learned how the 3rd party logistics field functions and how they form their deliverables. In my second and third rotation, I focused on internal process improvement and engineering management. This past summer, I interned with PepsiCo in Chicago, where I worked on process improvement techniques that involved standardization of business reviews with 74 manufacturing sites and data visualization for key business decisions using Power BI.

Much of my time is spent in the Engineering Professional Practice (EPP) office, either helping students or having fun. EPP is an important office to me because we provide two of my favorite things: preparation and community. Nothing is more fulfilling than helping a student get a co-op, perfecting a resume, or simply just providing a social net for students. I believe empowering our students to communicate well and wield their strengths strategically is an invaluable part of the college experience.

I joined EPP as an Engineering Expo co-lead at a unique time in Fall 2023—when the Expo was completely changing. Not only were we changing our location from the Student Union to the Knoxville Convention Center, but we were also removing our legacy system in favor of a new one. It was a complete overhaul to help the Expo grow (which it has!). This, of course, came with a litany of growing pains: scheduling is challenging, the old processes don’t work anymore, did anyone check if the new system works? It took 1.5 years and 3 Expo’s to understand our shortcomings, iron out new processes, and get communication flowing. Many grueling hours were spent defining standards, future-proofing, and continuously improving. I learned more than I can explain about leadership and cultivating an engaged environment. Most of all, though, I got to see the endless dedication of our students to supporting one another and representing UT to the highest degree. I am extremely proud of the EPP office and its dedication to the students, and I can’t wait to see where it and the Expo go after I graduate.

ISE, EPP, and being a UT student have helped me find my identity and shaped who I am. Now, I’m ready to take on what’s next!

Go ISE! Go Vols!

Student Spotlight: Kaemon Nelson

  Student Stories , ,  

Mechanical engineering major Kaemon Nelson interned with Strongwell, a member of the Tennessee Engineering Network.

Mechanical engineering major Kaemon Nelson spent his second consecutive summer in Bristol, Virginia, working for Strongwell, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer composites and structures. It has four manufacturing facilities throughout North America and over 450 employees.

During this summer, Nelson worked with the Research and Development Team on a variety of projects related to research and product development.

3D Modeling – Lab Pultruder and Test Fixtures

Nelson generated a detailed virtual representation of Strongwell’s primary lab pultruder to scale. This gives engineers a precise analysis of holes, threads, and fittings.

Kaemon Nelson working in a lab

Using the virtual model, engineers can now customize setup trial designs for future profiles without any need for taking precise measurements each time.

Nelson was involved in optimizing the short 3-point bend fixture in compliance with ASTM D790 to resolve previous testing challenges.

DMA Studies

Continuing his work from last year’s internship, Nelson worked on rheology in relation to glass transition temperature in accordance with the new ASTM E-1640 standard. Using information gathered, Nelson conducted a study to test the effects of milling and grinding on the curing process of pultruded profiles. Through skills acquired from the Tickle College of Engineering, Nelson was able to upgrade multiple components within pultrusion process systems.

Internships such as these are valuable opportunities for engineering majors to understand the variety of engineering facets required in manufacturing. In addition, Nelson was able to use his rapport with Strongwell team members into doing deeper dives into production and overcome testing complications.

Strongwell is the recognized world leader in the production of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites using the pultrusion manufacturing method.

Senior Student Spotlight: Lucienne Reinhard

  Student Stories , , , ,  

Industrial engineering major Lucienne Reinhard interned with Electrolux, Naval Information Warfare Center, and Northrop Grumman.

Lucienne Reinhard headshotEach internship journey is unique, with challenges that shape the path forward and create growth opportunities. As a 3x engineering intern, each experience built on the last, providing invaluable lessons and preparing me to tackle the next big step.

Breaking into the world of manufacturing engineering at Electrolux was my first internship in the Summer of 2022. I led a major product quality improvement project and coordinated cross-functional teams toward implementation. My next internship at the Naval Information Warfare Center marked a shift into the aerospace and defense industry, where I learned hands-on mechanical engineering skills. I tackled completely new challenges, applying what I knew in unfamiliar scopes. My final internship took my leadership and technical skills to the next level.

At Northrop Grumman, I led projects independently, managed cross-functional teams, and designed manufacturing fixtures that met strict engineering standards. I created and implemented process audits and automated workflows, which enhanced operational efficiency and identified continuous improvement opportunities. Beyond the technical challenges, I optimized workflows and storage spaces, showcasing how engineering solutions directly impact productivity. These experiences reinforced my ability to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to a team. Internships and co-ops create a unique setting for learning, experimenting, and discovering your strengths. I encourage students to embrace challenges, utilize resources, and pursue ambitious goals.

