For many students, interacting with doctors, physical therapists, and sports injuries is something they would rather avoid. For Mitchell Steele, however, it’s part of his everyday life.
Steele is majoring in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and mechanobiology, along with a minor in mathematics. He also works as a Lab Coordinator at WSU’s Motion Assessment Lab, where he helps study human movement and injury, and actively shapes his future through hands-on experience in this Applied Learning Experience.
In this role, which began in January 2025, Steele works closely with student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physicians to collect biomechanical data at Wichita State’s DARI Motion Lab. The lab analyzes an individual’s movement patterns, identifying inefficiencies and assessing potential injury risk.
This data gives Steele, as well as doctors and trainers, a comprehensive understanding of the movement profile of patients. This data helps train athletes effectively, recover from injury quickly, and have a complete understanding of the motion of different exercises.
“It’s always rewarding to work with athletes and them being in awe of the accuracy of the reports that they see,” Steele said. “It’s also impactful when you show them a problem they may not have known they had and that problem solves a lot more of their issues and pain, or injuries.”
This hands-on experience is made possible by university support. Steele’s position as an Innovation Prairie Intern is funded by the Applied Learning Fund, allowing Steele to work and learn in tandem.
“This funding has allowed me to pursue a job in a relevant field, on campus, while also completing my education and supporting myself financially,” Steele said. “It makes applied learning possible without sacrificing my financial standing and compromising my financial future.”
Not only has Steele been able to develop skills specific to his field, but his applied learning experience has provided him with networking opportunities to develop valuable connections in the biomedical industry.
“Working in a real-world environment gives me a leg up on everyone else in the field. I will have years of experience coming out of school, so I can apply for more advnaced positions that require this basic experience. This also helps give me insight into the types of places I want to work at and how the industry I may be entering will function.”
By pursuing this applied learning experience, Steele has gained the skills, knowledge, and confidence that position him for success as he prepares to enter the biomedical engineering field after graduating in May 2026.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo