Pilot Internship Program Pairing Shenendehowa Robotics Team Members with Local Technology Firm a Success

"Members of the Shenendehowa Robotics Team 'Team 20: The Rocketeers' hand-picked to participate in prestigious summer internship make a lasting impression on local firm mySmartSimulations, Inc."

CLIFTON PARK, NY (August 28, 2007) - When Karen Cornelius, COO of mySmartSimulations, Inc., saw members of the Shenendehowa Robotics Team presenting to the Clifton Park Town Board early this summer, she knew the firm would benefit from fresh young minds interested in the world of technology. mySmartSimulations, a six year old company based in Saratoga Springs, specializes in the development of truly interactive simulation-based training content for a vast array of industries. Their customers include billion dollar manufacturers and the NYS Division of Criminal Justice as well as small and medium sized companies. Cornelius contacted the robotics team members, who were willing to come to a presentation given by the firm the night before their high school graduation.

"The fact that these kids were willing to come listen to what mySmartSim had to offer the night before one of the most important events in their lives solidified my instinct that they'd make excellent interns," said Cornelius, "now that the inaugural internship program has been completed, we at mySmartSimulations look forward to building a long partnership with Shenendehowa's Robotics Team."

Three students were picked to participate in the internship program after a series of interviews with Jonathan Lane; Director of Project Development, resume evaluations, and online tests. During the course of their internship, the students participated in the use of simulation-based training with the help of Haptic strategies, a 3D technology that allows users to feel depth, texture and resistance. This type of technology is particularly useful for nurses and surgeons training in device assembly, utilization, and surgical technique. The interns were also exposed to the development of courses utilizing mySmartsim's patent-pending authoring tool which is currently being positioned for acquisition because of its track record of the past two years. Still, the busy atmosphere was no trouble for the interns, who worked with minimal supervision, met deadlines, and turned in work summaries outlining daily activities, as well as plans for the week ahead.

"mySmartSim plans to make a presentation to this year's Robotics Team members once Shenendehowa is back in session this Fall" explained Mr. Lane. "We hope to attract a new group of interns and offer them a flexible schedule while they are in school."

The Shenendehowa Robotics Team is a founding team in the US FIRST Robotics program, a program conceived by inventor Dean Kamen as a vehicle to inspire young people to pursue careers in Math, Engineering, Science, and Technology. The program also inspires to build participants' self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

The Robotics Team's pilot interns Joe Barra and Kevin Hexemer are now students at Binghamton University, while Courtney Moore is entering her sophomore year at RPI, and plans to return to Shenendehowa as a mentor for the Robotics team. All three students are thrilled to report that the opportunity to return to their internships at mySmartSimulations during breaks from college is a distinct possibility.