By: Sarah Steed, External Relations Officer, EngSci

In spring 2008, an opportunity presented itself for three EngSci students to do summer research internships at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in their Engineering Science Program (ESP).

Two of the positions related to the development of a solar powered golf buggy and were taken up by Carson McFadden 1T1 and David Wang 1T1. The other position was in the Plasmonics and Advanced Imaging Technology Lab and was filled by Geoff Frost 0T9.

NUS recently started an EngSci Program and has been very enthusiastic about developing student exchange opportunities. Currently two exchange students from EngSci at NUS are here to study at U of T for the winter semester.

We caught up with Carson over the summer to ask him some questions about his experience in Singapore.

Tell us a little bit about your summer research experience.

I really enjoyed my experience in Singapore. It was my first time working in a laboratory environment. Initially, it was a challenge adjusting from the regular classroom-guided environment to a project that required self-determined timelines and goals. However, I came to appreciate and benefit from the extra freedom the research environment provides in designing and experimenting. I also appreciated the open dialogue and support we received from the faculty I met across many disciplines, including individuals from outside ESP and NUS.

What sorts of things did you have the opportunity to learn about?

Working on this project required that I gain new skills. In addition to organizational skills required by the project, I had to gain a real understanding of the concepts and tools required to bring this project to fruition. On the energy front, David and I researched and gained knowledge of solar cell and various battery technologies. For the chassis design, we became familiar with computational engineering software and applying what we had learned to our design. We had the opportunity to work in the lab environments, designing circuits, using various fabrication facilities to create prototypes, and creating and experimenting with batteries.

What were your impressions of the EngSci students from NUS?

Geoff, David and I met several incoming and current ESP students who shared their experiences with the ESP program and life in Singapore. It was interesting to share our own educational and cultural experiences with them too. I was most impressed by the drive and determination of the students we’ve met from the program to become leaders in science and engineering, both in academics and industry. This is one of the common threads that I feel bonds all Engineering Science students, both here and at U of T.

Any final comments on this Singapore experience?

My experiences here have widened my perspective into engineering and have given all three of us a unique opportunity to experience a different culture. I feel the professional experience and skills we have gained through this internship will be useful throughout our studies and careers. We want to express our gratitude to many people at both ends, namely Professors C.M. Wang, and Miranda Cheng, Director of U of T’s International Student Exchange Office. To conclude, I hope the connections and friendships made between U of T and NUS will continue and grow in the years to come.

Geoff would like to thank Professor Dan Pickard for all of his mentorship and dedication.Carson and David would like to thank Professor Wang, Professor Balaya, as well as the ESP lab and office staff who have supported and interacted with them on the project for the past three months.

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