Student Spotlight: Summer 2025

Chloe Soriano worked as a Quality Engineering Intern at Stryker’s Endoscopy Headquarters, gaining hands-on experience in process improvement, production line optimization, and quality assurance. She co-led cross-functional projects, promoted 6S standards on repair lines, and strengthened workflow efficiency while building skills and connections across the company.

Beyond her projects, Chloe networked with 75+ colleagues, co-led a charity fundraiser for Operation Smile, enjoyed team outings around San Francisco, and even met Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo, making this a summer of both professional growth and unforgettable memories.

Chloe will return to the University of Miami to finish her master’s in Biomedical Engineering, excited to build on the experience and inspiration gained at Stryker.

This summer, Hannah Peñano worked as a Transmission Planning Intern at NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light, gaining hands-on experience ensuring Florida’s electric grid can reliably meet long-term load demand. She supported the team by leveraging Python-based tools to automate Excel tasks, improving speed, accuracy, and data organization.

Beyond technical skills, Hannah strengthened her ability to communicate the “why” behind her work, advocate for her ideas, and contribute to internal processes, making this summer a meaningful period of growth. She looks forward to applying these lessons in her final semester and beyond.

Ivy, a junior computer engineering student and Stamps Scholar, worked as a Silicon Engineering Intern at Microsoft in Redmond, WA. On the Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure team, she developed a test bench to verify custom chip designs and contributed to a custom accelerator project aimed at improving server efficiency.

Beyond technical projects, Ivy gained valuable insight into the tech industry through networking events, professional development sessions, and hands-on collaboration with Microsoft engineers. The experience strengthened her passion for computer hardware design and left her excited to continue exploring where computer engineering can take her.

Jonas Junquera, a third-year Environmental Engineering major and 2025-2026 Treasurer for UM ASCE, is spending his summer as an Engineering Intern with The Walsh Group – Archer Western on the Miami Signature Bridge project. He’s gaining hands-on experience in environmental maintenance, roadway planning, and erosion control.

“My favorite part about working on the Miami Signature Bridge project has been walking around the job site in the morning and seeing the sunrise with the arches in full view!” – Jonas

Kaylee Diaz worked as a MedTech Technology Intern at Johnson & Johnson in Raritan, NJ, gaining hands-on experience in product analysis and systems-level project oversight. She supported a 30-person team building a proof-of-concept in interventional oncology, explored edge computing and AI tools, and contributed to a technical white paper for productionizing a platform.

She also developed skills in business valuation and ROI analysis, participated in wellness and charity initiatives, and experienced J&J’s Credo-driven culture. As she heads into her senior year at the University of Miami College of Engineering, she’s excited to apply these skills to design projects, leadership roles, and a future career at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and product innovation.

Max Charles worked as an Engineering Project Coordinator Intern in the Upgrade, Install, Relocate (UIR) department at ASML, supporting Pre-Install teams for advanced EUV lithography systems. He gained hands-on experience in the fab, assisting with installations of complex machines and contributing to high-impact projects.

His projects included developing a global VBA automation tool that saved over 1,000 hours annually, restructuring internal training for pre-installation tasks, and supporting knowledge transfer to enhance scalability across U.S. sites. He also presented his work at ASML’s HBO Poster Celebration in Hillsboro, OR, networking with interns from across the country.

This summer reinforced his passion for process optimization, automation, and engineering innovation, made possible by the guidance of mentors, managers, and fellow interns who supported him every step of the way.

Zeynep, a fourth-year Civil Engineering major and UM ASCE member, is spending her summer as an intern with Turner Construction on a major South Florida project. She’s gaining hands-on experience across multiple civil engineering specialties while learning from her team.

“My favorite part of this internship has been observing how the general contractor brings together each of the moving parts to harmonize the team on such a large-scale project! And of course the views!” – Zeynep