The UNH InterOperability Laboratory (IOL) is a technology testing lab that provides full-scale testing of the devices we use in our daily lives. UNH student interns work at the lab to gain experience and get a head start on their professional careers.
David '25 and Ayeden '25, two UNH students, share their experiences about working at the UNH IOL and what they have gained from the opportunity. Learn more about their experience and insights below.
What is the UNH InterOperability Lab or IOL?
The IOL, located on UNH's Durham campus, is a technology testing lab that is unique in that it is industry-driven and university-based. Undergraduate students who are pursuing their degree while working at the lab get paid and have the opportunity to operate, test and improve real-life products from companies around the world, such as Apple, Dell and Microsoft.
At the IOL, students get unparalleled opportunities to interact with experienced engineers, network with professionals in the industry and gain practical experience, which prepares them for a seamless transition into the job market.
Check out this video to learn more
-
David Scarborough '25, Computer Science Major
-
Ayeden Rios '25, Electrical Engineering Major
What is your major?
David:
I am a computer science major here at UNH.
Ayeden:
I am an electrical engineering major and I plan to graduate in May 2025.
Why did you decide to work at the IOL?
David:
I was looking for an internship or job in the tech field. I had heard about the IOL from a few friends and knew that various people in my major worked there. Along with the ads I saw around Kingsbury, the IOL seemed like it was the ideal place to be to get a head start in the professional workplace!
Ayeden:
I heard from another electrical engineering major that they were working at a local internship already during their sophomore year. This person told me about the IOL and the great opportunities there are to apply the knowledge learned from class into real-world testing or developing test equipment. As someone who couldn’t wait to put the theory of class into practice, I applied at the IOL and was graciously accepted into the Baseband team.
What have you learned from your time at the IOL so far?
David:
I’ve learned a pretty great combination of skills ranging from technical, problem-solving, team collaboration, project management and professional speaking that will undoubtedly be utilized for the rest of my career. I’ve learned how to communicate issues among a team better than I’ve ever known how to do. I’ve also had the privilege of communicating directly with vendors while testing their products that will be used by actual people in the real world.
Ayeden:
The IOL has provided me with many opportunities to learn about different job aspects of what an electrical engineer does every day. The IOL has taught me how to perform conformance testing of vendors' devices against the IEE 802.3 standard for ethernet networks, specifically for 10/100/1000-megabyte speeds. As a result of this training, I have gained knowledge on how to build, run and maintain device testing code using Bitbucket/Jira. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to learn about different types of in-house soldering and PCB design from my fellow students. Finally, I learned how to communicate with a team of engineers to get a job done on time and how important it is to ask questions on a project when stuck!
Ayeden working on a hackathon project with a team in the IOL.
What is something that most people don't know about working at the IOL?
David:
The lab works with a LOT of different technologies. Chances are, the IOL has worked with or tested tech in any device that you use every day. We deal with the building blocks of the future, too—in my test group, we are one of only a few labs in the world that are certified to test for a specific device certification!
Ayeden:
The IOL consists of many majors, not just the technical or engineering ones. For example, within my team (Baseband or Ethernet) and a couple of others, there are business majors who absolutely crush their job doing engineering testing! Also, this is a paid year-round internship. So, if it is possible to maintain an internship and school at the same time, apply for the IOL.
The IOL is one of the most understanding organizations I have ever worked with due to the fact that they are a part of UNH so they understand the coursework load and personal things that may be going on in your life and are flexible to make it all work. Most of the staff/managers were UNH students at one point or another, so expressing similar issues they may have encountered in the past is extremely beneficial. The IOL employees also cover all the business costs of Hop and Grind due to how much we eat there (Just kidding, but we do love their food!).
What excites you the most about the rest of your time at UNH?
David:
I’m excited to be the best I can be at whatever tech-related things I am working with for the remainder of my time here. Getting better at what I do is a big source of motivation for me. I hope to have a great senior project next year and to continue working at the lab until I graduate.
Ayeden:
What I am most excited about for the rest of my time here at the IOL is learning more about PCB development and learning new test plans. The more I can understand what the IEEE tests are actually measuring and how that measurement is taken, the more it will allow me to become a better circuit builder. I would also like to become more of a team leader in the future because of the experience I now have under my belt from working here for around two years. Finally, but most importantly, I would like to acquire new knowledge and learn where my mind works the best compared to when I feel overwhelmed.
What advice do you have for UNH students considering working at the IOL?
David:
Do it. Having a job like this isn’t just a good way to learn new stuff—for me, a massive part of it is the routine. I really enjoy going to work knowing that I am doing something beneficial and useful, and it makes the rest of my day feel that much more productive. Also, it is simply the best way at UNH to get ahead in terms of professional experience, and really stick out to future employers.
Ayeden:
Many students are applying, but don’t give up! If you aren’t accepted the first time, don’t take it personally, as your specialties may be required soon. Just give it your best shot and try hard in school, as great workers are made from good habits like schoolwork. The IOL is a great place for learning skills that you will take out into the real world, and what you put in for work is what you will get out in experience!
Learn more about the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
related posts:
Justin's UNH Day in the Life
Let's explore the UNH InterOperability Laboratory (IOL) with Justin Choquette '24, a computer science major and student intern at the IOL. read more about justin
