Employers

FarmNerds Lab Summer Research Interns

 

Over the summer, we delved into a full co-design project cycle with local farmers. We split our time working as farmhands at Powisset Farm and building a software documentation tool to support their work. Engineering to support others expanded our imaginations for who we could be as engineers!

How did this experience impact you/influence your life?

We didn’t know what to expect going into this experience, but left with a greater understanding of what it means to make a positive impact through engineering. Through co-designing with the farmers, we practiced engineering as a way to support others, expanding our imaginations for who we could be as engineers after college. It was also really fun to farm! We got to learn about food systems and medium-scale organic farming while being outside in the sun and surrounded by plants, leading to a greater appreciation for the food we consume and the care put into it.

What advice do you have for students interested in this experience?

We stumbled upon this experience in exploring unique Olin opportunities to use engineering to create impact. To be frank, this experience was filled with uncertainty: during project ideation, we struggled to commit to a technical solution, and down the line, there were many moments when we didn’t yet have the necessary skills to build the software documentation tool. Irregardless, we were well-supported. We never hesitated to reach out to our mentor, Dr. Alessandra Ferzoco, for direction. By fully leaning into the experience despite its many uncertainties, we were able to get the most out of our summer.

Plasma Rocket R&D Intern, Busek Co.

During my internship at Busek Co., I gained hands-on experience with plasma rockets—the kind that will literally carry humans to the moon. I operated space-simulating vacuum chambers, tested real satellite thrusters, studied and enhanced plasma sources, all while contributing to the BHT-6000, a cutting-edge thruster for NASA's Artemis mission! The hands-on experience gave me the practical skills to found the Olin Plasma Engineering Lab, and the industry connections I made guided me towards a Ph.D. in high-power plasma rockets.

How did this experience impact you/influence your life?

My internship at Busek Co. was a turning point in my academic journey. The hands-on experience with plasma rockets and advanced propulsion systems gave me the practical skills and technical knowledge to found the Olin Plasma Engineering Lab, which is still thriving today. The relationships I built with supportive industry experts also played a pivotal role, guiding me toward a Ph.D. in high-power plasma rockets. Today, I’m excited to work on thrusters capable of carrying us to Mars, a passion ignited by my work on NASA’s Artemis mission and nurtured by my time at Busek.

What advice do you have for students interested in this experience?

My advice to students interested in space systems is to embrace big challenges and not be afraid to try things no one has done before. Olin’s project-based curriculum and independent study program provide a unique opportunity to tackle difficult projects, even in space tech. Take initiative, ask for help, and reach out to industry experts—an expert at Busek who helped me with my independent study ultimately hired me. I also recommend engaging in physics courses to broaden your knowledge and leveraging the Olin Plasma Engineering Lab and alumni connections for support and opportunities.

Mechanical Engineering Intern, SpaceX

At SpaceX, I worked on the Starshield Gateways team, which develops and deploys ground satellite communication equipment to support the Starshield constellation. Working at SpaceX was a childhood dream come true and left a lasting impact on my problem-solving and leadership. I learned that prioritizing rapid iteration and testing over perfectionism drives real progress. Furthermore, the best designs come from questioning the requirements and deleting parts and processes that create complexity.

How did this experience impact you/influence your life?

Working at SpaceX was a childhood dream come true and left a lasting impact on how I approach problem-solving and leadership. I learned the value of a strong bias toward action—prioritizing rapid iteration and testing over perfectionism drives real progress. I realized that the best designs come from questioning the requirements and deleting parts and processes that create complexity. I was also inspired by the leadership culture, where managers focus on unblocking and empowering their teams rather than controlling them. This experience reshaped how I think about innovation, teamwork, and the importance of moving quickly while staying grounded in purpose.

What advice do you have for students interested in this experience?

Olin’s curriculum and community provide incredible resources, and advice from professors and former interns was invaluable in preparing me—I’m deeply grateful to them all. Build a strong foundation in technical and problem-solving skills, and cultivate a mindset that values curiosity, action, passion and continuous learning. Focus on deeply understanding concepts, not just memorizing them, by working on projects and exploring topics beyond the classroom. Be ready to work hard and adapt quickly, as the pace is intense but rewarding. However, don’t get lost in the work—take time to enjoy the experience and reflect on what you’re learning along the way.