As much as I’ve gained from my internships, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been giving back as an Engineering Professional Practice (EPP) Ambassador. I’ve had the opportunity to coach undergraduate engineering students in resume building, mock interviews, elevator pitches, etc. while encouraging students to leverage their strengths and pursue ambitious goals. Helping students break into industry roles has been incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy sharing my experiences to guide them in avoiding mistakes I had to learn from while empowering students toward their goals.

Christopher Salazar standing in front of the Tesla warehouse

Student Spotlight: Christopher Salazar

  Student Stories , ,  

Industrial engineering major Christopher Salazar participated in a co-op with Tesla.

During my time at Tesla from January to August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Construction Project Manager at the Fremont, California factory working on projects like the newly announced Robotaxi, and iconic vehicles like the Model S, Model 3,Model X, and Model Y. I loved every aspect of collaborating with structural, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers to bring these visionary projects to life. Leading pre-construction planning, conducting safety assessments, and fostering positive client relationships made each day both challenging and rewarding. The fast-paced environment gave me the opportunity to solve complex problems and play a direct role in shaping the future of transportation.

What I enjoyed most was the hands-on involvement in every step of the construction process, from creating purchase orders to ensuring flawless execution. Managing budgets, schedules, and logistics became a personal passion as I worked to make each project run seamlessly. Overseeing installations and maintaining Tesla’s high standards for quality and precision gave me a deep sense of satisfaction.

Collaborating with engineering teams to tackle design challenges and coordinating with city officials and vendors to meet project milestones were some of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. Stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office to explore all of your options!

Lillian McCloud standing in the factory of Frito Lay

Student Spotlight: Lillian McCloud

  Student Stories , ,  

Industrial engineering major Lillian McCloud spend the summer of 2024 working an internship for Frito-Lay.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to work for Frito-Lay as a supply chain and engineering intern at their corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas. As an industrial engineering student with manufacturing experience, I was excited to be able to see the supply chain from a larger scope while working in a corporate role.

For my assignment, I worked on the corporate reliability team. The team supports all of Frito-Lay’s North American production facilities through maintenance and reliability resources, with the goal of ensuring equipment is available when needed to create products. While in this role, I worked to bring existing reliability tools to sites that did not have them implemented yet.

Lillian McCloud and her friends posing in the lobby of Frito Lay

Lillian McCloud and friend standing in the Frito Lay warehouse

I was able to collaborate with individuals at a variety of plants, on different teams at headquarters, and even travel to a production site where I learned about troubleshooting as a team when equipment goes down. It was especially valuable to learn about the variety of opportunities available to industrial engineers, as we could go into manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, or other fields.

I was able to get this internship through attending career fairs at school, particularly the engineering expo. I made sure to research Frito-Lay before the expo so I knew about their products, jobs, and had questions prepared to ask recruiters. At the expo, I was able to talk with recruiters about what makes Frito-Lay a great place to work and projects they have worked on. After the expo, I continued to interact with the company and eventually interviewed for and accepted my internship. While all job searches look different, I benefited greatly from the opportunity to connect with a recruiter in person and ask questions about their experiences.

Logan Goodbred standing beside the Siemens Healthineers sign

Student Spotlight: Logan Goodbred

  Student Stories , ,  

Biomedical engineering major Logan Goodbred spent the last year interning at Siemens Healthineers.

Senior Biomedical Engineering student Logan Goodbred is committed to developing the next generation of innovative healthcare solutions to ensure that patients and physicians alike have access to all necessary resources to achieve the highest standards of care possible. This year, Logan made that possible by working alongside the team at Siemens Healthineers in their Systems Engineering team. During this experience, he had the unique opportunity of working with the team responsible for the development of the newly revealed Biograph Trinion PET/CT scanner.

As part of the team, Goodbred was responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the power subsystems of the PET/CT scanners at the Knoxville R&D facility. One of his core projects was to analyze the power draw of each component in the PET system. This allowed him to accurately model the overall power draw and find flaws that could be used to make the current and future systems more energy efficient.

Logan Goodbred standing beside the Biograph Trinion PET/CT scanner

Logan also played a key role in developing requirements and tests to ensure that the systems met rigorous quality standards. “I believe quality should be at the forefront of everything a company creates. It is clear how important quality is to Siemens as they continuously strive to improve their products and repeatedly show how effective their products are,” he said.

