Engineering Career Trek

Invacare, headquartered in Elyria, OH was the site of the Engineering Career Trek on
Wednesday, June 8 th . Student participants learned about multiple engineering fields, were presented with an overview of Invacare products, and given a guided tour of the plant. The morning sessions also included exposure to development of the respiratory concentrator, project engineering and FDA regulations, 3D modeling and drafting, and details about power chair electronics. Presenters represented a wide range of engineering disciplines. EC alumna, Mary Beth Brattoli Whitesel ’76, a Senior Development Engineer, spoke to the students about her role in designing respiratory products and compliancy with the FDA. A highlight of the trek was allowing the students to test-drive the power wheelchairs.

Students were asked to reflect on their experience by responding to a series of questions. Here is how one student answered the question, “What surprised you today, and why?”

"I was surprised by the organized yet complex process that was used to create the different models of wheelchairs and breathing machines. It was amazing to see how much people go into designing, making, testing, and transporting their product. There were many skilled people that we saw, who knew a lot about their job and purpose in achieving the company's overall result. I was especially surprised by the extent that the employees would go in order to make the product as effective and durable as they possibly could."