Student selected for GE’s Edison Engineering Development Program

Peyton Panger

At least one member of the West Virginia University Class of 2019 already knows where she will be headed post-graduation.

Peyton Panger, mechanical and aerospace dual major and WVU Honors College student from Charleston, has been selected for GE’s Edison Engineering Development Program. The program provides entry-level engineering graduates with rotational assignments conducting engineering projects driven by real GE business priorities. Each GE business runs its own program, and candidates are required to apply for and rotate within the program at a specific business.

As part of the multi-year program, candidates complete advanced engineering coursework, earning credit toward a master’s degree in engineering.

Panger was introduced to the program during her first of three summer internships with GE Aviation.

“The stories people shared about their experience on program – the connections they made and the types of opportunities they received so soon out of college – combined with the free master’s degree made it a very enticing program,” Panger said. “I’ve worked with people in the program during my internships, and they are some of the smartest, most problem-solving oriented people I've ever met. I wanted to be a part of that exciting group of young professionals.”

“The applications for this prestigious national program are very competitive,” said Jacky Prucz, chair of the Department. “Peyton has met the high bar of GE’s admission standards and we take great pride in her accomplishments.”

In addition to her coursework, Panger has been active in a number of student organizations at WVU, including Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honorary, the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

While she is unsure what her first rotation will be when she joins GE Aviation next July, Panger does know she will be headed to their facility in Evandale, Ohio, site of two of her internships.

“GE Aviation is heavily involved in cutting-edge engine technology, which is an exciting world to be in regardless of your time spent in industry,” Panger said. “My ultimate career goal is to be a part of a new design program that brings supersonic, trans-Pacific flight to the ‘average’ consumer, and through the accelerated learning development offered by the Edison Program, I will gain the tools to be able to solve these problems of the future.”

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