The Molecular Imaging division at Siemens Healthineers is driven by the dream to pioneer the next generation of PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems. They answer the clinical needs in oncology, neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and radiology by helping clinicians diagnose, treat, and monitor disease confidently.

“I am proud to say that I had the privilege of contributing to the Siemens Healthineers product portfolio while honing a wide range of vital engineering skills,” Goodbred said. He elaborated, “Having a co-op was a unique opportunity. It gave me the chance to work a longer term job which gave me more experience and allowed me to have a deeper involvement in the company”.

This experience helped Logan recognize the many needs that the medical community has when it comes to Diagnostic Imaging. Logan graduates in May of 2025 and hopes to continue his passion for helping others through creating lifesaving medical devices.

Isha Bhandari standing in front of the Dell Technologies sign in Austin, Texas

Student Spotlight: Isha Bhandari

  Student Stories ,  

Computer science major Isha Bhandari spent the summer of 2024 interning for Dell Technologies.

I had such an amazing experience interning with Dell Technologies in Austin, Texas this summer! I received this internship at the Society of Women Engineers Conference (WE23) in Los Angeles, California. SWE Conference is the world’s largest conference for women in engineering and technology. UTK SWE provides funding for about 20 members who would like to attend the annual conference, and I would highly recommend UTK SWE to everyone! At WE23, I was able to attend many keynote speaker events where I was able to learn from inspiring women and attend networking events where I was empowered by those who share the same passion as me. I also attended the Career Fair, where many amazing companies were recruiting, including Dell Technologies. I ended up speaking with a Dell representative there, and I was then invited to interview with them and attend their networking dinner that night. At the networking dinner, I was able to talk to some women who work at Dell. I interviewed with them and then was called with an offer for a Hardware Validation internship about a month later! Both attending the conference and having the opportunity to network really made the difference in me finding this opportunity!

Isha Bhandari and Dell associates posing for a picture

During my internship, I was able to write an automation script that would be used to test the connectivity of devices. I had never coded in the Python language, so scripting was very new to me. During my internship, I was incredibly grateful to have such amazing mentors and a fantastic manager who taught me about the technical parts of my project as well as how my project would fit into the Dell business. They even gave me the chance to disassemble and reassemble both a desktop and laptop. I had a collaborative project, so I got the chance to meet with many different experts. I was able to finish the project and then create a presentation that I gave to different levels of leaders at Dell. I increased the efficiency of that specific testing process by 41% through my script!

Overall, I had an incredible time at Dell. Outside of learning so much through my project, Dell did a great job at having interns interact with one another. I made such great friends through different Dell events, including the golf tournament, paintball, and various volunteering events. My favorite thing about interning at this company was all the people I met and the amount of support that I felt while completing my project. From my mentors to the other interns, I am so thankful for this opportunity and how much I was able to grow during it.

Staff Spotlight: Ronni Keene

  Featured News, Staff ,  

Ronni Keene headshotRonni Keene joins the Office of Engineering Professional Practice as its newest coordinator, bringing over eight years of experience in student affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is excited to return to campus in a role centered on student development.

Keene previously served as an assistant director in Multicultural Student Life, where she led diversity education, developed leadership and professional initiatives, advised student organizations, and managed assessment and strategic planning. Her role informally involved assisting students with resume writing, career advice, and job placement.

She also served as the lead diversity executive for the University of Tennessee Foundation, where she headed access and engagement efforts, established an inaugural internship program, and led equity-focused strategic planning across seven campuses. This role honed her skills in communication, relationship management, and engaging with diverse communities. She is eager to leverage her experience to strengthen the EPP office as a central resource for student professional growth.

“The common thread that has brought me the most joy and fulfillment in my career is empowering students to see themselves as leaders on campus and beyond graduation,” said Keene.

Her passion for student empowerment inspired her to apply for this role. She looks forward to using her expertise in relationship and leadership development to support students’ career advancement. Keene is committed to forging strong connections with students and staff, participating in student meetings to discuss co-op and internship opportunities, and delivering impactful classroom presentations. She aims to create a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and appreciated.

In her role, Keene will offer personalized guidance on internships, co-ops, and professional skills. She combines a friendly demeanor, a warm smile, and light-hearted humor to create a welcoming space. She will provide valuable feedback on resumes and cover letters, advise on professional attire, conduct mock interviews, and facilitate employer connections. Her goal is to make every interaction meaningful and help students navigate their career paths with confidence.

