Embarking on an Innovative Journey:
Eric White’s Internship at Micro-LAM
In the bustling world of mechanical and aerospace engineering, where innovation and precision blend to craft the future, bright minds like Eric White are making significant strides early in their careers. A student at Western Michigan University, Eric is set to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in aerospace engineering. However, his journey has taken an exciting turn as he embarks on an internship at Micro-LAM, a beacon in the realm of engineering innovation.
Eric’s motivation for applying to Micro-LAM was sparked by Hassan Shirzadi, PhD, his lab instructor and a guiding figure in his academic journey. “Hassan and I always got along, from our banter to explaining lab procedures when I had extra questions,” Eric recalls. It was Hassan who saw the potential in Eric and encouraged him to pursue this opportunity. With a shared passion for engineering and a curiosity for the lab’s intricacies, Eric looked forward to learning under Hassan’s mentorship. This internship represents more than a learning opportunity for Eric; it’s a chance to dive deep into the engineering lab procedures, understand new process development, and witness firsthand the innovation in optics that Micro-LAM is known for.
With a background in aerospace engineering, Eric’s expertise is not just limited to the skies. The comprehensive mechanical engineering foundation he’s built through various lab components and equipment usage—from oscilloscopes to data acquisition systems—prepares him for the challenges and new experiences awaiting at Micro-LAM. This includes working with devices like the tribometer and interferometer, tools essential for advancing in the engineering labs.
Eric’s aspirations reach beyond the earth’s atmosphere, dreaming of contributing to the space industry, specifically in satellite systems or space launch vehicles. This internship is a stepping stone towards that dream, allowing him to explore the integration of optics in satellite technology and fostering an innovative mindset crucial for the aerospace sector.
What Eric hopes to gain from this experience is invaluable: exposure to a professional laboratory environment vastly different from the academic labs he’s accustomed to. He’s eager to learn about the Scanning Electron Microscope, Coordinate Measuring Machine, and other high-precision equipment, broadening his understanding of engineering processes and measurements.
Beyond the confines of work and study, Eric enjoys working out, watching TV shows, and participating in the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI), a student organization that shares his passion for aerospace. This balance of academic, professional, and personal interests shapes Eric into a well-rounded individual ready to take on the challenges and opportunities presented by his internship at Micro-LAM.
As Eric White steps into Micro-LAM, he carries with him a drive for learning, a hunger for innovation, and a vision for the future. “I hope to learn more about engineering lab procedures, specifically how new processes are developed and tested. This is a great opportunity to be on the brink of innovations in optics,” Eric reflects. This internship is more than an experience; it’s the beginning of a journey towards making a mark in the aerospace industry, fueled by the mentorship of Hassan Shirzadi and the innovative environment of Micro-LAM.
