"During my internship there, I was part of a multidisciplinary team working on a medical device project aimed at improving breast pump technology. Our main objective was to design a more efficient and user-friendly breast pump, focusing on increasing milk extraction and overall usability. My contributions to the project included conducting initial market research, participating in brainstorming sessions, helping with the mechanical design, developing the CAD models of the product, and writing sections of the academic paper that documented our project."
Amanda's story
Mechanical engineering major Amanda Chung '27 had the opportunity to experience user-centered design firsthand in the biomedical field at Universidad Panamericana Aquascalientes in Mexico during the summer of 2025.
"While MIT has a strong culture of collaboration, I found that in Mexico, collaboration was even more deeply integrated into daily work life. Conversations at work often extended beyond the project, touching on personal lives, current events, or whatever was relevant at the time. While I still prefer a bit more structure, I’ve grown to appreciate the importance of relationship-building in collaborative environments. My favorite part of the MISTI experience was having the opportunity to explore a country I likely wouldn’t have visited on my own—all without the stress of managing finances. It gave me the freedom to fully immerse myself in a new culture, meet new people, and gain perspectives I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise."Amanda Chung '27
Major and Class Year
Mechanical Engineering (2), Class of 2027
MISTI program
Internship
Location
Mexico
Host
Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes