The IDEA Lab isn’t just a place for prototypes—it’s a launchpad for students who want to learn by doing. The Lab gives students the opportunity to dive into realworld projects that bridge engineering, design, and entrepreneurship.
Through internships and XProjects, students work alongside expert faculty and staff to gain hands-on experience in areas like 3D printing, soft materials, electronics, software development, and human-centered design. You’ll work alongside researchers, clinicians, and startups to bring innovative ideas to life— whether that’s building tools to support scientific discovery or helping teams reach commercialization milestones.
The IDEA Lab strives to help students grow into creative problem-solvers, skilled makers, and future entrepreneurial leaders. If you're curious, motivated, and ready to build something that matters, consider applying for an intern or XProject position.
Do you want to join our team?
Check back in December for the latest application!
The IDEA Lab bridged the gap between academic theory and industry practice, and enabled me to build a standout project portfolio that directly contributed to landing my R&D Mechanical Engineering position.
Alyssa Zito, prior IDEA Lab Intern
FAQs
We are looking for driven, self-starting students who thrive in teams, are open to learning new skills daily, and have experience in Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs, Makerspaces, XProjects, or related courses.
Interns will:
- Create concepts, sketches, and storyboards
- Build prototypes (from low-fidelity to high-fidelity functional models)
- Apply human-centered design methods
- Conduct design and engineering analysis
- Select materials and parts for designs
- Develop CAD models
- Use digital fabrication tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines
- Solve design challenges in a team setting
- Report to a Design Manager on tasks
- Mentor student design teams and support IDEA Lab improvement projects
Interns should have:
- Project experience in engineering or design
- Knowledge of rapid prototyping tools (sketching, foam core, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC)
- Experience with CAD and digital fabrication processes
- Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
- Familiarity with Innovation & Entrepreneurship programs, Makerspaces, or related coursework is a plus
- Experience with Slack, TeamGantt, or other project management tools is helpful
Interns are expected to design, prototype, test, document work, collaborate with teammates, report to their Design Manager and mentor other students when appropriate.
Most internships require 10–15 hours per week, though exact hours are coordinated with your Design Manager.
