Zach Turner '21
Summer Plans: Intern, East Coast Metrology Hometown: Danvers, MA Major: Physics, statistics minor
Summer Plans
I am interning at East Coast Metrology for the summer in their engineering lab. During this process, I worked with 3D laser scanners, 3D measurement arms, laser trackers and other equipment to provide machine calibrations for some of the largest engineering companies in the country. Working with equipment from Blue Origin, Raytheon, Faro, and many other companies, I learned how to put equipment through our accredited calibration procedure to ensure they are up to industry standards. Along with my work in the calibration lab, I was part of a team that would conduct experimental trials on other materials and equipment and construct data analysis write-ups to find the properties of the materials we were working on.
Lessons Learned
I've learned a lot about how important it is to communicate with consumers. The ability to change language that a consumer might find very scientific into a more common vocabulary while being able to still express the main idea of the message has been an important lesson from the internship. Having a well-rounded education has been very useful in articulating our numerical findings to consumers looking for the qualitative findings of our work.
The Holy Cross Difference
Through the physics program at Holy Cross, I have learned many valuable skills in the classroom and lab settings. When working with the laser trackers, I am able to apply knowledge about optics, wavelengths, laser refraction, thermal expansion and other concepts to the work I do in the lab to ensure I attain the best results. Lab conduct and machine handling is another skill I learned through my physics lab and is the key to using heavy machinery the proper way. The metrology industry focuses on very precise measurements where every possible external variable may have an effect on the final value. Learning how to problem solve and think through every aspect of variability has proven a very helpful skill from my Holy Cross education. Along with the physics background, my work in statistics has proven to be equally beneficial. Using different statistical models to extract key coefficients from lab trials and experiments has been a great help in adjusting to my internship. Adjusting and constructing automated spreadsheets to calculate several findings from each calibration has shown me the connection between statistics and real-world engineering processes. Along with physics and statistics, using my computer science background from Holy Cross has allowed me to create and modify programs used to automate the movement of a given laser tracker and create fluid procedures, eventually saving valuable time in the lab.
The opportunities Holy Cross provides to converse with alumni and professionals in scientific fields is another service that has helped me greatly. Having past experience speaking with full-time engineers and data scientists provided me with more insight into a professional setting and expectations across different fields. Holy Cross does a fantastic job offering a wide array of speakers, networking events, and other opportunities to connect with a professional in any field. By preparing their students through rigorous academics as well as many extracurricular activities, the college positions each student for success while interning as an undergraduate and in the future after graduation.
What's Next
This experience has given me a great perspective into the engineering field. The ability to familiarize myself with certain software, equipment, and lab practices— which I would not have had without this opportunity—is a huge advantage as I look to further my education and career. Working in a lab that provides their services to numerous other tech companies has given me the advantage to familiarize myself with other companies in engineering, which I may look to network with in the future. The experience of working in a lab 8-5 and the routine it presents is another piece of the experience I am grateful to have received and have some experience into what work environment I enjoy for the future. Partnering this work experience with the well-rounded education I am receiving from Holy Cross is creating multiple career and education paths for my future, which I cannot wait to explore.
Click to read more student summer profiles: Paulina Martin '21, Ramses Taveras '22, Elizabeth Larkin '21, Charlie Millard '22, Mandusu Sidibay '21, Christopher Smith '22, Christina Casey '22, Billy Fitzpatrick '20, Tatiana Thompson '22 and Katie Knippler '22.
