Exploration that Elevated Me to a Scholar: Is it Possible to Be a Designer and a Scholar at Once?
Stacey Huang, a student with a passion for engineering, embarked on an exciting journey during her sophomore summer at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute, Technical University of Clausthal. The project she worked on was funded by the Princeton Environmental Institute and was different from previous ones due to its open-ended nature and the lack of a definitive solution.
The project required a comprehensive understanding of the entire system, including resonant tuning forks and electronic components like transistors. Stacey leveraged her skills and experience, supplemented with extensive Google searching and literature review, to build a part of a methane sensor.
Initially, Stacey believed that engineers only build systems, not conduct research. However, through this project, she discovered that research is a process of forging a new path through learning and discovery, applicable to any discipline.
The project did not have a definitive solution, but Stacey left it with the confidence to build on what she was learning in the classroom to develop useful systems. She found great satisfaction in overcoming the challenges encountered during the project and learned a lot about circuit design and other electronic components.
Stacey's project involved developing, building, and testing circuits for a handheld methane sensor. Google and scholarly articles were crucial in filling knowledge gaps during the project.
The research institution collaborates with companies on a variety of projects, including ensuring wind turbine structural integrity and safer battery designs. This collaboration provided Stacey with a glimpse into the practical applications of her research.
Stacey's realization that she was a researcher will continue to drive her forward as both an engineer and a researcher. Her experience highlights the importance of research in engineering and the opportunities it presents for students to gain practical experience and develop their skills.
Research in engineering plays a crucial role in driving innovation, developing new technologies, and advancing knowledge within the field. It forms the foundation for practical problem-solving and the creation of novel engineering solutions that address real-world challenges.
For engineering students, gaining research experience can be achieved through several pathways, including participating in university research projects, engaging in internships or co-op positions, taking specialized courses or seminars, participating in competitions and simulations, and leveraging AI and modern research tools. These experiences help students build critical thinking, technical expertise, and familiarity with research workflows that are essential for careers in engineering research and development.
[1] Engineering Research and Development: Advancing Knowledge and Solving Real-World Problems
[2] The Role of Research in Engineering Education
[3] Research Opportunities for Engineering Students
[4] Careers in Engineering Research and Development
[5] AI and Modern Research Tools in Engineering
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