Category: Applied Learning

In December 2025, Tyler Bushnell graduated from the Barton School of Business, attaining a bachelor’s degree in information technology and management information systems. As an adult learner, he resumed his education after more than a decade as an airborne combat engineer for the U.S. Army. Since graduation, Bushnell has been a full-time software developer at POET. He began as a summer 2024 intern at POET, was later promoted to junior software developer, before earning his current full-time role. Reflecting on his career journey, Bushnell shares his return to education, finding new passions and changing careers. 

“Being an adult learner has allowed me to pursue a career change and tackle college with a unique perspective compared to when I graduated high school,” Bushnell said. 

When Marianna Fronciani Farina arrived at Wichita State, she chose mechanical engineering for its flexibility, unsure exactly where it would lead. Four years later, that foundation, strengthened by hands-on software testing and quality assurance work at NetApp, led her to a full-time role in test engineering, proving that real-world experience can shape both skills and direction.

Fronciani was an international student from Paraguay. She decided to pursue her education at WSU because her cousin had studied at the university through the “Comité Paraguay Kansas” program, which allows Paraguayans to study at universities in Kansas with in-state tuition. When she toured WSU, the John Bardo Center blew her away, and she decided to make Wichita her home.

Not long ago, the idea of pursuing a master’s degree made Wichita State senior Kaydence Perdue uneasy. Now, as she nears the completion of her undergraduate degree and gains months of hands-on experience in local schools through her 400-hour social work practicum, that uncertainty has turned into confidence. 

In May 2025, Devon Robinson graduated from Wichita State with his bachelor’s degree in media arts with an emphasis in animation. Robinson paired his major with a marketing minor, becoming well-rounded in media production and content promotion. He expanded his education by actively participating in student organizations, pursuing passion projects and engaging in Applied Learning experiences. His senior year experiences prepared him for his postgraduate journey.

Robinson’s artistic ambition led him to an elaborate, collaborative multimedia project right before his final year.

For many students, time spent with doctors and physical therapists comes after an injury. For Mitchell Steele, however, it’s an opportunity that has become a part of his everyday life. 

Steele is majoring in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and mechanobiology, along with a minor in mathematics. In addition to his coursework, he serves as lab coordinator at WSU’s Motion Assessment Lab, where he studies human movement and injury and further develops his skills through the university’s applied learning initiative. 

Claire Staggs, a senior psychology major graduating in May 2026, is gaining hands-on experience at Wichita East High School, part of Wichita Public Schools (USD 259), where she supports students as they plan their next steps after graduation. She began the role during the fall semester and continues her work this spring.

“My applied learning role at Wichita East High School consists of assisting Ms. Kennedy with helping students prepare for their futures after high school graduation,” Claire said. “As a student, I meet students where they are at and help them find scholarships, coach them through their applications, and help them take advantage of every opportunity presented.” 

Jordan Devoy is a College of Fine Arts alumna who majored in filmmaking and graduated in December 2025. Before earning her bachelor’s degree in media arts with a filmmaking concentration, she had on-the-job training at Shocker Studios. Devoy gained experience in solo and collaborative projects throughout the production process. As a studio videographer, she shot and edited videos for Shocker Studios and its clients.

As a studio videographer, Devoy primarily handled production for Shocker Studios’ social media and live event videos. Devoy had opportunities to shoot and edit client projects and commercials that Shocker Studios contracts as a production facility. Other projects included video promotion for the school and behind-the-scenes content.

In these varying projects and production levels, Devoy advanced her professional skills.

In May 2024, Ananda Smith graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree that included a strong emphasis on studying and practicing public policy. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in communication at the Elliott School of Communication. Throughout her academic journey, Smith has gained extensive experience in multimedia journalism and has recently added a copywriter role to her growing resume. In this position, she connects with Shockers and the greater Wichita community through her media work. 

In her first year as a graduate student, Smith worked as a reporter for The Sunflower, as a broadcast assistant for CBS Sports and as a multimedia journalist summer intern for KSNW-TV. 

In August 2025, she began her final graduate year and her new role. 

Andrew Gibson is a College of Engineering senior and will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science in May 2026. In his applied learning experience, Gibson is a research assistant at Envision Research Institute. Envision is a Wichita nonprofit that provides services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including employment opportunities, clinical rehabilitation services, childcare and an art program.

As a research institute, Envision employs a research team that works together to aid the blind and visually impaired community. Gibson uses his computer science knowledge as a research assistant to advance Envision’s mission.

Wichita State fine arts senior Samantha Bunce is one step closer to becoming a full-time art educator. In fall 2025, she began student teaching at Wichita Brooks Middle School. Under the guidance of art educator Lauren Gilmore, Bunce crafted a creative learning environment for students at this STEM and arts magnet middle school.

That fall semester, throughout the school week, Bunce spent an hour a day learning how to be a successful teacher. In the classroom, she assisted Gilmore with art projects, preparation, organization and classroom management. Bunce stepped into her role by planning, teaching and grading her own lessons as a student-teacher.