University students – even future Marshall students – are discovering firsthand how immersive internships at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) open doors to new skills, new career paths and new professional connections.
This summer, five interns from diverse backgrounds stepped into MAMC’s innovation-driven environment, where they are learning side-by-side with engineers, machinists, designers and communications professionals. Each intern brings a unique perspective and is gaining practical experience that will shape his/her future.
Luke Meadows: Mechanical Engineering Intern
For Luke Meadows of Ona, the internship marks the beginning of his engineering journey. Luke will start classes at Marshall University this fall as a mechanical engineering major, but he’s already getting hands-on experience that many students don’t encounter until much later in their academic careers – if then.
“It means a lot to me because it’s a big learning opportunity,” Meadows said. “I’m looking to understand better what it means to be an engineer and the surrounding context.”
Before joining MAMC, Meadows had limited exposure to engineering tools and processes. Now, he spends his days learning machining basics, exploring computer-aided-design (CAD) software and working with the latest 3D-printing technology. The experience has broadened his understanding of what engineering can look like in practice.
“Now that I’m getting some experience, I’m really opening that up a lot,” he explained.
Outside of MAMC, Meadows enjoys life on his family’s farm, where he helps care for animals. He also spends time experimenting with technology, computers and 3D prints – interests that align naturally with his future career goals. A recent graduate of Cabell Midland High School, Meadows is eager to continue building his engineering foundation.
Cainan McGhee: CNC Machinist Intern
Cainan McGhee of Branchland has taken a different path to MAMC. After graduating from Lincoln County High School, he earned his associate degree in Machinist Technology/CNC from MAMC and Mountwest Community and Technical College. He has served as a paid intern at MAMC for more than a year and a half.
During his tenure at MAMC, McGhee has worked with companies across the Huntington Tri-State area, gaining real-world experience with machining projects from start to finish.
“This place has presented plenty of opportunities to me,” he said. “I’ve had multiple job opportunities, hands-on experience with different companies and the chance to sit with somebody through every phase of a project.”
McGhee values MAMC’s proximity to his home and the access it provides to industry partners.
“Being able to meet new people all the time and learn pretty much every day that I’m in here has been a great opportunity,” he said.
When he’s not machining precision components or assisting with client projects, McGhee enjoys hunting, fishing and playing video games.
Michael Taylor: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Michael Taylor of Winfield brings an advanced academic background to his internship. After graduating from Winfield High School, he enrolled at West Virginia University, where he will be a senior this fall, majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Taylor’s work at MAMC centers on design and prototyping. He spends much of his time using SolidWorks, Fusion 360 and other computer-aided design programs to develop parts for client projects. Once a design is finalized, he either 3D prints prototypes or collaborates with MAMC’s Technical Services team to machine finished components.
“It’s been a really great learning opportunity,” Taylor said. “I’ve learned about different manufacturing techniques and gotten hands-on [experience] with a lot of different design software.”
Outside of work, Michael enjoys lifting weights and playing video games, hobbies that balance the technical rigor of his engineering studies.
Meredith Shuff: Marketing and Communications Intern
For her experience at MAMC, Meredith Shuff of Saint Albans contributes in a different but equally important way than delivering direct manufacturing assistance to customers. A graduate of Saint Albans High School, Shuff is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in marketing at Marshall University and has served as MAMC’s marketing and communications intern since March.
Her role spans writing, photography, videography, social media management and newsletter development. She has also been learning Adobe software to create digital content that highlights MAMC’s programs, services and community interactions.
“MAMC has provided me with great opportunities to learn and connect with other professionals from a variety of fields,” Shuff said. “Being involved in different sectors of the industry has been thrilling for me.”
She said she has enjoyed visiting the Marshall University Bill Noe Flight School, touring MAMC’s new welding facility during its construction, and collaborating with engineers and technicians to share their work with the community.
In her free time, Shuff enjoys crafting, exercising and spending time with her cat, Kiwi.
Zane Burdette: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Zane Burdette of Ripley brings a strong passion for manufacturing to his internship experience. A senior studying mechanical engineering at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Burdette said he hopes to stay local after graduation and pursue a career in engineering or manufacturing.
His internship at MAMC has reinforced that goal.
“This has been very beneficial,” Burdette said. “There’s a lot of hands-on experience, and I’ve learned so much about manufacturing. Being affiliated with the university has helped me make contacts with local companies and the people who run them. It’s giving me connections that will hopefully help me find a job once I graduate.”
For Burdette, the internship has been both educational and enjoyable.
“Working here honestly hasn’t felt like a job,” he said. “It feels like I’m just getting to play. I get to work with different machines, make different parts every day and learn how everything is made.”
He noted that the experience has strengthened his understanding of how engineering design connects to real-world production.
“As an engineer, it’s important to understand that some things can be designed but not manufactured,” he explained. “Seeing how things are actually produced helps you design them better.”
Outside of MAMC, Zane enjoys life on his family’s farm and has a passion for classic cars. He frequently works on his 1979 Ford F-350 truck and takes it to local auto shows.
Working across all departments and services, MAMC interns gain practical, many times direct shop-floor experience that prepares them for future endeavors and careers. Whether designing prototypes, machining precision parts or crafting digital content, interns are immersed in real-life projects that challenge them to discover and grow.
“MAMC connects students with knowledgeable staff and industry partners to solve real-world challenges,” said Deacon Stone, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “Interns are not bystanders. They’re directly involved in each step of the process, from concept and design to prototyping and production.”
July 28, 2026
