Turning an idea into reality takes more than imagination. It takes creativity, persistence, and willingness to test what works and what does not. This summer, Rose-Hulman students put those skills to work at Eli Lilly and Company, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Molson Coors, and Carrier Corporation. Through their internship experiences this summer at major corporations, students brought their ideas to life through new products, improved manufacturing processes, and solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

Claire Allen: Eli Lilly and Company

Senior mechanical engineering student Claire Allen, from Arlington Heights, Illinois, spent her summer helping improve manufacturing operations as a process and manufacturing engineering intern at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis.

Throughout the summer, Allen evaluated manufacturing technologies, analyzed production data, and developed operator-facing tools designed to support day-to-day manufacturing processes. The experience provided firsthand insight into how engineering solutions improve efficiency and reliability in a large-scale production environment.

Allen hopes to build a career in manufacturing as a process or automation engineer, helping improve systems and solve technical challenges. She said Rose-Hulman equipped her with the technical foundation to contribute in a professional manufacturing environment while preparing her to continue learning throughout her career.

Looking back on the experience, Allen said the internship helped her bridge the gap between theory and practice.

“The most valuable skill I’ve gained is learning how to apply technical knowledge to real-world manufacturing situations,” Allen said. “Through hands-on experiences and collaboration with professionals, I’ve developed a better understanding of how engineering concepts are used in practice.”

Griffin Lawrence: Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Galveston Bay Refinery

Junior chemical engineering student Griffin Lawrence, from Greenfield, Indiana, spent his summer at Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Texas City, Texas, supporting the refinery’s Environmental Department while helping improve the reporting system, emissions monitoring, and operational process.

Lawrence worked on a wide range of environmental projects, including developing a system to streamline semiannual reporting, conducting annual greenhouse gas surveys across the refinery, and programming daily flare and cooling tower validation tools used by operations. He also took the initiative to organize unit tours and ride-alongs for fellow interns, creating additional opportunities to learn about the refinery’s operations firsthand.

One of the highlights of the experience was working at one of the nation’s largest refineries.

Lawrence reflected, “The size of Galveston Bay Refinery is breathtaking. As of now, we’re averaging 631,000 barrels of crude oil capacity per day, and the plant spans around 1,200 acres. It’s amazing to see something so complicated and fine-tuned up close, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the equipment and people here.”

Although he is still exploring his long-term career goals, Lawrence hopes to find work that is both challenging and meaningful. He credits Rose-Hulman’s Career Services with helping him secure the internship through the Fall Career Fair, and encourages students to take advantage of the department’s resources and employer connections.

One of the biggest experiences Lawrence gained was becoming comfortable with not having all the answers.

“I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned through my internship is that it’s OK to not know something,” he said.

Through asking questions, conducting independent research, and learning from experienced engineers, Lawrence developed confidence in tackling unfamiliar challenges and gained skills he will carry into his future career.

marisa Lehner: Molson coors

Junior mechanical engineering student Marisa Lehner, from Sussex, Wisconsin, is pursuing a concurrent master’s in engineering management through the Rose Squared program. She spent her summer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, interning at Molson Coors, where she helped advance sustainability initiatives within the brewing process.

As a technical service intern, Lehner worked to identify new opportunities to recover and reuse carbon dioxide throughout the brewing process. By finding ways to capture carbon dioxide that would otherwise be lost, her work supports the company’s ongoing sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency.

One highlight of the summer was traveling to Golden, Colorado, where she helped support sustainability efforts at another Molson Coors brewery.

Lehner hopes to pursue a career as an engineering project manager focused on sustainability. She said Rose-Hulman’s mechanical engineering curriculum has strengthened her problem-solving and teamwork skills, while her master’s coursework in engineering management has provided valuable experience in supply chain management and Six Sigma principles.

Throughout the internship, Lehner found that curiosity became one of her greatest strengths.

Lehner reflected, “The most valuable lesson I have learned from my internship is that asking questions is the best way to learn! I came into my internship with very little knowledge of the beer brewing process. Through walking around the brewery myself, asking lots of questions, and talking to other engineers about their experience, I have learned so much in a short amount of time.”

Jacob Childres: Carrier Corporation

Senior mechanical engineering student, Jacob Childres, from Shelbyville, Indiana, spent his summer at Carrier Corporation in Indianapolis, working on the manufacturing floor of the world’s largest producer of residential gas furnaces.

At Carrier, Childres supported manufacturing engineers with a range of projects focused on improving safety, efficiency, and production processes. His largest project involved designing modular guard walls to improve operator safety around the machine press. The work combined CAD design, collaboration with suppliers, and direct feedback from machine operators to make sure the final design met real-world needs.

He also designed parts used by machine shop technicians, including an attachment for a sheet metal feeder that helps stabilize and guide material into the press. In addition, he assisted with monitoring downtime and production interruptions across the facility.

This was Childres’ second summer with Carrier. During a previous internship on the research and development side of the company, he worked with engineers to design, test, and prototype a system for monitoring gas levels in furnaces.

Childres said, “I love the fact that every day I'm on my feet and getting to interact with such a wide variety of people, like union workers, other engineers, technicians, and corporate leaders.”

He added that connecting with alumni and fellow members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Carrier made the experience even more meaningful.

Childres’ dream career is in automotive engineering. He said Rose-Hulman's reputation and flexible curriculum have allowed him to pursue specialized coursework that aligns with his interests while building a strong foundation in mechanical engineering.

“The most valuable skill I have learned is to be present always,” Childres said. The classroom is important for developing general knowledge in engineering, but the real learning happens when you are faced with a challenge that you can’t look up a formula to answer.”

Brooke Carpenter: Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Whether she is analyzing refinery data or coordinating with catalyst vendors, senior chemical engineering student Brooke Carpenter spent her summer solving real-world engineering challenges as a technical service and process engineering intern with Marathon Petroleum in El Paso, Texas.

Carpenter, who is from Bright, Indiana, reviewed the results of a previous refinery test run to help determine the next steps for the project while also working with Catalyst Ventures to identify the materials needed for an upcoming catalyst changeout. The experience gave her firsthand insight into the fast-paced nature of process engineering and the collaboration required to keep refinery operations moving efficiently.

Beyond her technical work, Carpenter enjoyed becoming involved in the local community through Marathon Petroleum's volunteer opportunities, which allowed her to connect with fellow interns while giving back outside of the workplace.

As she explored different career paths, Carpenter’s goal remained simple: to find a career she genuinely enjoys. She said Rose-Hulman’s company presentations, industry tours, and career fairs gave her the opportunity to experience multiple industries and better understand where she hopes to build her future career. One of her biggest takeaways from the summer was learning how to communicate effectively.

Carpenter reflected, “Refineries are fast-moving, and everyone has a lot going on, so being able to adapt and learn how to communicate has helped me tremendously.”

She anticipates those communication skills will continue to benefit her in the classroom, campus organizations, and throughout her engineering career.