From Classroom to Cutting Edge: Penn State Students Innovate at Zoll Medical

What happens when classroom theory meets real-world innovation? Last month, a group of Penn State students found out firsthand on a field trip to Zoll Medical, a global leader in life-saving technology. The visit was not just a tour—it was the capstone experience for students who completed the Siemens Leading Through Innovation micro credential series.

Sponsored by Siemens and powered by Penn State industry connections, the experience offered students a unique opportunity to explore advanced manufacturing, meet alumni in the field, and put their skills to the test in a real-world design challenge.

THE EXPERIENCE

At Zoll Medical, students toured the facility guided by none other than Jim Santini, Penn State alum and head of advanced manufacturing. They saw how life-saving devices like LifeVest defibrillators are built—gaining insights into everything from lean processes to supply chain strategy.

What made it even more meaningful was hearing Jim’s journey from Penn State student to industry leader. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible with the right skills, mindset, and connections.

THE CHALLENGE

After the tour, students headed to the Digital Foundry at Penn State New Kensington for a design sprint. Their challenge: propose innovative solutions to real problems inspired by Zoll.

Working in teams, students applied what they had learned through their Siemens micro credentials—digital twins, process improvement, and innovation leadership—to quickly ideate and present practical ideas. Industry partners from Siemens and Zoll offered feedback, and the students impressed with their creativity and confidence.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This experience highlights the value of experiential learning in today’s job market. Traditional lectures can only go so far—students need to see how innovation works in the real world.

Programs like the Siemens Leading Through Innovation Series bridge the gap between education and industry. Each micro credential focuses on skills employers need now: systems thinking, rapid prototyping, and data-driven decision-making. These are not just nice-to-have skills—they’re must-haves for future engineers.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Here’s what makes this program stand out:

• Modular Learning: Four short, skill-focused credentials stack into a powerful toolkit.
• Industry Collaboration: Built in partnership with Siemens and connected to real companies like Zoll.
• Hands-On Challenges: Students solve real problems, not hypotheticals.
• Alumni Engagement: Penn Staters like Jim Santini show students what’s possible.

As one student put it: “Seeing the real thing made everything we learned come to life.”

“Watching students engage directly with engineers at Zoll Medical was incredibly powerful. It’s one thing to teach innovation in the classroom; it’s another to see students light up when they realize they can actually do it.” Penn State Instructor Brad Groznik

Students interested in joining the next cohort can visit eship.engr.psu.edu. Industry partners looking to collaborate or host a future experience can contact our team—we are always looking to build new bridges between Penn State and the world of innovation.

Ready to turn ideas into action?
Whether you want to lead a startup, innovate inside a company, or launch your own venture, these courses are your launchpad. Build real businesses, develop real products, and connect with a powerful network of entrepreneurial peers. Seats are limited — declare your minor or certificate and register now to secure your spot. Your future as a leader and innovator starts here.