Three Virginia State University Engineering Students Complete Transformative Internships At CCAM

The internships provided real-world experience and mentorship, equipping VSU students with skills to thrive in advanced manufacturing.

From left to right: Keasara Etienne, Dante Clark, and Naima Fagon, Virginia State University engineering students who completed summer internships at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM).

Virginia State University is proud to recognize three engineering students who recently completed summer internships at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM). The interns were Dante Clark (Class of 2026), Keasara Etienne (Class of 2027), and Naima Fagon (Class of 2028).

The CCAM Internship Program matches each intern with a technical expert CCAM researcher to learn from an industry professional while getting valuable hands-on experience.

The internships were made possible through a $3 million National Science Foundation grant establishing the Trojan Center for Emerging Engineering Research, which connects VSU students with transformative opportunities such as the CCAM program.

“We are grateful to CCAM for providing our students with a platform to learn directly from industry experts,” said Dr. Ali Ansari, an Engineering Professor and principal investigator for the grant. Through the Trojan Center for Emerging Engineering Research, VSU is building pathways that connect our students with the skills and experiences needed to lead in the future of engineering and manufacturing.”

Founded in 2010, CCAM is an applied research center with members from industry, universities, and government. Its mission is to deliver high-impact advanced manufacturing solutions through expertise, technologies, and strategic partnerships. VSU is one of CCAM’s five Academic Members, collaborating through advanced research and helping to develop the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Virginia State University applauds Clark, Etienne, and Fagon for their dedication and success, which reflect the University’s commitment to preparing future leaders in engineering and beyond.