March CPI Intern of the Month: Christian Benner

Christian Benner is a senior electrical engineering major currently interning as an engineering laboratory assistant on Idaho State University’s Idaho Falls campus. Benner’s typical duties include instructing students in the electrical and computer engineering labs and maintain the laboratory equipment.

Benner has gained much more than just a paycheck from his internship.

“I have learned a lot from instructing my students, as well as learning the core material better myself,” explained Benner. “It has shown me that you never stop learning and has taught me that reviewing is the best reinforcement of education.”

In addition to his regular duties, Benner spent much of the fall 2023 semester creating laboratory spaces that provide accommodation to students with health conditions or impairments.

“Christian has gone above and beyond this semester setting up a weekly laboratory workspace for a disability accommodation,” stated Andrew Chrysler, electrical and computer engineering assistant professor and Benner’s supervisor. “He has continuously created the workspace, but also proactively worked with myself and the disability services office to create and improve laboratory accommodations. His hard work is creating valuable opportunities for other students.”

Originally from Tennessee, Benner expects to graduate this semester. He hopes to find a job at the Idaho National Lab where he can apply his degree and continue on his journey of discovery. In his spare time, Benner enjoys constructing things, playing videos games and practicing archery.