Applied Learning Stories

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 as a track and field sprinter. Balancing rigorous academics and athletics, Daysha’s exceptional time-management skills allowed her to seize a variety of applied learning opportunities that paved the way for her future success.

Bhavani Ruthwik Goteti, a graduate student in Management Science and Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) at Wichita State University, 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. 

Meet Paige Youngdahl, a senior at Wichita State University majoring in Information Technology and Management Information Systems. This past summer, Paige advanced her skills as a Data Analyst Intern at Koch Industries, an opportunity that came through a unique connection—a former coaching relationship where one of her players' parents, a Koch employee, recognized her potential and shared her resume with her current supervisor.

Meet Ja'Nae McKelvy, a dedicated Sport Management student at Wichita State University, 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.

Ashlyn Riggs, a senior in Wichita State University’s Early Childhood Unified Education program, is not only pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher but also living it daily. Hailing from Cheney, Kansas, Ashlyn is part of WSU’s innovative Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), which allows her to gain real-world experience while advancing her education.

Braden Webb, a WSU senior studying computer science and mathematics, turned his lifelong passion for public transportation into a transformative internship with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Through hands-on projects, industry connections, and a focus on applied learning, Braden merged his skills with his interests, setting the foundation for a promising career in transit technology.

Lauren Coffman, a current biomedical engineering student at Wichita State University (WSU), 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 WSU.

Nataleigh Holguin, a Wichita State University student majoring in marketing, took a leap this summer that many only dream of. For ten transformative weeks, Nataleigh left her Kansas roots behind to intern with Hasbro in Rhode Island—a far cry from the familiar surroundings of her college life. Working with Hasbro’s Action Brands team, she contributed to globally recognized franchises like Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Ryan Summerlin, a senior sport management major at Wichita State University, spent his summer as a Sport Management Intern at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. His internship provided an immersive experience in various aspects of the sport industry, from event management and public relations to facility maintenance and crisis management.

Rafael Guereque, a junior at Wichita State University (WSU), is a first-generation college student from Hugoton, Kansas, who is already gaining real-world experience in his chosen field of forensic science. WSU brought him closer to his dreams, and he’s now interning with the Wichita Police Department.