Summer Interns Build Learning Materials and Their Skills

This past summer, members of LITS Digital Technology Internship (DTI) program honed their skills by creating instructional materials for offices across the College. Working with the Dean & Registrar’s Offices, the Web Services team, and Makerspace, they created content that will help community members access and understand key services: informational videos for Bionic, new guidelines and database categories for Bryn Mawr Blogs;, and tutorial videos for commonly used Makerspace equipment and software such as the Laser Cutter, the 3D Scanner, and Adobe Illustrator. 

Developing these different products allowed students to build their individual and collaborative skills. One intern, Lordina Oduro '26 said, “Working on the projects did get a bit intense and required some technical skills to figure things out. However, I never felt like I had to figure things out on my own when I got stuck because there was always support from both the interns and supervisors." Gabrielle Stewart '26 agreed. “By the end of the internship I became more comfortable asking for feedback on my work as I’m working. I found that this made me more efficient and allowed for me to explore different avenues and viewpoints as I worked on group and individual projects.”  

Many interns highlighted how the program let them put the Bryn Mawr's Digital Competencies into practice. Stewart said, “In the upcoming academic year I intend on using the resources I’ve been exposed to in the makerspace, and what I’ve learned about project management and organization when going about future projects in my coursework and free time.” She was not the only person to highlight her time in the makerspace. “My favorite moment was creating a tote bag with a personal DTI logo as part of our training for Adobe Illustrator and the Roland machine. It was amazing to see my design with others come to life on the tote bag," said Khanh Ha Nguyen '27. Catherine Utzinger '26 felt similarly about another project in the space. “One of my favorite projects that we worked on in the Makerspace was building a wooden mobile using the laser cutter. Watching our digital designs get constructed into physical objects was incredible!”  

The interns work in the makerspace was centered on creating instructional videos that will go on the Makerspace Moodle page, which all community members can use to learn more about digital fabrication. The project was initially daunting for Utzinger. "At first, I thought I would be intimidated by the equipment in the Makerspace," she said. But as it turned out, "I loved the challenge of learning how to operate a variety of machines for the first time. The Makerspace is a valuable resource at Bryn Mawr. I hope that with our tutorials we’ve helped make the equipment more accessible to community members.”  Another intern, Mads Muller '25, also highlighted their time creating the makerspace videos. “While I had experience already in video production, the challenges of learning the machines and software while in the process of filming was an enriching and productive time for all of us.” They also noted assisting on Bryn Mawr Blogs, which will be undergoing several administrative changes this year, as an educational experience. “I had a fantastic time learning about aspects of web development that I was entirely unfamiliar with, especially getting to see the development of blogging at Bryn Mawr," they said.  

Whatever their favorite moments, all the interns walked away with valuable skills that they will use during and after their time at Bryn Mawr. "This internship has provided a platform for me to grow and excel in various digital competencies," Nguyen said, "which will prepare me for future challenges and opportunities in the technology field."