Every summer, COLSA welcomes a new class of Trailblazers, students who bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to jump in and learn. This year’s interns represented colleges and universities across the country, pursuing degrees in fields ranging from engineering and computer science to business, English, UX design, and data science.
Throughout the summer, interns had the opportunity to do more than contribute to projects within their departments. They connected with leaders across the company through Lunch & Learns, participated in networking events and professional development sessions, and wrapped up the summer by presenting their work during the annual Trailblazer Final Presentations. These experiences gave interns the opportunity to learn from one another while building skills and relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Meet the 2026 Trailblazers below.
Andra Dusin
Software Engineering | Mississippi State University | Software Engineering Intern
After learning about COLSA through a professional connection, Andra was excited by the opportunity to work alongside experienced software engineers and see how software development works outside of the classroom. While working on the SMaART2 application, Andra gained experience with AI development and helped build features that will support the application in deployment. Her work included setting up filtering within the app and developing a quote materials management feature.
Throughout the summer, her favorite part of the internship was getting to know her teammates, hearing about their journeys throughout their careers, and contributing to a project with a team. Although she worked remotely, she was surprised by how easy it was to build connections across the company. Outside of work, Andra enjoys developing virtual reality environments, experiences, and games.
Calli Chambers
English | The University of Alabama in Huntsville | Proposal Intern
As an English major with an interest in professional writing, Calli was excited to learn more about proposal development at COLSA. Alongside BI Cell intern Sarah Kelecy, Calli also researched potential contract opportunities for the Business Development team. Their work included reviewing past solicitation documents, researching customers and previous opportunities, comparing requirements with COLSA’s capabilities, and recommending next steps for future opportunities.
Over the summer, one of her favorite experiences was getting to know the Planning & Proposals team and seeing the proposal process from start to finish. She was also surprised by how many employees have built long careers at COLSA. Fun fact: she’s been to Disney World more than a dozen times!
Karen Pham
Cognitive Science & Data Science | University of California, Berkeley | UX/UI Design Intern
Karen was drawn to COLSA by the company’s values and the people she met throughout the interview process. As a UX/UI Design Intern with the COLSA Software Factory, Karen helped prototype new features and improve the design of internal tools used by COLSA employees. Her work focused on making these tools easier and more efficient to use, including improving data displays, developing a payroll dashboard, and redesigning program information pages.
During the summer, she enjoyed collaborating with her mentor, working on a variety of design projects, and being part of a team that genuinely wanted to see her succeed. Before joining COLSA, Karen spent two months living in London during another internship.
Kyle Kline
Master’s in Software Engineering | Rochester Institute of Technology | Uncrewed Systems Intern
The opportunity to work with emerging technologies brought Kyle to COLSA, where he spent the summer learning new technologies and gaining hands on experience in uncrewed systems. As part of the team, Kyle helped develop autonomous swarming software using ROS, writing C++ and Python code that enables drones to communicate and coordinate their movements.
One highlight of the internship was seeing how the team’s work with drones translates into real world applications. Outside of work, Kyle has spent the past several years writing a fantasy web series called Where Fairies Dwell.
Mohit Kolli
Computer Science | University of Maryland at College Park | Software Engineering Intern
Mohit joined the COLSA Software Factory for the opportunity to contribute to application development while learning from experienced developers. One of his projects involved a document chat application that allows users to ask questions and retrieve information from a knowledge base. Mohit developed a benchmark script and created simulated test cases to evaluate how well the application retrieves information and generates responses.
Throughout the summer, he built his software development, testing, and communication skills while working on RAG/LLM application development. He also appreciated the collaborative culture within the Software Factory. Outside of work, Mohit enjoys 3D printing and is currently rebuilding his printer.
Sarah Kelecy
Business Administration | Pikes Peak State College | BI Cell Intern
Sarah joined COLSA’s BI Cell to learn more about the government contracting side of business. She supported the Business Development team by researching potential contract opportunities and helping evaluate how they aligned with COLSA’s capabilities.
Throughout the summer, she enjoyed learning from teammates across different departments and seeing how every role contributes to the bigger picture. When she’s not at work, Sarah enjoys outdoor adventures and has even ridden her bike across the United States.
Seth Basler
Robotics | Colorado School of Mines | Uncrewed Systems Intern
Seth joined COLSA to gain hands-on experience with drone development and explore the technologies behind uncrewed systems. During the first half of his internship, he added custom features to QGroundControl and worked to connect the software with JTAC drones. In the second half, he shifted his focus to developing collision detection and avoidance capabilities using ROS 2.
He enjoyed learning from teammates with a wide range of backgrounds and seeing his work come to life through real-world drone testing. Before pursuing robotics, Seth worked as a whitewater rafting guide.
Scott Baker
Software Engineering | DePaul University | Uncrewed Systems Intern
Scott enjoyed spending the summer exploring the possibilities of uncrewed systems software while working on a team that welcomed new ideas and teamwork. Much of Scott’s work focused on developing autonomous swarming capabilities using ROS, including writing C++ and Python code that allows follower drones to make decisions based on data from a leader drone. He also spent time in the production facility, built his own JTAC drone, and began integrating terrain data to improve collision avoidance.
One of his favorite parts of the internship was seeing projects move from simulation to a real product and knowing his ideas could be part of the process. When he’s away from the office, Scott enjoys powerlifting.
Tyler Keller
Mechanical Engineering Technology | Kent State University | Engineering Intern
Tyler came to COLSA with an interest in aviation and uncrewed systems. Throughout the summer, he gained more than 100 hours of experience using SolidWorks to create and modify parts for multiple drones while also designing assembly jigs for COLSA’s new G1 fixed-wing aircraft. He brought those designs to life using Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printers, supporting the manufacturing process from design to production.
He especially enjoyed contributing to projects that supported the TStorm team and spending time in the production facility learning more about manufacturing. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him bass fishing.
To a Bright Future
As another summer with our Trailblazers comes to a close, we’re thankful for the time they spent with us and everything they brought to their teams. We hope they leave with new experiences, lasting connections, and a better understanding of where their careers can take them. We’re excited to see what’s next for each of them and wish them the very best.
