Category: Applied Learning

Daysha Bullocks earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2020 and her master’s degree in sport management in 2021. During her time at Wichita State, she excelled not only academically but also athletically, competing in track and field. Daysha’s exceptional time-management skills allowed her to seize a variety of applied learning opportunities that paved the way for her future success.

One opportunity came through the Living Sport program, which enabled Daysha to participate in the NHL All-Star Weekend in 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through this experience, Daysha engaged with fans, distributed merchandise and facilitated hockey-related games. Her journey continued in Las Vegas working as a Raiders ambassador. Describing this role as the highlight of her career, Daysha fondly recalls assisting with Raiderettes tryouts, organizing community events and working at the 2022 NFL Draft.

Wichita State senior Steven Soetjoadi was attracted to WSU because of the digital acting degree from the School of Digital Arts. Beyond his studies, he’s found a community at Shocker Studios that embraces inclusivity and ensures his needs are met with compassion and creativity.

Bhavani Ruthwik Goteti, a graduate student in management science and supply chain management (MSSCM) at Wichita State, is carving an impressive path for himself in logistics and supply chain management. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Ruthwik now interns at Union Pacific Railroad under Loup Logistics, where he applies his academic knowledge to solve real-world logistics challenges. His journey — from classroom to career — has been one of growth, innovation and inspiration.

The MSSCM program at WSU equipped Ruthwik with the skills needed to excel in his role. Courses such as Introduction to Business Analytics, taught by Murtuza Nasir, helped him understand the power of data in solving industry-specific challenges. Meanwhile, Global Procurement and Outsourcing, taught by Ashley Gerlach, sharpened his networking and negotiation skills. Ruthwik credits this coursework with giving him the knowledge to hit the ground running at Union Pacific.

As an intern, Ruthwik has gained invaluable insights into carrier operations, pricing strategies, and the impact of demand fluctuations. His role has underscored the importance of railroads in supporting the U.S. economy and maintaining supply chain stability. This experience has deepened his appreciation for the complexity and significance of railroad logistics.

Meet Paige Youngdahl, a senior at Wichita State majoring in information technology and management information systems. This past summer, Paige advanced her skills as a data analyst intern at Koch Industries.

Reflecting on the experience, Paige says her favorite part has been connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications. “I can’t explain how many things clicked that I didn’t fully understand from my classes. I have learned so much and have met so many amazing people.” Paige encourages other students to pursue internships, saying, “For me, it was like two puzzle pieces were coming together. I’m currently learning the textbook knowledge I need, while also seeing how this knowledge is used in a business.”

Meet Ja’Nae McKelvy, a dedicated sport management student at Wichita State, who is making significant strides in her field. After completing an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs as a KC Training Camp Intern this past summer, Ja’Nae is excited to take on a new role as the fall 2024 intern with the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation.

Reflecting on her time with the Chiefs, Ja’Nae shares “One of the highlights from camp,” she recalls, “was being able to watch practices and stand on the field with the players.” That experience not only deepened her appreciation for the sport but also enhanced her understanding of teamwork and leadership.

Braden Webb, senior studying computer science and mathematics in the College of Engineering, has been fascinated by transportation since a young age.

Nearly four years ago, he came to Wichita State with this unique passion for public transportation, but little knowledge about how to turn it into a potential career. Last summer, he had an incredible experience of working as an intern with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in Washington, DC.

Throughout the summer, he connected with dozens of industry professionals and made lifelong friends with the other interns in the department. His experience with WMATA was everything that he hoped it would be and more. Braden encourages students to seek out applied learning opportunities saying, “If you are unsure about the industry you want to work in or the type of work you want to pursue, applied learning is a great way to test the waters and help guide your career choice.”

Ashlyn Riggs, a senior in Wichita State’s online Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP), is not just working toward her Bachelor of Arts in early childhood unified/elementary education — she’s already living her dream of becoming a teacher. Originally from Cheney, Kansas, Ashlyn benefits from WSU’s forward-thinking TAP, which blends academic advancement with hands-on classroom experience, allowing her to apply what she learns in real-time while earning her degree.

As the lead substitute teacher at WSU’s Child Development Center (CDC), Ashlyn steps into the shoes of lead teachers when they’re absent, working with children ranging from birth to pre-K. “I love being able to be part of a program that works around my work schedule so I can gain on-the-job experience while also taking classes at my own convenience,” she shares.

Lauren Coffman, a current biomedical engineering student, has always been fascinated by space. Her childhood interest turned into a reality when she secured a NASA Pathways Internship in human health and performance at Johnson Space Center (JSC). From an early love of space exploration to landing an internship with NASA, Lauren’s journey has been filled with determination, hard work and guidance from her mentors at Wichita State.

This past summer, Lauren completed her first NASA Office of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (O-STEM) internship at the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH). During her time there, she developed procedures for biomedical equipment used in commercial spaceflight, tested these procedures with her team, managed biosample collections from astronauts and organized biomedical hardware as it moved across institutions. Now, in her current Pathways role, Lauren focuses on ensuring astronaut safety through the development of supplemental materials for biomedical equipment, certifying medical devices and analyzing countermeasures for spaceflight. “A majority of my day is spent analyzing problems with equipment and designing solutions for efficient spaceflight,” she explains.

The applied learning model at Wichita State is a win-win for the businesses community and Shocker students.

One example is Dassault Systemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Center at NIAR. This partnership gives engineering students experience with additive manufacturing, reverse engineering and robotics through 3D design software. Students employ it in real-life projects.

As Dassault’s Bill DeVries says, these students gaining hands-on experience through applied learning will graduate “ready for anything.”

Wichita State alums Erin and Kyle Cummings have donated $250,000 to launch the W. Frank Barton School of Business Student-Managed Investment Fund.

The generous contribution will provide students with new applied learning opportunities as they invest real money in stocks, bonds and more. The remaining $250,000 will be reallocated from existing WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) investments to support this initiative.