“I am most excited about helping Engineering Vols recognize their potential and capacity to be leaders in their fields and here at UT.,” she said. “Co-ops and internships are a great starting point, providing hands-on experience and essential skills. Supporting students as they take these initial steps toward their future careers is truly fulfilling. Each student brings their own story to this journey, and I am here to assist them in writing their next chapter.”

Keene grew up in Lenoir City, Tennessee, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and earned her master’s degree in higher education student affairs from Western Carolina University. Outside of work, she and her husband, Tom, enjoy exploring scenic trails, kayaking, binge-watching the latest shows, and making the most of their weekends with both outdoor adventures and cozy downtime.

Blake Zegiestowsky standing next to a Hennessey vehicle

Student Spotlight: Blake Zegiestowsky

  Student Stories ,  

Mechanical engineering major Blake Zegiestowsky completed an internship with Hennessey Performance.

My dream is to be an engineer in the hypercar industry, and this summer, I made that a reality as one of Hennessey Performance’s first engineering interns. I worked on the Hennessey Special Vehicles team, which is responsible for the Venom F5, one of the fastest production cars in the world. I thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, and this dynamic experience fueled my passion for cars to a whole new level.

During my internship, I worked on several exciting projects. My favorite was designing a brake ducting system. I started by researching brake temperatures and heat transfer and benchmarking competitor systems. I then designed and prototyped the system, facing the main challenge of fitting it into the chassis while clearing the wheel at full lock. After multiple iterations, I finalized a design and created dimensioned drawings, a bill of materials, and build instructions. The system is now in production, and I can proudly say I designed a crucial part of a $3.5 million car.

Another highlight was conducting aerodynamic testing. I hand-built instrumentation to measure air pressure, installed it in critical locations under the car based on CFD simulations, and wrote an 800+ line MATLAB script for data analysis. My code calculated pressure coefficients and downforce, presenting the results in interactive plots and graphs. We traveled to an airstrip to test the car and collect data. The data I collected and analyzed determined the aerodynamic configuration we would use. Playing a vital role in high-caliber testing was thrilling.

I also overhauled the production documentation for the entire Venom F5 build. I created detailed work instructions for every step, implemented quality checks, updated the bill of materials, and worked with procurement to streamline the kitting process.

Throughout the internship, I gained invaluable experience in hypercar design, testing, and production. I learned about aerodynamics, powertrain, and how to be more thorough and meticulous in my work. By asking numerous questions and closely observing the engineers and technicians, I significantly increased my knowledge of high-performance vehicles and the hypercar industry. This experience forced me to think creatively and sharpened my engineering skills, which I will carry forward in my career.

Student Spotlight: Emma Davis

  Student Stories ,  

A Summer of Growth and Hands-On Experience at Seaman Corporation

Emma Davis standing in front of the Seaman Corporation building

 

As I prepare to enter my senior year in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Tickle College of Engineering, I look back on my third summer as an Engineering Intern at Seaman Corporation with great gratitude. This internship has been a pivotal chapter in my professional journey, offering me hands-on experience and a deep understanding of industry.

During my time at Seaman Corporation, I had the opportunity to work closely with a diverse team, including project engineers, a project manager, a process engineer, and the director of engineering. One of the most significant projects I contributed to, was the development of a new $90 million facility, a project that provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale engineering initiatives. I helped with budgeting, creating timelines, working with different contractors, and proposing ideas to the board of directors.

My role has allowed me to engage with Chief Executives, Plant Managers, Design Engineers, Contractors, Sales Managers, etc. I have gained insight into strategic decision-making, the intricacies of manufacturing processes, the importance of effective design and engineering, the dynamics of contractor coordination, and the critical role of sales in driving business growth. This exposure has broadened my understanding of how different departments interconnect and collaborate to achieve the company’s overall goals.

I have helped lead projects including building a new break room. This summer I was able to see this project be completed. I also have become advanced in AutoCAD and Excel. Through AutoCAD I have updated plant drawings and created new drawings of future machinery installment. Through Excel, I have created formulas to represent time studies I conducted on inspection machinery. Additionally, I have created formulas to measure productivity and analyze the results of an airflow study.

I greatly appreciate the Seaman Corporation team for creating a collaborative and learning-rich environment that has contributed to my professional growth. If you’re considering an internship, I can’t recommend Seaman Corporation enough. My time at Seaman Corporation has been nothing short of transformative. I encourage you to stop by the Engineering Professional Practice Office and speak with advisors about getting a potential internship/co-op.

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.

View our Privacy Policy.