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Logan Goodbred standing beside the Siemens Healthineers sign

Student Spotlight: Logan Goodbred

  Student Stories , ,  

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 ,  

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 ,  

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.

Staff Spotlight: Scott Cousino

  Featured News, Staff ,  

scott cousino portrait

Scott Cousino serves as a coordinator in the Office of Engineering Professional Practice where he provides support and opportunities to students in the areas of professional development and experiential learning. He can often be found in the classroom giving presentations and leading workshops geared to help students become proactive in seeking internships and co-ops and thinking about their career aspirations beyond the University of Tennessee.

“My hope is to make students feel supported and empowered in their career journey,” said Cousino. “There are so many great and accessible resources at UT for students to grow professionally, and we want to make sure they get connected.”

In his role, Cousino meets one on one with students to provide support with resume and cover letter writing, searching for internships, co-ops, and jobs, mock interviewing, connecting with employers, and preparing for life after UT. He also helps the Office of Engineering Professional Practice coordinate the Engineering Expos and other career related events.

Cousino’s best advice for incoming students is to get involved early.

“College is the best time to try new things and figure out what you want to do,” he said. “Completing an internship or co-op, doing research, or joining a student organization are great ways to explore and figure out what you are passionate about. I encourage students to visit our office frequently and attend our events because we provide opportunities for students to get engaged and shape their professional development.”

The Tennessee Engineering Network

Professional development opportunities in TCE are reaching new levels for students as the Office of Engineering Professional Practice unveils the new Tennessee Engineering Network, which is an employer partnership program that will provide more events and opportunities for students and employers to connect over co-op, internship, and full-time employment opportunities.

“Our team has been hard at work and is excited to launch this program since it will make a large impact for our students, employer partners, and the college,” said Cousino. “It will translate to more employer info sessions, on-campus interviews, more positions being posted for students, and increased employer engagement at the Engineering Expos and other events.

Cousino joined the team nearly a year ago after spending two years working as the engineering career coach in the UT Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration. Prior to that, he held positions in undergraduate admissions and athletics at Central Michigan University and Syracuse University.

Cousino is originally from Clarkston, Michigan and attended Central Michigan University for his undergraduate and the University of Tennessee for his master’s degree. He competed as a student-athlete at both institutions running the 800 for the track team. He and his wife, Gabriella, met at UT and reside in Knoxville.

Valeria Huarote standing in the manufacturing plant of Keurig Dr. Pepper at their Knoxville location

Student Spotlight: Valeria Huarote

  Student Stories ,  

My name is Valeria Huarote, and I am a sophomore studying chemical engineering with a minor in engineering management. Currently, I am on a full-year co-op with Keurig Dr. Pepper at their Knoxville plant, where I serve as an intern on the Focused Improvement Team.

Keurig Dr Pepper is a leading beverage company in North America, boasting a diverse portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed, and partner brands. With powerful distribution capabilities, they ensure that there’s a refreshing beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. The Knoxville plant is part of the “hot side” of Keurig Dr Pepper. Here, the focus is on producing Keurig pods, those convenient little capsules that bring coffee and other beverages to life. As an intern on the Focused Improvement Team, my projects and assignments are focused on improving the efficiency and quality of the production process.

Being my first internship and my initial exposure to a manufacturing plant, I have been deeply impressed by the inner workings of various departments within the facility. From production lines to quality control, each facet significantly contributes to the overall manufacturing process. So far, I’ve collaborated with various machine manufacturers, conducting thorough audits and inspections. This process helps assess the condition of each machine and identify necessary fixes to optimize their performance. Moreover, my hands-on work on the floor alongside operators and maintenance personnel is crucial. By delving into the root causes of issues, I’m ensuring that problems are not just patched up but completely eliminated.

The Lean Six Sigma mindset—which emphasizes efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement—has been particularly enlightening. As I delve deeper into this methodology, I am discovering how it streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and ensures top-notch quality. I am committed to absorbing these principles, as they will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors.

I am grateful for this co-op opportunity with Keurig Dr Pepper. Meeting the incredible individuals who work here has been a highlight. They’ve not only been exceptional mentors but have also patiently imparted essential knowledge. The team I’m part of is truly wonderful; their genuine concern for my co-op experience is heartwarming. As I look ahead, I am eager to see the impact I’ll make during my time here.

Autumn Cox standing in a warehouse next to a Malibu boat

Student Spotlight: Autumn Cox

  Student Stories ,  

Chemical engineering major and business administration minor Autumn Cox completed an internship with Malibu Boats during the year of 2022.

My name is Autumn Cox, and I am a senior majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in business administration. During the full year of 2022, I worked at Malibu Boats as a process engineering intern. This year-long experience provided opportunities for larger projects and more in-depth learning as compared to a summer internship. I was involved in many different projects such as resin studies, time and labor studies, fiberglass pattern design, process modifications and documentation, design storage solutions, etc.

