Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) students at The University of Tulsa spent the summer of 2026 contributing to projects ranging from cybersecurity investigations and satellite mission development to electric power system analysis and digital engineering. Through internships with industry leaders, government agencies and technology organizations across the country, students transformed classroom knowledge into practical solutions while building the professional experience that launches successful engineering careers.
ECE students secured positions with organizations including American Electric Power (AEP), Brunswick Corp. and several federal agencies, including the University Nanosatellite Program established by the Air Force Research Laboratory. These highly experiential opportunities allowed students to work on projects involving cybersecurity investigations, satellite mission development, digital engineering solutions, embedded firmware development and power system analysis.
For many students, internships provided the first opportunity to see engineering concepts come to life in a professional environment.
Senior Ishmail Chowdhury of Oklahoma City, who interned with Brunswick, said the experience bridged the gap between classroom theory and engineering practice: “This practical exposure helps students develop essential skills, gain industry insights, and clarify their career goals.”
Chowdhury noted that internships help students better understand the types of technical challenges they enjoy solving and influence which elective courses they choose as they prepare for future careers.
Senior Nathan Price of Valley Center, Kansas, spent the summer at the National Computer Forensics Institute laboratory in Tulsa. He emphasized the value of hands-on experience in preparing for a competitive job market. During his internship, Price conducted hardware and software reverse engineering to support investigations into cyber and hardware-based crimes.
“Internships give experience applying skills and absorbing new skills that can’t be taught in a classroom while also giving projects and output materials that can go on a résumé to demonstrate student skills better than a diploma alone could,” he said.
The professional growth students gained extended beyond technical expertise. Senior Hannah Nguyen of Tulsa, who worked as a digital engineer with a U.S. government organization, said the experience strengthened her project management, communication and leadership abilities while exposing her to the collaborative nature of large-scale engineering projects.
Students also highlighted the importance of building networks and seeking opportunities early. Senior Elijah Eastvold of Springfield, Illinois, worked with the University Nanosatellite Program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He and Nguyen encouraged fellow students to begin their internship searches well in advance and to actively build professional connections.
These experiences reflect the strength of The University of Tulsa’s commitment to experiential learning and workforce preparation. By combining rigorous academic coursework with meaningful industry engagement, ECE students develop the technical expertise, professional skills and industry connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving engineering landscape.
Whether contributing to national cybersecurity efforts, advancing satellite technologies or helping improve critical energy infrastructure, students in UTulsa’s College of Engineering & Computer Science make meaningful contributions while preparing to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.