Concurrent Technologies Corporation's Participative Internship Program Offers a Unique Shared Learning Experience

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Sept. 16, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the sixth year, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) has offered qualifying college students an intense, 10–12-week summer program that combines real-world job experience with mentorship, leadership, subject matter expertise and competency development opportunities through the Participative Internship Program (PIP). PIP allows students to delve into specific technology disciplines, and the program concludes with a white paper and oral presentation delivered to CTC's Senior Executive Leadership Team.

Learning alongside industry experts in CTC's Johnstown, PA facilities, this year's PIP interns focused on initiatives within two Technology Platforms: Immersive Environments and Additive Manufacturing.

Daniel Kim, a Computer Science major with a Concentration in Software Development at Johns Hopkins University, focused on better understanding state-of-the art developments related to data personalization. He worked closely with CTC subject matter experts Schawn Thropp, Alan Hoberney, and Ron Punako to investigate how CTC can integrate personalization concepts into augmented or blended reality solutions to provide a better user experience. During his final presentation, Daniel acknowledged how the PIP broadened his technical interests, stating "Due to this program, I've become deeply interested in Machine Learning and deep learning in general. I have been able to really see what effective software solution companies like CTC can do for society."

Trevor Bischoff, majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, investigated the feasibility of a new additive repair process that would enable field repairs of high performance aluminum alloys that cannot be joined using conventional methods. In collaboration with Juan Valencia, Brock Golesich, James McHenry, Ken Sabo, and several other CTC subject matter experts, Trevor evaluated the metallurgical and mechanical properties of aluminum panels prepared using a combination of cold spray for material build and friction stir welding to complete the repair. Overcoming a variety of real world technical and project management challenges, Trevor stated, "This is my first research and development-type internship, so it was a really eye-opening experience into the world of R &D."

Heather Moyer, Executive Director, served as a mentor to both interns and noted that the PIP truly delivers a mutual benefit to both students and CTC; "It's always rewarding to see the students' progression, both technically and professionally. It's also encouraging to see the level of engagement and interest demonstrated by CTC's technical staff and leadership. The results of the interns' projects are leveraged long after the students return to school."

Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. Together with our affiliates, we leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full life-cycle solutions. To best serve our clients' needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype, and build. We support our clients' core mission objectives with customized solutions and strive to exceed expectations. CTC has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute, the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. In addition, CTC has been named a Best for Vets Employer by Military Times. For more information about CTC, visit www.ctc.com.