UToledo Senior Gains International Experience at German Engineering Firm

UToledo Senior Gains International Experience at German Engineering Firm

University of Toledo senior Nico Francis-Emonds spent his time as a Rocket blending two passions - mechanical engineering and German - into one global learning experience.

Over the summer, the Toledo native completed a research and development internship at Ingpuls GmbH, a leader in nickel-titanium shape memory alloys (SMA) in Bochum, Germany.

Working alongside senior engineers, Francis-Emonds researched how different SMAs respond to temperature and stress.

More recently, he designed and prototyped a new method for manufacturing a seamless, braided nickel-titanium stent.

"It's been exciting to contribute to projects that can be scaled for real-world use," Francis-Emonds said. "The combination of my UToledo engineering foundation and German language skills has allowed me to participate in technical discussions, translate presentations and even facilitate communication between engineers and customers."

During his first year at UToledo, Francis-Emonds earned a First-Year Summer Research Experience Award, which sent him to Germany for research and sparked his interest in international engineering opportunities.

Graduating Saturday with with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a bachelor of arts degree in German, Francis-Emonds credits UToledo's integrated co-op program and supportive faculty mentors for opening doors abroad.

"Without the strong background in German language and culture I gained through UToledo, navigating everyday life and contributing in the workplace here would have been much more difficult," he said.

In the College of Engineering, Geoffrey Humphrys, director of engineering co-ops, guided Francis-Emonds through a complex academic and co-op schedule that allowed him to finish two degrees with honors in just 3.5 years. Humphrys also introduced him to the Roy and Marcia Armes Engineering Leadership Institute (ELI), where Francis-Emonds expanded his leadership skills and international outlook.

Through those connections, Francis-Emonds was introduced to Dr. Mohammed Elahinia, dean of the College of Engineering, whose collaboration with Dr. Burkhard Maaß, CEO of Ingpuls GmbH, led to his most recent internship.

Dr. Friederike Emonds, an associate professor of German in the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education, provided instruction and mentorship throughout Francis-Emonds' advanced language studies. Under her guidance, he conducted research in Germany, traveled extensively and organized interdisciplinary ELI workshops that highlighted the benefits of studying foreign languages.

"Both Mr. Humphrys and Dr. Emonds have been instrumental in shaping my academic career and international experiences," Francis-Emonds said. "I am deeply grateful for their support."

"Nico is a stellar student in a myriad of aspects," Humphrys said. "He possesses all the characteristics to be successful in his life and career - strong ethics, extreme ambition, superior organization, exceptional communication skills (in two languages) and a high drive for continuous learning and education.

"With his membership in the Engineering Leadership Institute (ELI), Nico has gained real leadership skills. Through domestic and international business travel, high-level leadership training from industry professionals and self-reflection opportunities, he has maximized the type of leadership development that Roy and Marcia Armes envisioned as their objective for ELI. This, coupled with Nico's U.S. and German co-ops, will make him a sought-after talent in the engineering field," Humphreys added.

As he approached graduation, Francis-Emonds said his UToledo experience prepared him for a career that crosses both borders and disciplines.

"Working on cutting-edge SMA technologies while gaining international work experience and strengthening my bilingual and bicultural fluency has been incredibly valuable - both for my career development and personal growth," he said. "I'm thankful to UToledo, my mentors and the team at Ingpuls for making this experience possible."