This summer Centerline Biomedical has partnered with Ohio Third Frontier as a part of their Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship Program.  This program is geared towards matching college students with early-stage technology companies to give them a real-world field related experience as well as business and entrepreneurial experiences.  The benefit of this opportunity is not just that the students will be able to have a meaningful internship in their field, but it also helps companies recruit a diverse group of individuals with different skill sets, backgrounds, and ways of thinking.  In today’s world in order to be leading at the frontline of technology it is important to have a team where each person brings something unique to the table.
Ron Simpson is an upcoming senior at the University of Akron working towards a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and minoring in applied mathematics and business essentials.  Having experience in a variety of areas such as research with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and regulation with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, he brings a zealousness to learn and a unique forward way of thinking.  Read more on Centerline Biomedical’s summer intern, Ron Simpson.

Why did you choose to go into engineering?
Ever since I can remember I have been building, problem solving, and focused on understanding how and why things work the way they do.  I bounced between a few ideas of what I wanted to get into, but math and science were always my strong areas and that paired with my affinity for building and problem solving made engineering, specifically chemical, an obvious choice.

What is it like being a part of Ohio’s entrepreneurial community?
From a student’s perspective, I think it is really interesting and exciting being a part of a start-up company in Ohio’s entrepreneurial community.  Working for large corporations you learn a lot of great information and about the way things are done, but at a start-up everything is new and you really feel like you are making a difference in the way the company is operating, which I think is something a lot of people want to be able to do.

What drew you to Centerline Biomedical?
I was astounded when I learned that in today’s age there isn’t a better way of surgical imaging and I think that Centerline will change that.  Like most people, I’ve always wanted to be able to help others and being able to be a part of an opportunity like this and be able to use my education and experiences seemed like the perfect platform.  Additionally, I think that this opportunity gives me a chance to learn a lot of things both of which I have and haven’t been exposed to yet.

You have been here for a few weeks, how has your experience been so far?
My experience has been great so far.  In the few weeks that I have been here, I’ve really been able to see the work and passion it takes to grow a company.  It has been really interesting learning more about the medical field and the new skills applicable to my work.  I’ve also had the opportunity to do some cross-disciplinary work which is something that I was really looking forward to coming into the internship.