Category: Applied Learning

Liam O’Connor is a Wichita State education major specializing in history and government for 6-12th grade. Liam has spent most of his life in Wichita, though his journey began in southern California. Liam is currently working as a student teacher, which he has been able to fully focus on thanks to receiving applied learning funds.

While working on her Master of Education in sport management, Amaya Harris spent her summer gaining hands-on experience in marketing and hospitality at Ballparks of America. From managing team logistics to photographing tournament highlights, she shares what made the internship both challenging and rewarding.

Tony Mai is a Wichita State double alumnus who’s journey at WSU was marked by advocacy, education and community service. From his early days as a student to his ongoing work as a mentor and leader, he exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and giving back.

Aram Khader has a strong family legacy at Wichita State, including her four older siblings and mother. Attending WSU was a natural step in her career journey. What she didn’t expect, however, was how the university’s applied learning opportunities would shape her career and lead her to a role as a strategy analyst at Deloitte.

Akash Pandey, a Master of Science in business analytics student at WSU, has embraced applied learning to build a strong foundation in data analysis and strategic decision-making. From his first job as a parking worker to his current role as a data analyst, he has seized every opportunity to grow professionally.

Through internships, student leadership and volunteer work, Akash has developed a passion for using analytics to drive meaningful change. With the support of WSU’s applied learning model and the Shocker Career Accelerator, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of business analytics.

Bella Neish, a Wichita State grad and current Master of Education in exercise science student, is putting her skills into action. As a personal trainer at Amplify, she works with athletes and teams. Beyond fitness, she’s part of the NASA SUITS program, developing software for lunar exploration. With hands-on experience and a passion for learning, Bella is proving that applied learning at WSU leads to career success.

Brendan Kohler’s journey at Wichita State is a testament to the power of applied learning experiences and the impact of a well-rounded education.

As a proud double alumnus, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2021 and his master’s degree in 2022 in sport management, he has taken the knowledge and skills acquired at WSU and applied them to his career as a Topps Senior Production Coordinator at Fanatics.

His story highlights the significance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and diverse educational opportunities in shaping a professional path.

Matthew Dixon, a psychology major, has gained valuable professional and personal growth through his applied learning role with HOPE Services (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education). As one of the first recipients of the Wichita State, State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds, Matthew emphasizes how this opportunity has provided financial stability, allowing him to live off campus.

At HOPE Services, he supports mental wellness initiatives like Suspenders4Hope, helping organize events, update webpages and engage students. His experience assembling HOPE kits for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation was particularly meaningful.

Kaushik Avancha’s journey from student to professional is a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities available at Wichita State. As a proud alum, he attributes much of his career success to the resources, experiences and support he received during his time at WSU.

Recently, he secured a role as a production scheduler at Starport Technologies, part of MCC, a leading label manufacturing company. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing and optimizing plant operations, analyzing performance metrics and ensuring seamless coordination across multiple departments. “It’s a position that not only challenges me but also allows me to leverage the skills and knowledge I cultivated at WSU,” Kaushik said.

Nidhi Shenoy’s journey as an international student pursuing her Master’s of Science in economics and quantitative analysis reflects ambition, resilience and a strong desire for growth. Expected to graduate in May 2026, she arrived in the United States in July 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism and economics in India.

The move marked a significant turning point as she sought to gain a global perspective on economics, blending her undergraduate expertise with new learnings to create a unique career niche. During her first semester, Nidhi demonstrated a remarkable ability to seize opportunities and multitask.