Developing the Next Generation of Innovators

Each summer, Toray’s internship program brings together talented students to work on meaningful projects. The program emphasizes professional growth, collaboration, and hands-on experience in materials engineering, manufacturing, and business operations. With mentorship from experienced professionals, this year’s interns expanded their technical and problem-solving skills.

Our interns worked with engineers and technical experts to gain real-world insight into how advanced materials move from research to production. Whether studying resin performance, developing testing procedures, or improving manufacturing, they helped solve challenges with measurable impact.

Below, three of our 2025 interns—Cole Bauersfeld, Nikki Lago, and Jackson Scharf—share their experiences, lessons learned, and advice for future interns at Toray. Their stories reflect the curiosity, collaboration, and drive that define the spirit of our internship program.

Cole Bauersfeld

Department: Technical and CMRL
Title/Role: Technical Engineering Intern
School and Major: Oregon State University, Mechanical Engineering

What projects or assignments did you enjoy the most?
My project this summer was centered around studying resin properties, which I found engaging and interesting. I really enjoyed the hands-on work on producing and testing resins and prepregs, and gained a much deeper understanding of composite materials.

What has it been like working with your team or manager?
Working in the CMRL was great. I felt welcomed and supported by everyone I worked with. They were always willing to help me out or explain something if I had questions, and made working there over the summer really enjoyable.

What accomplishments during your internship are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the findings from the prepreg testing I ran with different resin recipes. It was interesting to see how different formulations impacted different properties, and it felt good to see the culmination of my work in the end. Hopefully, my work provides a general direction for future resin development and testing.

How has this internship shaped your perspective on future career goals?
Working at Toray was very eye-opening to the world of composite materials and the industry. The internship has definitely given me a greater interest in pursuing a career in the composites industry and has shown me many different paths I could take to end up in the composites field.

What advice would you give future interns at Toray?
My advice would be to ask questions whenever you can. Everyone is willing to give advice or help you out, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn from and connect with those around you who have lots of knowledge and experience.

Nikki Lago

Department: Manufacturing Management
Title/Role: Project Management Intern
School and Major: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Computer Science & UI/UX

What projects or assignments did you enjoy the most?
I found the Business Continuity Plan project to be the most rewarding. It offered meaningful insight into how Toray CMA operates and how its departments collaborate to deliver products.  I especially enjoyed learning more about business operations and risk management, as well as working alongside people with such a wide range of skills and expertise.

What has it been like working with your team or manager?
Working with my managers was a great experience. They gave me an ideal balance of guidance and independence, which helped me develop both my confidence and capability. By the end of my internship, I was able to take greater ownership of my work and contribute more independently, which fostered a more collaborative environment.

What accomplishments during your internship are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my contributions to the Business Continuity Plan. This project strengthened my project management skills, particularly in interdepartmental communication, planning and coordination, and leadership. Over time, I gained the confidence to lead meetings, actively participate in discussions, and share updates with project stakeholders to gather input from others.

How has this internship shaped your perspective on future career goals?
This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in project management. I learned about the importance of cross-functional collaboration and that a clear planning structure is the best way to set a project up for success. Moving forward, I feel confident in my abilities and reassured knowing that the skills I’ve gained will support me in any future career opportunity.

What advice would you give future interns at Toray?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! At the beginning, you’ll be introduced to a lot of new information, and it’s natural not to be familiar with every term or abbreviation. You’re not expected to know everything right away, and many people are more than willing to offer guidance and support.

Jackson Scharf

Department: Technical Services
Title/Role: M&P Engineering Intern
School and Major: University of Washington, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Which projects or assignments did you enjoy the most?
My favorite project at Toray was developing a new testing procedure. I got to spend time working alongside technicians and consulting with engineers about my project. Additionally, I had the chance to visit a UW lab to observe a similar test. I performed hands-on trials and pinpointed areas for improvement. This project stands out because of the lasting impact I made and the value I contributed to the Tech Services team.

What has it been like working with your team or manager?
I met my mentor at a SAMPE event the summer before my internship at CMA and contacted him when I applied to Toray. With some prior experience, he trusted me to handle my own projects and learn from them along the way, but he was always ready to answer any questions I had. Within the Tech Services team, I felt a close connection with everyone. I frequently participated in side projects, some of which evolved into larger ones, enabling me to get to know my team better and expand my knowledge.

What accomplishments during your internship are you most proud of?
I am especially proud of the contributions I made to my team members’ projects, which will have a lasting impact beyond my internship at Toray. It’s fulfilling to see that the projects I contributed to directly benefited my team and our customers.

How has this internship shaped your perspective on future career goals?
This internship allowed me to explore different data science and analysis applications in composites, and I discovered that I genuinely enjoy this field. I found satisfaction in using data tools to analyze and address physical problems.

What advice would you give future interns at Toray?
Every Toray engineer is excited to discuss your projects or theirs with you, and if something piques your interest, don’t hesitate to ask! It may seem overwhelming initially, but gradually you’ll recognize familiar words and phrases, realizing you’re speaking the same engineering language as everyone else. Don’t hesitate to try everything; one of the most valuable lessons is discovering what you don’t enjoy doing!