Category: Applied Learning

A senior in the applied engineering program with an emphasis in management, Shocker Haylee Thurman is scheduled to graduate this fall. 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.

Haylee currently serves as the automation technical lead at the NIAR Automation Research Center, where she oversees a team of 12 students and staff across five ongoing projects. These projects cover a range of industries, including agriculture and aerospace. Her work encompasses industrial and digital design, and her daily responsibilities blend technical design with leadership and project management.

Tutor (316) is an organization dedicated to enhancing children’s literacy and mathematical development in partnership with local elementary schools. Tutor (316) proudly offers paid tutoring positions to Wichita State students through Federal Work-Study funding.

Read more about five college students who serve as content creators for the Tutor (316) program to learn how this role is shaping their future careers — one worksheet at a time.

Lauren’s path from Wichita State to NASA shows what’s possible when education meets opportunity. As an engineering student, she was handed meaningful work on day one, contributing to projects for the International Space Station and Artemis missions.

For Alexandra Enmark, applied learning at Wichita State 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.

“This role has been an incredible stepping stone,” Alexandra said. “It’s given me real-world experience in arts administration, marketing, and organizational management — skills that pair perfectly with my major.”

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.

Luke’s role at Shocker Studios is funded by the Applied Learning Fund. This financial support has played a meaningful role in his academic journey.

“The greatest benefit from the scholarship is truly the ease of burden of not having to worry nearly as much about the financials of college,” Luke said.

Luke’s 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.

As a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in design & technical theatre, 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.

Lena’s role is pivotal in transforming design concepts into fully realized stage productions. “My job is to interpret plots given to me by designers and put it on stage,” Lena said. “This process includes organizing, hanging, cabling, powering, addressing, programming, and more to make sure that everything is operational on the day of the show.”

Beyond their own technical responsibilities, Lena also oversees and teaches students who complete hands-on lab hours as part of their practicum. “Since we are a department of two people, practicum students really help with the many-hands-make-light-work aspect to get shows done in a timely manner.”

Wichita State is excited to announce that the State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds are now open for applications for the fiscal year 2026.

Who can apply?

WSU colleges and departments are invited to submit proposals. Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities.

What are the funding priorities?

• Areas of greatest need: Special attention will be given to programs that have traditionally lacked access to paid applied learning opportunities and where further development of a talent pipeline is needed for the Kansas workforce.
• Academic alignment: The work-based experience should connect with your academic program, ensuring students are building valuable bridges between theory and practice.
• Data-driven approach: The ability to collect data on your program’s effectiveness is crucial. This helps us ensure these funds have a lasting positive impact on student success.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity. To submit your proposal, visit wichita.edu/ALfund.

Minhal Abbas, a dedicated graduate student from Pakistan, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in management science and supply chain management at Wichita State. As part of his academic journey, he holds an applied learning role as a student intern in the Innovation Prairie Program, working within the Tech Transfer and Commercialization department.

Passionate about building a future in supply chain management and technology commercialization, Minhal’s experience at WSU is shaping both his technical abilities and professional mindset.

Applied Learning Fund recipient Donna Tran is a graduate student from Garden City, Kansas who is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Wichita State. 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.

Wichita State sport management major Larissa Raigosa got her first hands-on experience in the sports industry by working at the 2025 NCAA basketball tournament in Wichita. As part of the duplication team, she delivered game stats to media during timeouts and postgame interviews — learning the importance of communication, teamwork and adaptability along the way.

She also received praise from colleagues and instructors for her performance. The opportunity gave her valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes logistics of major sporting events and confirmed her passion for the field.