Illustration seniors land NASA and Disney internships
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design seniors Grace Weisner 26 and Allison Stras 26 have landed the internship of their dreams: Weisner at NASA and Stras at Disney. Both are Illustration majors with minors in Communication Design.
Ive always been fascinated by space and often create fantastical or educational work inspired by it, Weisner says. I love space-related books and films and keeping up with NASA missions like the Artemis II launch!
Weisner has an Illustration & Communications Internship at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio. This internship feels like a dream opportunity, she says. These are very exciting times in the space industry, and Im so thrilled to be a part of it.
Grace Weisner
Grace Weisner, “Arctic Advent: A 24-day Arctic Wildlife Advent Calendar,” 2026.
Grace Weisner, “Arctic Advent: A 24-day Arctic Wildlife Advent Calendar,” 2026.
Grace Weisner, “Arctic Advent: A 24-day Arctic Wildlife Advent Calendar,” 2026.
Stras will be a Disney Consumer Products Graphic Design Intern. I have been interested in Disney for as long as I can remember and knew from a young age that Disney was the company I wanted to work for, says Stras. Ive always been really inspired by Disneys whimsy in their movies and parks and interested in Disney history.
Im excited to learn from more experienced designers and improve my skills as a designer. Also, the opportunity to meet other designers who love Disney and make new friends is so exciting!
Allison Stras
Allison Stras, “Seasons in Bloom!” 2026.
Allison Stras, “Seasons in Bloom!” 2026.
Stras_Allison Stras, “Seasons in Bloom!” 2026.
Both seniors offered career advice for current and future 91Ʒ students.
Weisner, who created the Wilder mascot for Penfield Childrens Center in collaboration with the 91Ʒ Lubar Innovation Center and interned at Discovery World and Charlesbridge Publishing, says, Future 91Ʒ students looking to gain professional experiences should actively seek out opportunities theyre passionate about.
Check platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn but also follow organizations directly since not all roles are widely posted. Apply early and let your genuine excitement shine through in your applications and interviews!
Stras suggests 91Ʒ students work hard on their projects and try to always create something they are proud of that they would be excited to share or put in their portfolio. I focused many of my illustration projects on a more design-oriented approach so I could use them in my graphic design portfolio.
The 2026 Senior Exhibition projects of Weisner and Stras are on view from April 17 May 9, 2026, on 91Ʒs campus. Weisner created Arctic Advent, a childrens 24-day Christmas pop-up advent calendar that aims to promote education about arctic wildlife in a fun and festive way.
Following her own advice, Stras created Seasons in Bloom! A collection of plates, bowls, cups and napkins for each season, in part, because I want to create a cohesive collection of designs for my portfolio.
Learn more about 91Ʒs Illustration major and 91Ʒ minors.
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