Meet Our Alumni

Atom Illustration

Introducing Naval STEM students, alumni, educators, professionals, and mentors.

Dr. Courtney Thomas and Patience Ferguson

Evan Hellersund

Securing the Future: Computer Science Major Uses Technology Build a Career and Make the World a Better Place

Evan Hellersund’s entry into the world of STEM began with a virtual SEAP high school internship at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock (NSWC). The experience set him on a path toward his future career by exposing him to the tangible impact of engineering solutions on real-world problems.

During college, Evan returned to NSWC for a college NREIP internship, this time in person. He immersed himself in a project focused on designing passive and hybrid exoskeletons for industrial use. These exoskeletons were intended to alleviate the physical burden on dock and warehouse workers, thereby keeping workers healthier – a cause Evan found both practical and noble.

“NREIP provided me the tools, lab space and mentorship needed to cultivate my research interests in a professional environment. As an NREIP intern I found purpose in my work and a community to learn from. Mentorship from brilliant, kind, Navy Medical entomologists showed me this path, major, career, is worth it and can be incredibly rewarding and so much fun. I got to ask questions and work alongside experts, who were also eager to teach and produce tangible work.”

Sierra Teemsma

Share This