Students join Robinson Research Institute’s Summer Research Assistant programme
This summer, Paihau—Robinson Research Institute hired 16 summer research assistants to work alongside top research scientists and engineers, and contribute to a range of cutting-edge research projects in materials and manufacturing development. We spoke to some of these students about their experience, and why others should apply for the programme.
Participating students came from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and other New Zealand tertiary institutes and universities.
Students have the opportunity to work on a vast array of projects from flux pumps for space to integrating a world-leading AC loss measurement system for superconductors, and much more.
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Computer Science student Sofie Claridge says: “The highlight of my work at the Robinson Research Institute is being able to apply the computer skills I’ve developed at university in a real-world context.
“It’s rewarding to see the software I developed over the project being used in actual scientific experiments.”
Sofie highlights the benefits of the programme for students seeking to advance their studies.
“I would recommend this programme to anyone who has interest in STEM fields. It provides a very valuable insight into how research is done, and how scientific advancements are made.
“Students who are questioning whether to do postgraduate study should give this programme a try, and develop better insights into how academic research is conducted.”
Jerry Sun, a fourth-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student from the University of Auckland, has spent two summers in Paihau—Robinson’s Assistant Research programme.
“Despite not working on my preferred project in the first summer, I enjoyed the project greatly and was keen to come back the following year. I missed the work atmosphere at the Institute—especially the autonomy on projects, and my friendly colleagues. As such, I was happy to return to Paihau—Robinson as my first choice for summer work.”
Jerry says working at the Paihau—Robinson Institute changed his perceptions about how important research is for engineering.
“It has been said by many that engineers don't need postgraduate degrees, or that research activities are unimportant. The Summer Research Assistant programme has shown me otherwise. Understanding the fundamental science is an important step in developing new technologies, and thus a research-focused approach is more than often needed.
“Research is not some scary activity to avoid, nor is it exclusive to people of a special field or discipline. Instead, it has been exciting, rewarding, and something I'd be keen to continue for decades to come.
“Working at the Institute demonstrated that what we learn as an undergraduate is nothing but the tip of the iceberg. It would be a shame not to see what else is out there.”
The programme is open to undergraduate students, and runs from November to February each year.
Find out more about the programme: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/robinson/students/summer-research-assistants