Category: Applied Learning

Jace Watson spent nine semesters working on the GoBabyGo project at Wichita State before graduating in May. His passion for assistive technology started at home, growing from his experiences with his adopted siblings.

“It’s a personal connection to the program,” he said. “My brother and sister are adopted from Ukraine and have disabilities that affect their motor functions. It was something I wish had been around when they were adopted.”

For 10 years, that hope has become reality for many families, thanks to GoBabyGo.

Karsen Richard plans to teach math in middle school starting in the fall. His experience with inspirational teachers means he will walk into the classroom with goals beyond the subject matter.

Balancing life as a student-athlete and education major is difficult because of the time demands of both. Richard, a senior pitcher from Little Rock majoring in mathematics education, will spend an extra semester at Wichita State University to reach his goal of helping students.

Five Wichita State graphic design seniors partnered with Dzanc Publishing to design original paperback book covers, gaining hands-on experience in a professional publishing environment. Guided by Joshua Smith, assistant professor of graphic design, the students collaborated directly with authors and the Dzanc team to develop visually distinctive concepts that reflect each book’s voice and audience.

As part of the project, the seniors reflected on their creative process, from initial concept development to final design. Supported by the State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund, these students applied classroom knowledge to a real-world client project, strengthening their skills, building their portfolios and earning compensation for their work.

Madisyn “Mady” Sampson is a senior at Wichita State completing her coursework online and graduating in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in health management.

Through her applied learning experience, Mady served as the clinical coordinator and instructor for the Surgical Technology Program at Crowder College’s Advanced Training & Workforce Center in Joplin, Missouri. Mady coordinated student placements in real‑world training sites and made sure all programs followed required industry standards. She also assessed students’ skills, maintained communication with partner organizations and led improvement efforts to create a better, more effective learning experience for everyone involved.

In December 2025, Tyler Bushnell graduated from the Barton School of Business, attaining a bachelor’s degree in information technology and management information systems. As an adult learner, he resumed his education after more than a decade as an airborne combat engineer for the U.S. Army. Since graduation, Bushnell has been a full-time software developer at POET. He began as a summer 2024 intern at POET, was later promoted to junior software developer, before earning his current full-time role. Reflecting on his career journey, Bushnell shares his return to education, finding new passions and changing careers. 

“Being an adult learner has allowed me to pursue a career change and tackle college with a unique perspective compared to when I graduated high school,” Bushnell said. 

When Marianna Fronciani Farina arrived at Wichita State, she chose mechanical engineering for its flexibility, unsure exactly where it would lead. Four years later, that foundation, strengthened by hands-on software testing and quality assurance work at NetApp, led her to a full-time role in test engineering, proving that real-world experience can shape both skills and direction.

Fronciani was an international student from Paraguay. She decided to pursue her education at WSU because her cousin had studied at the university through the “Comité Paraguay Kansas” program, which allows Paraguayans to study at universities in Kansas with in-state tuition. When she toured WSU, the John Bardo Center blew her away, and she decided to make Wichita her home.

Not long ago, the idea of pursuing a master’s degree made Wichita State senior Kaydence Perdue uneasy. Now, as she nears the completion of her undergraduate degree and gains months of hands-on experience in local schools through her 400-hour social work practicum, that uncertainty has turned into confidence. 

In May 2025, Devon Robinson graduated from Wichita State with his bachelor’s degree in media arts with an emphasis in animation. Robinson paired his major with a marketing minor, becoming well-rounded in media production and content promotion. He expanded his education by actively participating in student organizations, pursuing passion projects and engaging in Applied Learning experiences. His senior year experiences prepared him for his postgraduate journey.

Robinson’s artistic ambition led him to an elaborate, collaborative multimedia project right before his final year.

For many students, time spent with doctors and physical therapists comes after an injury. For Mitchell Steele, however, it’s an opportunity that has become a part of his everyday life. 

Steele is majoring in biomedical engineering with an emphasis in biomechanics and mechanobiology, along with a minor in mathematics. In addition to his coursework, he serves as lab coordinator at WSU’s Motion Assessment Lab, where he studies human movement and injury and further develops his skills through the university’s applied learning initiative. 

Claire Staggs, a senior psychology major graduating in May 2026, is gaining hands-on experience at Wichita East High School, part of Wichita Public Schools (USD 259), where she supports students as they plan their next steps after graduation. She began the role during the fall semester and continues her work this spring.

“My applied learning role at Wichita East High School consists of assisting Ms. Kennedy with helping students prepare for their futures after high school graduation,” Claire said. “As a student, I meet students where they are at and help them find scholarships, coach them through their applications, and help them take advantage of every opportunity presented.”