Kennesaw State student engineers her future with robotics internship at Vanderlande

Arielle Charles is building more than just prototypes this summer—she’s building a future in robotics and automation.

As a Mechatronics Engineering Intern at Vanderlande, Arielle is applying her skills in 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and automation control to real-world engineering challenges. Her role includes designing and fabricating custom parts, programming PLCs, and testing physical systems to ensure performance and reliability.

“This internship is a transformative step in my journey,” Arielle said. “It’s giving me the hands-on experience I need to grow technically and professionally, and it’s already inspiring new ideas for my future senior design project.”

Arielle’s path to Vanderlande was shaped by her time at Kennesaw State University, where she immersed herself in research, leadership, and career development. Through the Mechatronics Engineering program, she gained deep knowledge in robotics and control systems. Her two years of undergraduate research, guided by mentors Dr. Muhammad H. Tanveer and Dr. Razvan C. Voicu, helped her develop critical thinking and technical expertise.

“Presenting my research at KSU’s undergraduate symposium was one of the most impactful moments of my college experience,” she said. “It challenged me to communicate complex ideas clearly and gave me the confidence to speak in front of professionals.”

Beyond academics, Arielle served as an Honors peer mentor and worked in the Department of Career Planning and Development, where she honed her communication, leadership, and public speaking skills. These experiences, she says, helped her become a more well-rounded and career-ready engineer.