Summer Research Internship for UAE National Undergraduate Students Begins at Masdar Institute

Four-Week Program Offers Six Research Projects Focusing on Water, Solar Energy and Fuel Cell

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 30 June, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced the beginning of the four-week summer research internship program for the UAE national undergraduate students.

Among them, six students are from the University of Sharjah, two each from Abu Dhabi University and University of Arizona, and one each from HCT Sharjah, The University of Edinburgh and The American University of Ras Al Khaimah. The program offers a total of six research projects focusing on water, solar energy and fuel cell – areas that are identified as strategically important to the UAE.

Out of a large number of applications, the selection panel chose candidates who showed a strong inclination in clean energy and sustainable advanced technology research. The eligibility criteria for students included Science or Engineering as ‘major' subjects in the degree course, a GPA of no less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (or equivalent) along with a letter of recommendation.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “The projects are specifically chosen to allow the interns gain insights into advanced research and development, while enriching their laboratory experience at Masdar Institute. The UAE leadership's consistent support has enabled Masdar Institute to become a leading research-based academic institution, dedicated to Abu Dhabi's human capital development. We hope the interns will be actively involved in the research projects and enrich themselves with fresh skills to lead innovation in clean technologies.”

Among the projects that were offered for internship, Dr Bruce Walker Fergusson, Professor, Engineering Systems management, is heading a ‘Case Study Development' project, while Dr Hector Hernandez, Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering, is leading the project on ‘Isolation of Camels Rumen Microbes Implicated in Methane Production'.

Dr. Simo Pehkonen, Professor - Chemical Engineering, handles the project titled ‘Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Using Palm Date Fruit', while Dr. Mahieddine Emziane, Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, is responsible for a project on ‘Technologies and Applications of Solar Cells'.

Dr Clara Dimas, Assistant Professor - Microsystems Engineering, will guide the interns for a project titled ‘Real-Time Continuous Water Quality Sensors', and Dr. Adel Gougam, Assistant Professor - Material Science & Engineering, runs the research project on ‘Comparison of high efficiency Si PV solar cells'.

During the internship program, students will acquire new insights into the scientific process while learning ways to apply their knowledge in technical and laboratory skills. They will also work with their professor guides and learn to handle the most advanced equipment at the cutting edge laboratories in Masdar Institute.

At the end of the program, students' works on select projects will be showcased through poster presentations at a special ceremony. 

Masdar Institute's academic programs aim to develop human capital and build a sound R&D infrastructure in the UAE that contributes to Abu Dhabi's objective of developing a knowledge-based economy. At the same time, the summer research program, which is part of Masdar Institute's outreach initiative, seeks to build on the capabilities of undergraduate students who have the drive and intention to identify niche technology areas for further innovation.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar's core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity's toughest challenges such as climate change.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.