OMIC R&D Completes Student Summer Internship Program

The Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center, Research and Development (OMIC R&D), recently concluded a successful summer internship program, hosting 18 students from member universities Oregon Tech and Oregon State University (OSU). These students, representing the next generation of talent in STEM and trades education, had the opportunity to work on-site at OMIC R&D, engaging with cutting-edge research and industrial technologies alongside representatives from industrial members of the OMIC R&D consortium.

Five of the Oregon Tech students are recipients of the DeArmond Foundation Scholarship, a competitive statewide scholarship that provides a full ride at Oregon Tech and four summers working alongside research staff at OMIC R&D with increasing responsibilities each year. These students are engaged in a wide array of activities, ranging from facility upkeep to assisting with research projects on both the additive and subtractive facilities on site. This continuity allowed them to build upon their knowledge and skills year after year, making them instrumental in helping OMIC R&D maintain its reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing research. Moreover, their experience on site gave opportunities for real-world experience not typically available to students in a traditional education environment. Their unique journey fosters a blend of hands-on learning and professional growth, creating well-rounded graduates ready to lead the future of the manufacturing industry.

"I am really glad to be back [at OMIC R&D]," said Cole Erhardt, a DeArmond Fellow and a Scappoose, OR resident who has been participating for the last three years. "I was able to help with real research and was able to contribute my own knowledge and skills to the research. To be trusted to program and operate a machine is a big investment of trust. I really appreciated that from the staff.”

The impact of the DeArmond Fellowship program extends well beyond the summer internship. Trent LaMont, a graduate of Oregon Tech and former recipient of the DeArmond Foundation scholarship and Scappoose, OR native, is a testament to the doors this program can open. After four summers at OMIC R&D, LaMont applied for a competitive, full-time research position at OMIC R&D to pursue a career in research and development.

"I found my passion for manufacturing research through this internship opportunity and have made it my career as I finished my degree," LaMont said. Without the DeArmond manufacturing Fellows scholarship the course I may have taken would have certainly not been the same, and I remain grateful for the opportunities it provides."

Meanwhile, five students were selected from OSU to participate in the third summer of the OMIC/OSU Practicum, a collaborative effort between OSU, OMIC R&D and Portland Community College (PCC). This initiative allowed them to further their education by taking part in classes on the PCC campus and apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings at the OMIC R&D facility. Working on individualized projects, they gained practical experience with advanced industrial technologies, including state-of-the-art lathes, mills, and additive manufacturing machines.

“I am really glad OMIC is here in my hometown,” said Emma Sparkman, a former OSU practicum student who returned for a second year and another Scappoose, OR native. “Every day you learn something new, sometimes 10 things!”

This year, OMIC R&D was able to host additional interns with the help of external sponsorships, growing its capacity from 11 in 2023 to 18 in 2024, with a significant number of students applying for an opportunity to be on site. OMIC R&D intends to continue to grow its internship capacity for the next summer quarter in 2025.

At the conclusion of their internship, all students presented their findings and shared the knowledge they gained with OMIC R&D staff and partners. Their presentations highlighted the depth of their learning and the critical role OMIC R&D plays in shaping the future of manufacturing and research innovation.

"At OMIC R&D, we recognize the importance of fostering education in both trades and STEM fields," said Don Hendrickson, Interim Executive Director at OMIC R&D. "These internships provide students with invaluable real-world experience, often their first exposure to working with industrial-grade technology. By equipping these students with the skills and experiences they need, we are investing in the future of our industries and empowering the next generation of innovators."

OMIC R&D remains committed to promoting training and education, providing opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge research in a hands-on environment. Through our partnerships with Oregon Tech, OSU and PCC, OMIC R&D continues to build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the modern manufacturing industry.

For more information about OMIC R&D and its initiatives, contact Jon Elias, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 503-821-1155 or jon.elias@oit.edu.

Additional details can also be found on the website, www.omic.us.

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