Last month, Miami University biomedical engineering students and faculty joined Miami Healthcare Sales certificate students on a trip to Stryker’s headquarters in Michigan. Welcomed by CEC alumna Martha Harding '13 M.S. '15, a Sales Representative at Stryker ENT, these students experienced an immersive look at the world of medical device innovation. The visit offered firsthand insight into how engineers contribute to life-saving technology and what it means to work at a company where mission and culture go hand in hand.

For third-year undergraduate Brianne Snider, one of the most eye-opening aspects of the trip was witnessing the level of detail and teamwork present on the manufacturing floor. “Watching teams assemble hospital beds and stretchers by hand, with such precision and collaboration, gave me a new appreciation for the people behind the products that support frontline healthcare.”

Snider also noted the physical environment of the workplace, which challenged her expectations of what a corporate engineering space might look like. “One of the most surprising things I learned at Stryker was how open and collaborative the work environment is, far from the closed-off cubicles. The open layout in the manufacturing spaces fostered constant communication and teamwork, which made it clear how much value Stryker places on transparency, efficiency, and collective problem-solving.”

That emphasis on collaboration and innovation resonated deeply with many students, especially those starting to think more seriously about their careers. “This trip reaffirmed and strengthened my passion for healthcare and medical technology,” Snider said. “Experiencing the innovation firsthand and learning from leaders in the field helped me see how my future can intersect with meaningful work that directly improves patient care and hospital outcomes.”

For fellow undergraduate Hafsa El Harchi, the biggest surprise was the culture—and the hope it gave her about life after college. “I think that the most surprising thing I learned at Stryker, was how much where you choose to work, and the industry you go into matters,” she said. “You often hear conflicting thoughts about post-grad life and what it's like out in the ‘real world’...Getting a sneak peek of the work culture at Stryker was definitely a happy surprise.”

She was struck by the genuine relationships among employees and the way work-life balance was prioritized. “They were all so much more than coworkers, and that makes me optimistic about what is to come after my time at Miami.”

One moment that stood out to her came during a panel with several Stryker employees who were also Miami alumni. “As silly as it sounds, you don't really think that all the people out doing cool things in the world were ever in your seat, so it was truly incredible getting to see how far Miami alumni had gone.”

Her perspective shifted even more during a one-on-one conversation. “I was talking to one of the engineers, and upon telling him what degree I was pursuing, he said ‘Oh yeah! Benton Hall!’—which happens to be where I spend most of my days during the semester,” she recalled. “And that small interaction made me realize that people who were in the same shoes as me not that long ago... have gone on to do such great things.”

There were also moments of awe at just how tangible engineering innovation can be. “Another big moment was when a chief engineer was demoing his latest bone saw and just casually mentioned how his latest design included an adjustment to the handle that accommodates left handed surgeons.” El Harchi said seeing real-world applications of engineering work—designed by people not far removed from her own experience—left a lasting impact. “That small adjustment might seem insignificant, but it showed me how the engineers behind all that innovation are real people...and now their designs and innovations go on to help millions of people worldwide every day.”

To students considering a similar industry experience, El Harchi’s advice was enthusiastic and direct. “I would highly recommend taking full advantage of any visit or trip of this nature... A lot of these visits are also one of a kind and curated towards Miami students, so there is so much that you can learn from them. And let's be real, what other chances will you get to go on random industry trips just for fun?”