Two Kishwaukee College students participated in science-based learning opportunities during the 2025-2026 school year through the Robert L. "Smitty" Smith Assistantship.
The assistantship offers hands-on learning and research opportunities under the supervision of Kish faculty for students pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) programs. In 2021, Dr. Dale and Sharon Evans established the assistantship through the Kishwaukee College Foundation with a donation honoring former science instructor Robert L. "Smitty" Smith. Crediting instructors like Smith for providing mentorship and educational opportunities during their time at Kish, the Evanses established the assistantship to provide STEM options to a new generation of students.
During the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, Irving Escalante and Jayson Quintero participated in the assistantship under the guidance of James Mais, Assistant Professor of Physics, and Kimberly Mais, Assistant Professor of Physics. Escalante and Quintero spent extensive time learning and working with the College's Fusion3 3D printer, where they built prototypes and created computer-aided design models for future engineering students to follow. Building on the skills they learned while working on the 3D printer, Escalante and Quintero developed a robotic arm as an outside project.
Additionally, Escalante and Quintero aided in testing and improving laboratory exercises for physics and circuit analysis labs, helping create a stronger connection between what Kish students learn in lecture and their hands-on lab assignments. They also helped migrate and set up the physics lab's electronic equipment.
"It was a great experience to work 'outside of the classroom setting' on projects with faculty. It was inspiring to work through various projects with the flexibility to explore our interests," Escalante and Quintero wrote of their experience.
Learn more about the Kishwaukee College Foundation at kish.edu/foundation.
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