At Protostudios, we’re committed to more than just turning ideas into prototypes — we’re dedicated to shaping the next generation of industry-ready professionals. Our team of engineers and designers works closely with University of Iowa students, offering hands-on experience in CAD design, research, additive and subtractive manufacturing, and project management. This summer, one of our Senior Prototyping Student Associates, Adam Holmes, expanded on the skills honed at Protostudios during an internship with Shive-Hattery in Iowa City.
Putting Skills to Work
During his internship, Adam tackled a variety of challenging projects, leveraging his engineering knowledge and skills learned at Protostudios to make meaningful contributions:
- Site Documentation: Regular site visits, including explorations of the steam tunnels beneath the University of Iowa campus, provided Adam with hands-on experience in analyzing conditions, documenting construction progress, and proposing updates, all of which were crucial for preparing future infrastructure additions.
- Steam Line Analysis: Adam utilized CAESAR II software to model and analyze steam line assemblies, conducting stress analysis that led to proposed safety enhancements and infrastructure improvements at major Iowa universities.
- Design Software Training: With guidance from Shive-Hattery’s team, Adam received training in Revit, a standard architectural design software in civil engineering. He quickly applied his new skills to projects throughout his internship.
How Protostudios Prepared Adam for Success
Reflecting on his experience, Adam attributes much of his internship success to the foundational skills he gained at Protostudios. His experience in project management—where he learned to take ownership of projects, communicate effectively with clients, and manage deadlines—proved invaluable in the fast-paced environment at Shive-Hattery.
“The time management and project coordination skills I developed at Protostudios were incredibly helpful,” Adam shared. “Working on multiple projects simultaneously and communicating professionally with clients and contractors felt natural thanks to my Protostudios experience.”
Bringing Industry Insights Back to Protostudios
Adam’s internship not only allowed him to apply what he had learned at Protostudios but also provided him with fresh insights to bring back to our team. “Shive-Hattery has a well-structured approach to project management, with consistent templates and workflows,” he explained. “I’m excited to apply some of these strategies to enhance our workflow and team organization at Protostudios.”
Looking Ahead
This internship experience has reinforced Adam’s interest in design and solidified his desire to pursue a career in product development, potentially right here in Iowa City.
"I'm really grateful for the supportive supervisors and the wealth of skills I've gained," Adam reflected. “This experience has prepared me for whatever comes next in my career.”