Engineers work on real-world problems to provide practical solutions, an experience that can be difficult to duplicate in a purely academic learning environment.
However, three undergraduate students from the Texas A&M University College of Engineering will have the chance to work on energy related big data and machine learning projects for six weeks at the Universiti Teknologi Petronas in Perak, Malaysia as a part of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program.
“Undergraduate students do not get enough exposure to an international work environment,” said Dr. Bimal Nepal, principal investigator and professor in the Department Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. “This opportunity will further enable these students to join the global workforce by gaining global research and cultural experiences.”
The IRES program supports international research activities for 27 U.S. science and engineering undergraduate students within an NSF-funded research area. One different cohort of three students will represent Texas A&M each year for the three-year program, providing research opportunities for nine Texas A&M students. Students from North Dakota State University and the University of Nevada will also take part in the program as partner entities, with Texas A&M serving as the lead institution.
The students involved in the project will provide solutions for the development of novel reliability and risk analysis methodologies for applications in the energy industry. Through hands-on research, these students will assess the reliability of energy networks through scientific and engineering practices as a cohort of multinational teams mentored by international faculty and researchers.
“The goal of the project is to increase enthusiasm and research skills of undergraduate students from underrepresented population groups,” said Nepal. “(These are students) who otherwise might not have an international opportunity for professional development.”