jbT MAREL
DESIGN ENGINEERING INTERN
sEPT 2025 - present
During my time with JBT-Marel, I have grown not only as a student but as a true engineer. My day-to-day is never the same; from addressing immediate shop-floor fires to making the engineering department’s data management a smoother user experience, I have gained a wide range of skills applicable to almost any environment.
I have developed proficient knowledge in utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software like Autodesk Inventor in tandem with product data management (PDM) software like Autodesk Vault. Using these programs, I create and alter legacy JBT products to further improve them or adjust them to meet customer needs, all while collaborating with the shop floor to implement proper machining and welding practices. This includes not only working within my local branch in Lakeland, Florida, but also collaborating with coastal teams across the country to create new modifications for equipment they have produced in the past. Along with large equipment, I assist with R&D and marketing work. While I cannot elaborate on the confidential R&D done within the company, it has shown me the value of using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to establish tighter, more precise controls for critical parts and assemblies. Working with our marketing team has also helped me sharpen a vital skill: communication. These projects have allowed me to become comfortable communicating across departments and with leaders several levels above me. Furthermore, they have provided valuable practice utilizing 3D printing software and machines—like our Bambu X1 Carbon—and learning how to design parts tailored for specific manufacturing processes.
Additionally, I have improved my data management skills using programs such as Excel and Power BI. Within our department, we report on four key pillars: Quality, Safety, Delivery, and Cost. Using advanced formula programming, I created automated systems to track weekly engineering drawing returns, uncovered and disputed costs that were incorrectly charged to our department using historical and live data, and utilized contracts to set up delivery deadlines that automatically track and update within Excel.
zoo Miami
seasonal educator / Exhibit Educator
jun 2021 - aug 2024
During my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at Zoo Miami as a Conservation Teen Scientist (CTS). In this role, my primary objective was to visit various enclosures throughout the zoo and educate the public on the residents within. This daily responsibility required on-the-spot adaptability and rapid fact-checking for a diverse range of animal species, from Ongard, our male Asian elephant, to Berani, our resident Sumatran tiger. Interpersonal skills—including public speaking, one-on-one communication, and the ability to think on my feet—were absolutely critical. I also had the pleasure of assisting with the zoo's summer camp, collaborating with counselors to manage large groups of children as they experienced a behind-the-scenes look at daily operations. I fell in love with this environment, and upon turning 18, I transitioned into a professional role as a Seasonal Educator and Camp Counselor.
As a camp counselor, I was granted significantly more classroom autonomy than I had as a volunteer. This position demanded close collaboration, relying heavily on partnership and teamwork to keep daily operations running smoothly. My co-counselors and I coordinated directly with zookeepers and staff across the park to arrange up-close animal encounters and enrichment activities. Given my background as a CTS member, I was frequently relied upon for spontaneous educational programming. A particularly memorable moment involved clocking into a shift and immediately being asked to present on the dental structures of lions, elephants, and bears to an audience ranging from ages 3 to 13. While it required rapid gear-shifting and quick wits, my volunteer training prepared me perfectly for the challenge. Beyond teaching, I embraced a mentorship role for the campers, establishing strong one-on-one connections to ensure every child felt welcome, secure, and excited to participate.
Ultimately, these two positions established a firm foundation for my communication and interpersonal skills, teaching me how to deliver clear, engaging, and impactful messages to any audience.
UCF Housing
Resident Assistant
Aug 2024 - May 2025
During my sophomore year at UCF, I became a resident assistant (RA) with UCF Housing and Residence Life. It was an opportunity that allowed me to build deep connections within the city I grew to love. As an RA, my job was to make incoming freshmen feel at home. Most of them were from out of town, feeling displaced and not knowing anyone—which can be a scary thought. I helped them adjust through dedicated one-on-one time and creative event planning.
A major part of being an RA is getting to know your residents personally. For me, this meant managing over 50 residents. While keeping track of that many names and faces can be challenging, my background as a camp counselor helped me easily adapt to large crowds and sharpen my interpersonal skills.
This position also taught me critical communication skills that I hadn't fully grasped before. I learned on the go how to mediate roommate conflicts, support struggling residents, and handle nightly mishaps. The role constantly tested what I call my "human resources skills"—like being able to put on a bright smile and reassure everyone at 4:00 AM while standing out in the cold because someone decided to pull the fire alarm.
Along with interpersonal growth, I developed my creative skills. I learned to utilize design machines like a Cricut on the spot, creating vibrant decorations and planning engaging events that helped residents bond and build lifelong friendships.
Seaworld
Scare actor
sep 2023 - nov 2023
