“I now consider research as a possible alternative for my future. I enjoyed research in my internship experience. Perhaps I might want to work in R&D for a company as well. I liked how my role had various diverse tasks, including design, CAD, algebraic and physical models, computational modeling, prototyping, and testing. It made me realize that I want to have a job with various different responsibilities to keep me interested.”
Helena's story
Majoring in mechanical engineering, Helena De Figueiredo Valente '28 interned in the Industrial Electronics Department during the summer of 2026. Her internship involved working on a soft robotic knee exoskeleton to assist injured workers with tasks such as bending and lifting heavy weights.
“I learned that I am capable of living on my own in a new country. I also learned how to relax, and how to be social with people from different backgrounds. This experience showed me a nice way of life different from the one I was used to, and helped me get a sense of the options I have for my life. I also became a lot more confident because I was able to live on my own."Helena De Figueiredo Valente '28
Major and Class Year
Mechanical Engineering (6), Class of 2028
MISTI program
Internship
Location
Portugal
Host
University of Minho (UMinho)