Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently concluded a successful 2022 edition of the eight-week QEERI Summer Research Opportunities (QSRO) program.

The summer cohort of 30 students included a mix of fresh graduates who had studied abroad as well as current students from HBKU, Qatar University, Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ), and University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST).

The interns were hosted in June and August across the different research centers at QEERI, including its Energy, Environment and Sustainability, Water, and Corrosion Centers, benefiting from mentorship offered by scientists and faculty.

In its commitment to preparing the next generation of Qatar’s scientific workforce, QEERI has established internships for high school and college students as well as fresh graduates in a variety of STEM disciplines. These programs are available in summer, but other opportunities are available year-round.

The QSRO program, in particular, has been a springboard for early career scientists to launch promising careers. Following the 2021 edition, QEERI hired two of the program’s interns. Sara Mohiddin Abdalla Wahib now works at the Environment and Sustainability Center, while Sumia Manzoor Ahmed works at the Corrosion Center.

Former intern Inas Hussain Mahir said: “My internship experience with QEERI, which centered on the PV Adoption and Trade project under the Energy Management Program with Dr. Ameni Boumaiza, gave me valuable insight into the field of research. The experience not only enlightened me with knowledge but also offered me networking opportunities and exposure to broaden my career outlook.”

Diram Tabaa, currently interning at QEERI’s Energy center, said: “As an intern for the Internet of Things (IoT) data collection project, my experience was not simply all about completing tasks. In fact, it was a learning opportunity that galvanized my aptitude for learning new technologies, and also sharpened my communication skills and teamwork ethics. Knowing how to implement an idea is one skill, being able to discuss and foster new ideas is a completely different - and equally important - skill.”

Monir Aljaradli, a current intern supervised by Dr. Mariana Costa Folena at the Corrosion Center, added: “The experience, knowledge, and skills I gained at the Corrosion Center make me excited for my career. I would highly recommend the QEERI summer internship program to anyone interested in such opportunities.”

Commenting on the program, Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of QEERI, said: “We are very proud to conclude another successful Summer Research Opportunities Program. Every year our scientists and interns show commitment and dedication to capacity building aligning with what we believe in at QEERI. We highly value the efforts of our staff and look forward to welcoming the next batch of interns in our upcoming summer research program.”

For more information on the work of Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, please visit qeeri.hbku.edu.qa.