Experiential learning at YSU leads to national recognition for mechanical engineering student

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Hands-on experience is at the core of student success at Youngstown State University, and for sophomore mechanical engineering major Asher Chiwawa, that approach has translated into national recognition.

Chiwawa was recently named a recipient of the Cooperative Education and Internship Association Internship Student Achievement Award, a national honor recognizing excellence in work-integrated learning. His recognition marks the third time a YSU student has received the award, underscoring the university’s continued commitment to experiential learning.

The honor stems from Chiwawa’s internship with the Economic Action Group through the Civic Innovation Transforming Youngstown Internship Program, where he served as a program intern on a multidisciplinary team. His work focused on a community revitalization project along the Mahoning River, where he applied engineering concepts through 3D modeling and design visualization.

For Chiwawa, however, the experience was never about recognition.

“I didn’t go into the internship expecting an award,” he said. “I just focused on learning, applying myself and making the most of the opportunity.”

That mindset shaped his approach throughout the internship, where collaboration played a critical role. Working alongside students from different academic backgrounds, Chiwawa said communication became one of the most valuable skills he developed.

“In my group, I was the only engineer,” he said. “We all thought differently, so being able to communicate and stay open to other ideas made a big difference.”

Chiwawa credits his coursework at YSU for preparing him to succeed in that environment. Early engineering classes, along with group projects and presentations, helped him build both the technical foundation and professional skills needed to contribute effectively.

“I started to see how what we learn in class actually applies in real situations,” he said. “It helped me move from just understanding concepts to actually using them.”

Outside the classroom, involvement in campus organizations such as the African and Caribbean Student Union further strengthened his ability to collaborate across diverse perspectives, an experience that translated directly into his internship work.

More importantly, the internship helped reshape how he views his future in engineering.

“I realized I want to use engineering to help people and make a difference,” he said. “Success for me is about the impact I have on others.”

While the CEIA award recognizes his achievements, Chiwawa said it serves more as a reflection of his effort than a goal he set out to achieve.

“It showed me that when you give your best, it can lead to something meaningful,” he said.

He also credits YSU faculty and mentors for playing a key role in his development, noting their support both inside and outside the classroom.

“YSU has given me more than just an education,” he said. “It’s the people and the support system that have helped me grow.”

Reflecting on his experience, Chiwawa described his journey at YSU through the university’s sense of community.

“Being a Penguin has been the greatest experience,” he said. “It’s about people coming together, supporting each other and helping each other succeed.”

As YSU continues to expand experiential learning opportunities, students like Chiwawa demonstrate how applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings can lead to meaningful growth — and, in some cases, national recognition.