Medical devices exec touts UC co-op
Gentherm Medical exec talks to Medium about UC co-ops, innovation and research
An alumnus from the University of Cincinnati talked to Medium about the speed of innovation in medical devices, the value of UC co-ops and how a UC engineering lab helped launch his career.
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science doctoral graduate Adam Hauke shared his early days in medical devices, developing new sensors that track chemicals in a person's sweat in Professor Jason Heikenfeld's Novel Device Lab.
“The experience and mentorship I received there taught me how to work in complete whitespace,“ he told Medium. “It gave me confidence that I can dive into something new.“
By the time I graduated, I had an engineering degree. But more importantly, I was prepared for industry.
UC graduate Adam Hauke, Gentherm Medical
Hauke said he was a big proponent of experience-based learning like the kind UC delivers in its nationally renowned cooperative education program. It's a system Hauke came to value in his former life as a building tradesman, where he learned under the mentorship of an experienced foreman.
“I saw the same principle at the University of Cincinnati, where the co-op program is the cornerstone of the engineering program,“ Hauke said.
UC pioneered co-op in 1906. This structured program provides paid, full-time professional work in the student's chosen field of study.
Today, UC is ranked third in the nation for co-ops and internships and No. 1 among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Hauke had multiple co-ops at GE Aviation while earning a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering.
“Every other semester, I rotated through different roles, applying classroom theory in the real world. Those experiences taught me technical skills, business fundamentals and the teamwork and leadership skills that could not be learned from a textbook.
“By the time I graduated, I had an engineering degree. But more importantly, I was prepared for industry.“
He remained at UC, earning a doctorate in electrical and electronics engineering.
Hauke went on to work for several medical device companies specializing in surgical robotics and sweat sensors. Today, he is global director of product strategy & innovation at Gentherm Medical, which makes a variety of products for hospitals and clinics.
He said he works to give clinicians the best possible tools to deliver the best outcomes for patients.
“That's a responsibility I take very seriously,“ he told Medium.
Featured image at top: UC graduate Adam Hauke holds up a sweat sensor in Professor Jason Heikenfeld's lab in a 2019 photo. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
UC graduate Adam Hauke works in Professor Jason Heikenfeld's Novel Devices Lab in this 2019 file photo. Today, Hauke is a director with Gentherm Medical. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
UC co-op program: Frequently Asked Questions
What is co-op at the University of Cincinnati?
UC defines cooperative education, or co-op, as meaningful, career-oriented, compensated workplace experiences. Co-op is a structured program where students complete academic coursework and get a paid job in their field of study, graduating with both a degree and real-world professional experience.
Find more info: What is co-op in college? How cooperative education works
Are UC co-op positions paid?
Many UC co‑ops are paid, full‑time roles. Students often use co‑op earnings to help cover tuition and living expenses, which can reduce the need for loans and improve the overall return on investment of their degree.
Learn more: How cooperative education and paid experience change the ROI equation
Which majors offer co-op, and where do UC students work?
Co‑op is deeply integrated into programs in engineering, design, information technology, business, arts, sciences and more, with support from the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. UC is committed to offering all students career-building, real-world experiences related to their field.
UC students co‑op in Cincinnati, across Ohio, throughout the U.S. and abroad with employers ranging from startups, design studios and nonprofits to hospitals, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
How does co-op help UC students after graduation?
By graduation, many Bearcats have up to 1.5 years of career‑related experience, strong resumes and professional networks. A significant number receive full‑time job offers from their co‑op employers, which is why the University of Cincinnati is widely recognized as the global founder of cooperative education and a national leader in co‑ops and internships.
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