UC engineering students can co-op in research labs around the world
Students spent a semester in Taiwan as part of the Global Research Labs Program
More than 100 years ago, cooperative education (co-op) was invented at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science. Since then, UC has spent the last century fine-tuning and improving the program. The Global Research Labs Program is one of the most recent advancements in co-op opportunities for students.
Through this program, students can spend a semester (or two) participating in research in a lab at one of UC's partner universities around the world. This year, UC solidified its partnership with three Taiwanese universities: Feng Chia University, Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), and Taipei University of Science and Technology (Taipei Tech) and sent its first group of students there.
UC students in Taiwan. From left to right: Hesaree Wijethunga, Sai Abhishek Ketepally and Nicholas LaRosa.
"We advertised the opportunity to students, and applicants were matched with professors and labs that fit their interests," said Oxana Prokhorova, Director of Global Engagement for CEAS. "Three students went through the process and traveled to Taiwan."
Specifically, the students are in the city of New Taipei, which has a sister city relationship with Cincinnati. As the students were preparing to go, Prokhorova reached out to the Sister City Association in Cincinnati, as well as the Taiwanese Association of Greater Cincinnati and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. These organizations, as well as the New Taipei Education Department and Rotary Club in Taiwan were instrumental in assisting the UC students upon their arrival.
"These organizations were very welcoming and very helpful to the students. They arranged a dinner and an orientation for the students, as well as meeting them at the airport," Prokhorova said. "There were several days before the university housing opened for students, so local families took care of them and kind of adopted them for that time, which was very nice. We are grateful to our partner universities, volunteer organizations and coordinators."
"The people here are incredibly kind," said Hesaree Wijethunga, a UC chemical engineering student. "We've had the privilege of interacting with school principals from different institutions, as well as members of the Rotary Club in New Taipei City, who have been instrumental in ensuring our comfort and enjoyment since day one."
During their time in Taipei, students' main focus will be the research they are participating in with esteemed researchers at their respective Taiwanese universities. The research experience counts as one of the five co-op positions CEAS students undertake during their undergraduate program. There is a wide array of research opportunities for students, and when they apply, they will be matched with a university and mentor that fits their interests.
Engagement in undergraduate research opens up new opportunities and interests for students. Overall, it expands the future for them dramatically.
Oxana Prokhorova Director of Global Engagement for CEAS
Nicholas LaRosa shared that he enjoys learning about other cultures, leading him to take part in this program.
Nicholas LaRosa, UC electrical engineering student, is focusing his research on nanostructures, specifically the growth of anodic aluminum oxide, while Wijethunga's research work is focusing on Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, and the third student, Sai Abhishek Ketepally, focused his research on building an autonomous submarine using Robot Operating Systems. These three students participated in the same study abroad program, yet their experiences each were distinct and personalized.
"Engagement in undergraduate research opens up new opportunities and interests for students," Prokhorova said. "Overall, it expands the future for them dramatically."
Prokhorova believes every student should have the chance to study abroad. She shares that personal, cultural and academic benefits students gain from global experiences are invaluable. For many students it will be the first time they are truly on their own, pushed out of their comfort zone, and forced to adapt to a culture and language they do not know.
"I decided to participate in the program partly because I have been studying Chinese," LaRosa said. "I also enjoy learning about other cultures."
However, in Taiwan, even without speaking the language, students can be successful there due to the helpful and hospitable nature of the culture. As part of this program, though, UC students take language courses to help them better assimilate. The impact of this study abroad experience reaches far beyond the students' own experience. They are trailblazers for CEAS and future students.
Working and living in another country has provided me with a deep understanding of other cultures, and I would recommend it to any student interested.
Nicholas LaRosa CEAS student
"They are truly a pioneering cohort to open up this opportunity in Taiwan," Prokhorova said. "While preparing these students for the Taiwan experience, we were able to develop the process internally on both sides of the partnership."
Similar to the research experience, housing accommodations for students will vary based on which university they are working with. In each case, students receive resources to find and secure housing. For instance, some universities offer dorms for students, while others will provide a list of available housing options in the area that students can choose from. Additionally, there are several ways students can get involved with the community including helping Taiwanese elementary school students with their English, providing them with a unique opportunity to be ambassadors for their country, city, and university.
"Study abroad allows students to build global cultural competence as well as their personal global network," Prokhorova said, "It's a significant disruption in a student's life, but it's a good disruption."
"This has been a great experience to be fully immersed in another culture," LaRosa said. "Working and living in another country has provided me with a deep understanding of other cultural norms and expectations, and I would recommend it to any student interested in living and studying abroad."
Interested in study abroad?
Explore the opportunities avaiable to you through the Global Research Labs Program.
Featured image at top: UC students pictured at MCUT in Taiwan
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