Student perspectives on global engineering experiences at Marquette

From classrooms in Milwaukee to communities, companies and clinics around the world, Marquette engineers gain global perspectives that shape how they learn, serve and lead. Through study abroad, service-learning and immersive field experiences, Marquette engineers apply their engineering education across cultures to explore industries, work alongside global partners and encounter real-world challenges and solutions firsthand.

In the words of Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering, "even when working in a local community, an engineer's work is always connected to a wider world. An engineer can have colleagues, customers, competitors and stakeholders in any time zone on the planet, and the advancement of technology and innovation itself is never fully contained by borders. To prepare our students to lead meaningful change, we are broadening their understanding of engineering and its connection to cultures and people."

The following student experiences highlight how these global opportunities prepare Marquette engineers to ignite change wherever their careers take them. Explore the range of international opportunities for Marquette engineering students.

Ryan Beulah - Exploring global industry leaders over two weeks in Italy and Germany

Ryan Beulah, a computer engineering student, explored industry and culture in Italy and Germany alongside of a cohort of Marquette students as part of the Opus College's Global Field Immersions. Highlights of this trip include visiting leading automotive brands like BMW, Audi and Ducati, cutting-edge civil and construction firms, and world-renowned museums, heritage sites and more.

Beulah on-site at an Audi museum following a behind-the-scenes tour of a production facility.

"I met a lot of different professionals and students in Italy and Germany, and I've been able to keep those connections coming back to campus and as I continue my degree and future career. It is surprising the number of stories you can find in just a short visit."

Read more: Developing global engineers with visits to international industry leaders like Audi, Ducati and more

Mira Kahate-Desouza - Service in action alongside communities in Guatemala

Mira Kahate-Desouza, a biomedical engineering student, has traveled to Guatemala twice as part of the Engineers Without Borders and Marquette Service Engineers student organizations. These organizations design and implement infrastructure and water resources projects alongside communities and professionals on-site during summer months.

Following months of design preparation and planning on campus, Kahate-Desouza and her peers worked alongside local community members to install a clean water system.

"To be living with the people of this community, it is such a profoundly human experience. Every project that I do, I now have a lens of how is this helping people. It has been integral for my development as an engineer, and I couldn't be more grateful."

Read more: Stewards of Service: Marquette students carry on a legacy of community-driven international engineering projects

Drew Donahoe - clinical observations and pediatric service in the Philippines

Drew Donahoe, a biomedical engineering student, traveled to the Philippines as part of Marquette's Global Mobility outreach course. On campus, he explored concepts of human motion analysis and how technology can be applied to improve rehabilitative and orthopedic care. In the Philippines, Donahoe and a cohort of peers assisted and observed international clinicians conducting gait analysis, orthotic fittings and surgery at Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

Donahoe was invited to sign his name on a clinic force plate alongside the names of previous Marquette participants.

"It's very purposeful that we go there and walk with the doctors and learn from them. It really opened my eyes to how much good they do with the little resources that they have. Seeing how much of their heart is in it, and how they are able to do things a little differently because they have to be creative to solve these types of problems was really a valuable learning experience."

Makena Coltoff - Five-week sprint of coursework and culture in Rome

Makena Coltoff, a biomedical engineering student, participated in a five-week summer abroad experience in Rome, Italy, taking a course for her engineering curriculum while exploring local culture and history. For Coltoff, this five-week experience aligned with her busy schedule as a Track & Field student athlete. She even found new training partners from other universities to join her on runs across Rome.

Outside of the classroom, Coltoff filled her free time seeing the sights in Rome and even traveling elsewhere within Europe.

"Being able to travel and take courses for my engineering degree was very helpful to me, to not only have a fun abroad experience but also contribute to my education while still balancing my commitments as a student athlete."

Read more: Engineering Student Reflection | Engineering the perfect balance as a student-athlete

Maya Turczewski - Tracing the coffee supply chain in Colombia

Maya Turczewski, a mechanical engineering student, traveled to Colombia alongside a cohort of engineering and business students as part of her supply chain course work. While there, the group visited communities and professionals along the country's coffee supply chain, connecting classroom learnings to an international product enjoyed in communities around the world. The trip also provided an opportunity to engage with Colombian culture and immerse in the city of Bogotá.

For Turczewski, the interdisciplinary cohort of engineering and business students deepened the insights she discovered in Colombia.

"I definitely have a better taste for coffee now, and I can appreciate the supply chain and processes it takes to get a cup of coffee into your hands. I also think I have a better appreciation for Colombian culture and the differences in American culture."

Read more: From Colombia with coffee: Marquette students experience entire supply chain on trip abroad

Connor Grace - finding a home away from home in Spain

Connor Grace, an environmental engineering student, participated in a semester-long study abroad opportunity in Madrid, Spain, taking courses at a local university while exploring culture and history across Spain and Europe. While there, Grace lived with a host family who supported his full immersion into Spanish culture.

Travel within Europe was a highlight of Grace's time abroad, including an opportunity to follow the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

"My education abroad was not just in the technical skills of my engineering classes. I was able to immerse myself in other people's lives and understand their perspectives. I learned what it means to be a global citizen and how important it is to consider the impacts of our decisions not just while here in the United States."

Read more: Engineering Student Reflection | Broadened engineering horizons through study abroad