Feature Stories 2023: Robotics, software, cleantech, defense: Electrical and computer engineering students jumpstart careers shaping the future

Students in the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) department land internships with global companies and startups solving tomorrow's problems. From software and programming to robotics, biotechnology, and cleantech, ECE student interns have access to a wide range of opportunities depending on their individual interests and career goals.  

Abhishek Bhattiprolu '24: From radio-controlled cars to semiconductors  

Intel - Portland, OR 

Abhishek Bhattiprolu’s fascination with robots began in childhood while playing with remote-controlled cars. Fast-forward to today, he is headed for a career in robotics and industrial automation. An internship with Intel in Portland, OR, a giant in semiconductor manufacturing and automation, offered Abhishek the perfect opportunity to turn his passion into a profession.  

"My internship at Intel proved to be an enlightening and enriching experience. What particularly struck me was the limitless potential for advancing automation processes, a realization that both astonished and invigorated me. As a result of these experiences, I have honed my expertise in research, assessment, observation, and analytical skills," said Bhattiprolu.  

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Kasilingam, the department chair of ECE, for his unwavering support and assistance in helping me secure this internship opportunity. As an international student, I am subject to various rules and regulations that impose constraints on my ability to work in the United States, both from a legal and institutional perspective. Dr. Kasilingam worked diligently to obtain the necessary approvals from the university, enabling me to embark on this enriching professional journey," he added. 

Christopher Brunette '25: Fast-track to success 

Naval Undersea Warfare Center – Newport, RI 

By May of 2025, Christopher Brunette will have earned three degrees from UMassD in just five years. Brunette is a dual-major student in the electrical and computer engineering bachelor's degree programs and is enrolled in the accelerated BS/MS program in electrical engineering.  

At NUWC, Brunette honed his programming and organizational skills, delved into the intricacies of electronic circuits, and put engineering principles into practice. The internship provided him with experience in Python programming as well as learning about data acquisition and how it can be used in real world scenarios. His primary task was to test a sonar pinger used for tracking, and analyze ping signals, decrypt telemetry data, and understand signal parameters. 

His introduction to the engineering design process, often challenging to grasp without hands-on experience, now forms the foundation of his upcoming senior capstone project. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UMass Dartmouth ECE (@ece_umassd)

Ruth Lazare '24: Engineering for a healthier world 

Boston Scientific – Marlborough, MA 

In the summer of 2023, Lazare worked at Boston Scientific, a global biotechnology company as a systems electrical engineer intern in the R&D department. She plans to return to Boston Scientific in the spring of 2024 to complete a co-op as a systems engineer. Currently, she is working at Stepwise, a cleantech start-up company, as an embedded systems engineer, developing automated EV charging tabs. She is very excited about the opportunities for career advancement that will allow her to use her engineering skills to solve the problems of our time.

Lazare started her educational career at Bristol Community College and came to UMassD via the Mass Transfer program. She has worked extensively in the clean energy industry, balancing internships with her course load. Lazare is active in both the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), organizations that connect her with other like-minded and goal-oriented individuals on campus.   

Riley McMorrow '24: Laying groundwork for a future career 

Naval Undersea Warfare Center – Newport, RI 

The summer after his sophomore year at UMassD, McMorrow landed the 640 STEM Internship at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC). The 640 STEM Internship is a year-round, part-time, or full-time internship with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent position after graduation if all program requirements are met.  

McMorrow joined a systems engineering team that included three UMassD alums.  He was assigned two mentors; under their guidance, he learned the ropes, delving into the intricacies of project management and building a strong foundation.  

As he transitioned into full-time work after his junior year, his role became even more engaging. McMorrow's contribution to the team includes a data analysis compiler, a tool that streamlines their work. In addition, he successfully transformed a piece of MATLAB software from an unfinished state into a user-friendly tool that now interfaces with devices under testing. 

"My internship has taught me a lot about the systems engineering process and the value of collaborating with a team of engineers, each with different skills and abilities," McMorrow said. "It has given me experience following the processes and procedures that engineering teams follow in the industry to accomplish the goals of a project." 

Drew Borden '24: A glimpse into professional engineering 

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) - Middletown, RI 

In the summer of 2023, Borden interned at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in Middletown, RI. His role was to write software and firmware for one of SAIC's embedded systems projects. This experience gave Borden a glimpse into the culture, standards, and expectations of an engineering company. 

At UMass Dartmouth, Borden learned fundamentals like how to create diagrams and documentation for class projects, but his time at SAIC emphasized the importance of these skills in the professional world. Interning at SAIC also gave him the chance to work with experienced engineers and learn when to build on existing work and when to start from scratch. 

Internships present invaluable opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. These examples illustrate how transformative hands-on experiences can enrich students' skill sets and propel them toward exciting careers. Internships not only prepare our students for diverse and rewarding career paths but also empower them to shape the future in fields ranging from robotics and biotechnology to cleantech and more.