RAPID

In the second installment of the Meet the Summer 2021 RAPID^® Interns spotlight series, we are highlighting three interns in the Summer 2021 program. Scroll down to learn more about Rajasi Shukre, a Ph.D. candidate at Texas Tech University; Samantha Stofflet, a senior at the University of Connecticut who is currently an intern at Nalas Engineering Services, Inc.; and Megan Evans, a junior at Auburn University who is currently in a co-op with IntraMicron, inc.

Rajasi Shukre

Rajasi Shukre, a Ph.D. candidate at Texas Tech University, is working on a project entitled "Estimation of binary interaction parameters of aNRTL Model using Molecular Simulations" in Dr. Chau-Chyun Chen's group. Rajasi is working on estimating the parameters of state-of-the-art thermodynamic model, the aNRTL Model, developed in Dr. Chen’s group for gas adsorption equilibria, via Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations. The estimated parameters will be derived directly from the molecular configurations of the adsorbates and will thus, uncover the underlying physics of the gas adsorption process for various porous and non-porous adsorbents. This study will benefit process intensification by screening and designing adsorbents with specific sites for targeted gas separations.   

What are your career aspirations?

"I have gained a variety of technical skills during my scientific training at TTU. I have also worked as a Process Engineer in Fluor Corp. India, for two years, before joining grad school. Therefore, with this background, I would like to solve challenging problems related to material science and process design for energy applications."

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?

"The RAPID Internship program has been a blessing in many ways.  The technical courses and webinars on Process Intensification have been insightful in understanding the benefits of an intensified process over conventional process design. In particular, I found the concept of numbering up over scaling up to be thought-provoking and extremely relevant, given the advancement in technologies such as microreactors. I have also realized that my research is directly related to process intensification and I take pride in the fact that I am contributing to this paradigm shift in the Process Engineering field. Moreover, I also got to network and interact with my co-interns and RAPID members through this internship and learn about their research efforts. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity."

Samantha Stofflet

Samantha Stofflet, a senior at The University of Connecticut, is working on a project entitled "Scale Up of Continuous Flow Chemistry and Purification" as an intern at Nalas Engineering Services, Inc. Samantha supports the design of a trickle bed reactor for continuous flow and identify/remove byproducts hindering product yield.  Through this project, Samantha is gaining exposure in R&D practices, including: lab equipment, software, drafting experimental procedures, and presenting results.

What are your career aspirations?

"As a chemical engineer, I am looking to utilize my knowledge of production design to create more eco-friendly and efficient manufacturing processes."

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?

"The RAPID Intern Program has given me the ability to view traditional chemical processes in a different light by identifying ways to streamline and increase efficiency.  I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of RAPID!"

Megan Evans

Megan Evans, a junior at Auburn University, is working on a project entitled "Modular Catalytic Desulfurization Systems for Sweetening Acid Gas and Remnant Gas Streams to Facilitate Renewable Natural Gas Production" as a co-op at IntraMicron, Inc. Megan's current role in this project has been assisting in the operation and analysis of the second SourCat pilot-scale desulfurization system. Megan is also working on improving the current design on the system for future commercial applications and comparatively analyzing its advantages as opposed to other conventional desulfurization processes.

What are your career aspirations?

"My career aspirations include working in process engineering where I can optimize and improve current industrial processes in the energy sector or in other industries. I ultimately would like to use the chemical engineering knowledge and skills that I have accumulated as an undergraduate student and intern to positively impact society."  

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program so far?

"The RAPID intern program has been an invaluable experience for me. I have been able to network with a variety of engineers with differing research interests. I have been able to develop many useful skills through this program as well as gain insight into how process intensification plays a vital role in many different industries including the ones that I am working with at my co-op with IntraMicron."

*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.