Designed to Innovate
When Taylor Kohnow '22 landed a co-op at a cutting-edge robotics start-up in Philadelphia, the experience helped her map out a career as a robotics engineer.
- School of Engineering
The world of robotics offers a diverse and constantly evolving landscape, and Taylor Kohnow ‘22 wants to experience it all. From programming to product design and development, Kohnow is inspired by the various applications within this innovative discipline.
She took advantage of Widener’s robust co-op program to gain industry-level experience early in her college career. That real-world experience not only broadened her academic experience, but gave her an introduction to the cutting-edge profession she is preparing to enter.
I’m learning a lot of things that can only be learned through experience and not classroom learning. It’s really exciting that I can get this experience while still in school. – Taylor Kohnow ‘22
As a member of her high school robotics team, Kohnow learned the fundamentals of robotics and envisioned a future in the groundbreaking industry. When Widener launched a robotics engineering undergraduate program in 2018, the first-in-the area, it was an opportunity for Kohnow to follow her career goals.
Kohnow came to Widener as a student in the university's inaugural robotics engineering class. Once on campus, she joined various groups that peaked her interests such as the Robotics Club and Society of Women Engineers. Surrounded by like-minded classmates, supportive faculty and an active campus community, Widener quickly became her second home.
In her sophomore year, Kohnow connected with the Career Design and Development Office to pursue a co-op that would offer hands-on experience in the field. She secured a 4-month co-op at a leading start-up robotics firm in nearby Philadelphia. The semester-long experience built on Kohnow’s classroom lessons as she worked alongside industry leaders to develop, build, and test automated drones.
Her co-op put her on track to return to the classroom with invaluable experience that gives her an advantage. When she graduates, she will be prepared to emerge as a leading professional equipped with the skills and experience to make a lasting impact.
