Engineering major helps company build a better product

A Central Michigan University student spent part of his summer helping a Wisconsin manufacturer build a better welder thanks to a journey that started with a trip through a registered student organization.

Ugonna Victor Emeka-Inegbu, a Central Michigan University junior majoring in the electrical engineering in the School of Engineering and Technology, interned at Miller Electric Manufacturing, LLC for 12 weeks.  The company is located in Appleton, Wis.

He worked on oscilloscope analyses, printed circuit board designs and circuit designs. He also practiced using KiCad, an open-source software for creating circuit schematics and printed circuit boards.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are a mechanical base used to hold and connect the components of an electric circuit and are used in nearly all modern consumer electronic devices.

Each week, his schedule included meetings with engineers to find out more about the company and learn about certain topics.

Emeka-Inegbu connected with the company while attending a career fair in Milwaukee as part of The National Society of Black Engineers of CMU. Miller Electric collaborated with Illinois Tool Works to bring Emeka-Inegbu onto the industrial equipment and automation team.

“I wanted to build a career in electrical industrial equipment and mechanics while networking with employees,” he said.

Emeka-Inegbu sought opportunities in electrical engineering due to his major and his passion for the field. While in Wisconsin, he traveled to Chicago for an intern trip to network.

“My internship taught me immediate skills that I can use in my clubs and classes, such as the Institute of Electronics and Electric Engineering (IEEE),” he said.

Emeka-Inegbu plans to intern at Miller Electric during the summer of 2026 and work full-time after graduation.

“Miller Electric treated interns like actual employees and used hands-on equipment,” he said. “Always be confident in your own skills and feel free in the workplace.”