My two favorite parts of my experience at Malibu was resin testing and the research and development of new boat models. Resin testing at Malibu involved plant studies during production and lab studies. The purpose of these tests were to confirm current resin and catalyst combinations or to investigate new resin and catalyst combinations that met certain requirements. Resin testing was a lot of fun because I simply enjoy being in a lab setting and analyzing data. The research and development portion of my job involved resin studies, labor time studies, process documentation, and fiberglass cut programs. This is when I worked the most with other engineers because there were many engineering teams involved in the development of a new boat model. I was also responsible for documenting any of their requested process changes on the lamination side. Research and development was one of my favorite activities because it required a great understanding of all of the processes, and I was able to make decisions/process changes based upon my judgment and experience. Furthermore, the research and development time of a new boat model was when I would prepare the operators for any big or unique changes that they weren’t used to doing.

From my experience, I learned a ton, developed numerous skills, worked in a bunch of different areas, and overall had a great experience. I spent the majority of my time in lamination but was involved in many areas of the plant. The skills I developed include people skills, professionalism skills, data collection and analytics, and the learning of various programs. I’m incredibly thankful for my experience, and I can’t wait to use it to further my education and career.

people attending the 2024 J. Michael Stone Leadership and Professional Practice Awards Banquet

2024 Professional Practice Awards Ceremony Sets Record Attendance

  Events, Featured News , , ,  

The 2024 J. Michael Stone Leadership and Professional Practice Awards Banquet hosted by the Office of Engineering Professional Practice at the Knoxville Downtown Mariott Hotel experienced record attendance with over 200 guests on April 3rd. The banquet celebrates TCE students who have completed a co-op or internship experience and recognizes recipients of the Dr. John W. Prados Scholarship.

 

2024 J. Michael Stone Leadership and Professional Practice Awards Recepients

 

Through the generosity of J. Michael Stone, the Prados Scholarship recognizes students who exhibit academic excellence in Chemical Engineering, have completed at least two co-op or internship rotations and pursue a business minor or electives. This year’s recipients are Samuel Andrews, Autumn Cox, Joseph Gallivan, Justin Le, Matthew Newman, and Abbie White.

Awards were also presented to the Engineering Professional Practice Ambassadors graduating during 2024 for their dedication to the professional development of TCE students. Lead Ambassadors, Chris Leonard and Xavier Johnson, received the Jerry Stoneking Co-op Engineering Award and the Henry Goodrich Service Award respectively for their outstanding leadership of the Ambassador Program.

 

people at the 2024 J. Michael Stone Leadership and Professional Practice Awards Banquet

 

The banquet featured keynote speakers Travis Keever and Jeff Bohanan. A 2016 graduate from the Chemical Engineering Department, Keever received the Prados Scholarship and spent 11 years working at Eastman, where he currently serves as a Circular Product Manager. Bohanan (BS/ME ’86, MS/IE ’89) spent 12 years working for the Department of Energy in the Nuclear Weapons Program before becoming the founder and CEO of Protomet in 1997. Protomet works with the marine industry to develop new products and capabilities and has experienced sustained growth under Bohanan. The Tickle College of Engineering has benefited from this growth as Protomet was the first company to join the newly created Tennessee Engineering Network (TEN) Program as a top-tier, Checkerboard member. Other members in the TEN Program, include American Accessories International, LLC, Altec, Brasfield & Gorrie, Siemens Molecular Imaging, Strongwell, and STV. This annual banquet was made possible through the sponsorship of J. Michael Stone and his family.

Amber Hiscock standing in front of an airplane

Student Spotlight: Amber Hiscock

  Student Stories , , , ,  

Aerospace engineering major Amber Hiscock completed an internship with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Fleet Readiness Center SouthEast in Jacksonville, Florida during the summer of 2023.

Undergraduate senior in aerospace engineering Amber Hiscock spent the summer in Jacksonville, Florida working for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Fleet Readiness Center SouthEast (FRCSE). NAVAIR provides full life-cycle support of every aircraft flown by the United States Navy, currently NAVAIR services 43 different aircraft and employs 40,000 civilians.

During her time with NAVAIR, Amber worked on Northop Grumman’s F-5 Tiger with the structural engineering team. As a member of the team, Amber helped to ensure the structural integrity of an older jet, produced in the early 1970s, with a significant amount of flight hours. As a NAVAIR intern, Amber’s typical day started at 7 a.m. and ended at 3:30 p.m. The work included various different activities: desk work on assigned projects, going down to the production line to look at different structural issues on the jet, and going to the on base material lab to analyze different parts.

As an intern at FRCSE, Amber also had the opportunity to go on two different trips set up by the NAVAIR coordinators. This included going to Naval Station Mayport to tour USS Cooperstown, a Littoral Combat Ship. The second trip was to Kennedy Space Center where she and the other summer interns got a behind the scenes tour of NASA labs and the Vehicle Assembly Building.

This internship provided Amber with the opportunity to experience working for the department of defense. This opportunity also opened Ambers eyes to the many different career avenues of aerospace engineering, particularly with the US Department of Defense (DOD). Amber graduates in May of 2024 and has accepted a job with the Defense Intelligence Agency.

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