Qeeri concludes internship programme for Qatar Academy students

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri) recently concluded its internship programme for 10 Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST) students.
The internship programme, which featured a two-day-a-week schedule from February 5 to March 9, saw the students work alongside researchers from Qeeri’s Corrosion Research and Energy Centres on several sustainable technologies-focused projects.
“Our collaboration with QAST typifies our commitment to building capacity within the country. Qeeri works with local schools and institutions to supplement their curricula with education initiatives like this internship programme, thereby helping to strengthen a world-class education system that can respond to the current and future needs of the labour market,” said Dr Marc Vermeersch, executive director, Qeeri.
“The Qeeri team has helped QAST students meet the vision of becoming innovators who master the knowledge and skills required to create solutions for challenges that face Qatar and the world. By involving our students in real research, giving them experiences and opportunities to earn beyond the classroom, Qeeri research staff have made an incredible difference to our students’ understanding of how they can impact the world around them and inspire them in their studies.” said Vaughan Lewis, assistant principal, QAST.
The students worked under the guidance of Qeeri research staff, including Dr Hanan Farhat, senior research director; Dr Maulid Kivambe, scientist; and Dr Daniel Astudillo, scientist.
Participants assigned to intern with the CRC received hands-on experience helping in the design and manufacturing of an electrochemical setup for electropolishing and optimising the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts via different printing strategies.
Those assigned to the Energy Centre collaborated with researchers to measure the impact of irradiance and temperature on photovoltaic solar panels and test a low-cost solar measurement system via advanced technologies to monitor solar radiation.