This summer, ARI is excited to have student interns working with several of our researchers on different projects. These internships allow students to grow their professional networks and gain valuable experience through working with our research staff and collaborating on projects.

Read their profiles below to learn more about our summer 2023 interns:

Ashley Tran

Ashley Tran, bioengineering undergraduate student (Class of 2025) is working with Dr. Ngoc Nguyen in the Materials and Manufacturing research group. 

Ashley previously worked with one of ARI's research scientists, Dr. Ngoc Nguyen, on a project for UIUC Engineering Open House (EOH) that focused on utilizing bioplastics for medical disposables to reduce plastic waste in hospitals and other biomedical fields.

“I found his research on lignocellulose-based polymers to be very intriguing and I believe working this position would allow me a more in-depth look into the topics we focused on for EOH,” she said.

This summer, Ashley hopes to get hands-on experience in the lab and develop her own research project with guidance from ARI research scientists.

So far, Ashley has gotten the opportunity to engage with other undergraduate peers, as well as research scientists about their own projects. She has also appreciated gaining insight on what research, academic, or industry-related options may be available to her after she finishes her undergraduate degree. She hopes to attend graduate school for her master’s.

Josh Cook

Josh Cook is a chemical engineering undergraduate (expected graduation in December 2023), who is also working with Dr. Ngoc Nguyen in the Materials and Manufacturing research group.

Josh said he was interested in interning at ARI due to its drive toward solving sustainability issues, such as manufacturing like-for-like materials that are not oil-based. “Contributing to renewable alternatives and having the opportunity to push engineering knowledge in the right direction makes me proud,” he said in an email.

While at ARI, Josh plans to learn from the research staff to gain an understanding of how to approach problem solving and increase his competence and confidence within the research field. He is driven to finding useful solutions to real-world problems.

Josh said in an email, “Everyone I’ve had interactions with at ARI so far have taught me something, making this an invaluable experience. Whether explaining their research or giving study advice for a young engineer, they have provided great insight for someone in my position.”

While Josh said his post-graduation plans are still unclear, he said he is approaching post-graduation with curiosity and an open mind, while actively seeking opportunities that spark his interest.

Arman Hadi

Arman Hadi is getting his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (MEng, MechSE). He will be graduating in the fall of 2023 (December 2023). He is working with Dr. Eliezer Morles in the Materials and Manufacturing research group.

As a practicing engineer, Arman learned that solving and exceeding customer requirements was paramount to business success. Since he started his program at Grainger, Arman had observed projects that ARI was undertaking and really resonated with the ethos of focusing research to help customers solve important real-world problems.

“I found the gamut of applications research that ARI undertakes to be truly spectacular,” Arman said in an email. “Of special interest to me was the way ARI is working in areas pertaining to materials and manufacturing by leveraging industrial lasers.”

By working on the current project, Arman hopes to develop a thorough appreciation of the impact of crucial process control parameters on laser based additive manufacturing. He also hopes to study the process control variables that intersect with complex heat transfer phenomena and thereby suggest measures to improve build quality and mechanical performance of finished products.

He said, “Having spent just a few weeks at ARI, it already feels amazing to be working here. The nature of research being undertaken, the zeal with which people speak about their research areas and the approachability of mentors is unmatched. Good work is well appreciated and timely feedback on personal progress is provided.”

After he graduates, Arman hopes to go back to working in industry. He previously worked with Larsen and Toubro Defence Engineering (India) as a senior engineer before moving to UIUC for his master’s.

Riya Agrawal

Riya Agrawal, mechanical engineering undergraduate student (class of 2025), is working with Dr. Ana Lucic on a project that looks at accelerating the development of the complex polymer systems.

Riya said she wanted to work at ARI due to the amount of work in different areas that researchers are involved in. “It gives me so much knowledge and insight into different aspects of engineering, data science and research that I could not have found in the classroom,” she said in an email. She said she is particularly looking forward to learning more about all the different projects that are going on right now.

After graduation, she plans to get her master’s degree in in mechanical engineering.