Kennesaw State student advances defense technology through internship at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

For Chandler Thornton, engineering is about pushing boundaries—and this summer, he’s doing just that at one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

Chandler is interning with the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance group within the Force Projection Sector at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL). His work involves developing embedded software and firmware in C/C++ for sophisticated sensor systems, rapidly prototyping solutions, and testing them in the field.

“This experience allows me to apply the technical skills I’ve gained at KSU in a real-world team setting,” Chandler said. “It’s also helping me build deeper expertise in embedded systems within the aerospace and defense field, where I plan to work after graduation.”

Chandler found the opportunity through an online job board and credits KSU’s diverse extracurricular offerings for helping him grow. “From my fraternity, Sigma Nu, to STEM competition teams, I’ve built soft skills and learned how to work on engineering projects as part of a team,” he said.

He’s especially grateful for the mentorship he’s received from professors like Billy Kihei and Scott Tuppens. “KSU professors are incredibly supportive and willing to work with students at any level to help them gain experience,” Chandler said.

One of his most impactful moments at KSU came during his freshman year, when he led his fraternity’s philanthropy efforts and raised nearly $7,000 for the Wounded Warriors Project. “That experience taught me how to lead, communicate, and execute plans as a team,” he said.

His advice to fellow Owls? “No matter your GPA, get involved. Network, build soft skills, and gain career-relevant experience. Put your best foot forward and good things will come.”