Rose-Hulman students are pushing boundaries and learning more about the world around them – both on Earth and far above it. From summer work experiences in Japan, to internships at United Launch Alliance, NASA and Collins Aerospace, these students are taking their studies abroad and beyond.
Vincent Hammer, a senior from Noblesville, Indiana, is majoring in optical engineering and will graduate with a master’s degree in engineering management. This summer, Hammer interned with SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation). As part of his internship, Hammer worked on modeling the imaging capabilities of Hyperspectral Imaging systems in satellites and satellite constellations. He developed a python program that interfaces with multiple software integration tools to run extensive calculations that could model virtually any hyperspectral imaging system and estimate its performance and viability.
“I got to work with Colin Browne (2022 optical engineering) as my mentor this summer,” said Hammer. “I had the opportunity to work with about 30 interns across various fields, which gave me a ton of perspective on the bigger picture for large-scale projects and helped me understand each role that goes into making them successful.”
At Rose, Hammer is a member of Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma (student chapter and respective honor society), captain for ultimate frisbee team, rush director at Delta Sigma Phi and member of Photon Squad (SPIE Student Chapter). He is also a member of Jazz Band, Pep Band and Percussion Ensemble.
Brian Pascente, a junior from Algonquin, Illinois, is majoring in computer science. He spent the summer interning at two companies: Ufotable in Shinjuku, Tokyo and Matrixspace in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
During his time at Ufotable, Pascente created image filters such as line remover and gaussian blur from the ground up so it can be used as an extension in Adobe After Effects. By making it from the ground up, he was able to be more customizable and time efficient than the one the company was currently using.
Pascente’s internship at Matrixspace involved designing a program that plots graphs based on data from radar modules. The radar tracked informative data such as the maximum distance it recognized from drones and the exact locations where it started and stopped tracking them. By plotting this information on a graph, he helped the company visualize the strengths and weaknesses of each radar module.
“My dream goal is to become a talented software engineer who will drive innovation in the industry, whether in the United States or Japan,” said Pascente. “Rose is helping me achieve that dream by taking a variety of CSSE courses that involve group projects and by having a very supportive faculty.”
At Rose, Pascente is the network administrator for the Linux User Group and a mentor in the CSSE mentorships program. He is also treasurer of the Assembly of Rose Catholic Disciples and a member of the Society of Asian Scientist and Engineers.
Justin Roberts, a senior from Cedar Park, Texas, is majoring in computer engineering. This summer, they worked as an intern with Collins Aerospace. Roberts worked on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and handled video traffic as part of their experience.
“I love the breadth of skills I have reinforced through the work I’m doing,” said Roberts. “My day includes everything from command line to vim to python.”
Roberts’ dream goal is to design something, in a place “where code meets real-world applications.” To follow that passion, they are soldering an Arduino Uno into a custom LED tree in their free time.
At Rose, Roberts spent a year on the swim team and is a member of Unity, KTP and helps to lead HKN.
Terrin Royer, a senior from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a double major in chemical engineering and physics. This summer, Royer worked as a manufacturing intern at Mars Wrigley, specifically with Mars Ice Cream. Thus far, their work has been creating a value stream map (with a focus on waste identification and elimination) for the Snickers ice cream bar. Royer also had the opportunity to participate in a reverse mentorship program, where they are mentoring one of the company’s senior leaders on what inspires and appeals to Gen Z in the workplace.
“A fun fact is that the location I’m working at (Mars Ice Cream in Burr Ridge, IL) is the only Mars location in the U.S. that makes ice cream!” said Royer. “The environment here is fantastic, and I’ve felt supported and encouraged every step of the way. The free ice cream is a fun perk, too!”
At Rose, Royer is in their second year on the executive board for Tri Delta where they serve as vice president of chapter programming and development. They are also secretary for Omega Chi Epsilon (OXE), the Chemical Engineering honor society. They are involved in Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS), the professional chemistry fraternity; AIChE, Rose’s chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics and astronomy honor society; Blue Key Honor Society; and they were Tri Delta’s National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) delegate last school year.
Aubrey Smith, a sophomore from Lebanon, Ohio, is a mechanical engineering major. This summer, she worked as a contractor intern at the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). She worked with the Robotics group within the Flight Operations Directorate doing robotics analysis work. One of her projects included a large high-fidelity model reduction. Her model was integrated in NASA’s robotics planning software, which is used to plan spacewalks, payload maneuvers, and operational procedures for the robotic arm on the space station.
“The highlight of my internship has undoubtedly been the opportunities I've had to meet astronauts,” said Smith. “Hearing about their awe-inspiring experiences and groundbreaking careers firsthand is beyond amazing. It’s humbling and deeply inspiring to interact with some of NASA’s most brilliant and courageous individuals. Their wisdom and stories have left an indelible mark on me, fueling my passion and dedication to this field.”
At Rose, Smith is a member of TriDelta, ASME and FCA. She also plays on the softball team.
“At Rose, I am empowered to learn, explore, and dream bigger than I ever imagined possible, fueling my passion to contribute to something truly extraordinary,” said Smith.
Gabriel Woller, a senior from Antioch, Illinois, is a mechanical engineering major with an aerospace concentration, and a minor in music. This summer, Woller interned at United Launch Alliance. His project involved helping to improve part of the processing that United Launch Alliance does when preparing for a launch. His primary work involved looking for solutions, making sure different groups were involved in concurrence, figuring out how the process would work, and doing basic structural analysis to assure nothing breaks.
Outside of his project, Woller was involved in day-to-day operations, including offloading the next Vulcan booster of the RocketShip, final vehicle and pad close outs before the launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, and the processing of United Launch Alliance’s next launch of USSF-51 for the Space Force.
“The first week of my internship I got to meet astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore and then support the launch that sent them to the ISS on Starliner,” said Woller.
At Rose, Woller is involved with Sigma Nu fraternity, Rose Rocketry, Rose Concert Choir and he works in the BIC/KIC.