In this installment of the Meet the Fall 2021 RAPID® Interns spotlight series, we are highlighting three interns in the Fall 2021 program. Scroll down to learn more about Aime Laurent Twizerimana, a Ph.D. candidate at University of Pittsburgh; Simon Velasquez, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kansas; and Ryan Stucky, a senior at Auburn University who is currently in a co-op with IntraMicron, inc.
Aime Laurent Twizerimana
Aime Laurent Twizerimana, a 2nd-year Ph.D. Student at the University of Pittsburgh, is working on a research project "Liquid metal catalysis for intensified hydrocarbon processing" in Professor Götz Veser's lab. Aime is currently working on screening liquid metal alloy systems that have catalytic activity to hydrocarbon dehydrogenation reaction. Using ethane dehydrogenation as a model reaction, the research involves designing and conducting experiments that can capture catalytic activity in liquid metal alloy systems.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to be a researcher at a chemical company, with a focus in creating more sustainable and green processes.
What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?
The RAPID internship program was a great opportunity to learn more about process intensification and how it can be applied to my research. It has improved my design strategies and my approach to problem solving. This internship was also a great opportunity for professional development and networking. I would recommend it to any student who wants to improve their research design strategies and their professional career.
Simon Velasquez Morales
Simon Velasquez Morales, a 4th-year Ph.D. Student at the University of Kansas, is working on the research project "Continuous Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals: Addressing Mass Transfer Limitations" in the Allgeier Research Group. Simon aims to design and build a continuous mesoscale tubular reactor and user interface for data acquisition and process control. In addition, contrast performance of a benzonitrile hydrogenation with a homogeneous iron catalyst between a semi-batch and continuous reactor. Simon seeks to optimize reactor and reaction conditions to address mass transfer limitations.
What are your career aspirations?
As a research scientist in the chemical space, I aspire to find meaningful and sustainable solutions that help address the U.N sustainable development goals and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?
Process Intensification (PI) is changing the chemical engineering paradigm and the RAPID Intern Program is not only catalyzing the development of new technology, but educating generations of scientists redefine the way unit operations are designed and operated.
Ryan Stucky
Ryan Stucky, a Senior at Auburn University, is working on the research project "Scaling and Optimizing Microfibrous Materials Production for Advanced Product Manufacutring" as an intern with IntraMicron. Ryan's task has been to decrease microfibrous material production time by converting it from a batch to a continuous process through the implementation of new techniques and equipment.
What are your career aspirations?
To develop solutions that increase the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes.
What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?
The RAPID Intern Program has expanded my knowledge of process intensification and modularization while teaching me to expand my approach to problem-solving beyond traditional methodology.
*The RAPID Intern Program is an exciting opportunity for students working with RAPID members. It is a virtual PI leadership program which overlays on the work students are already doing at RAPID member organizations and provides students with PI leadership training and professional development skill-building opportunities like networking, career discovery, and public speaking/presenting. Click here for more information and to nominate a student.