Hands-on site visit shows MechE students how engineering across disciplines drives real-world impact in the medtech industry.
A group of MIT Mechanical Engineering (MechE) students recently visited Lexington Medical, a company advancing surgical-stapling technology for global markets, to learn about medical-device design and manufacturing.
The site visit—coordinated by MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering—was hosted by Alina Lisanke, Director of Talent Acquisition, and offered students a firsthand look at how engineering, design, and business intersect in medical innovation.
Inside Lexington Medical
Guided by Head of Manufacturing Margaret Kosten (MIT MechE ’20), students toured Lexington Medical’s vertically integrated operations, spanning product design, development, manufacturing, and shipping. Moving through engineering labs, assembly spaces, and testing areas, they saw how teams develop surgical staplers for use in operating rooms and even adapt production equipment to meet the company’s high standards.
After exploring the workspaces, students tested surgical staplers on foam models, seeing how even the curve of a staple can affect patient outcomes. “We dream in B’s,” joked Director of Engineering Jameson Kief, referencing the company’s “B”-shaped staples—an optimized geometry continually refined to ensure consistent performance and patient safety.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session featuring Founder and CEO Leon Amariglio, EVP of Technology Andy Marecki (S.B., S.M. ’12, MIT MechE), Director of Engineering Jameson Kief (MIT MechE ’20), Engineering Manager Carolyn Mothersell, and Mechanical Engineer Melissa Hummel (MIT Bioengineering ’23, current MIT EMT). Speakers emphasized curiosity, collaboration, and adaptability as key drivers of innovation.
Engineering with purpose
“For me, the visit to Lexington Medical was an incredible experience,” said Francisco Jeldres, a master’s student in mechanical engineering and engineering management. “It was amazing to see firsthand how mechanical and electrical engineering come together in the medical device industry. Even without a medical device background, one can still find a way to contribute and learn—bringing different skills together toward a shared goal.”
Hummel’s path echoed that same spirit of discovery and collaboration. As an MIT Bioengineering student, she once planned to attend medical school, but her experience as an EMT and her internship at Lexington Medical helped her realize a passion for the technical side of medicine—developing devices that improve patient care every day.
“This was a great opportunity for students to connect their coursework to current innovation and manufacturing processes and to hear how this work has a real impact on the lives of patients,” said Theresa Werth, MIT Mechanical Engineering Program Manager.
“These visits are a two-way exchange,” added Alina Lisanke. “For our team, it’s inspiring to connect with future engineers who share our passion for precision and problem-solving. For students, it’s a chance to experience a culture that values speed, agility, and innovation.”
