SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Application

2005–2012 Fellows

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Program Background

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy manages the Advanced Turbine Program, which strives to improve U.S. gas turbine technology for coal-based power plant applications with carbon capture and storage. One of the key elements of the Advanced Turbine Program is the University Turbine Systems Research (UTSR) Program. UTSR addresses scientific research to develop and transition advanced turbines and turbine-based systems that will operate cleanly and efficiently when fueled with coal-derived synthesis gas and hydrogen fuels. This state-of-the-art research focuses on the areas of combustion, aerodynamics/heat transfer, and materials, in support of the Advanced Turbine Program goals. These goals and the relevance of the research are advanced by the close interaction between participating universities and gas turbine manufacturers and gas turbine users. UTSR also offers a Gas Turbine Industrial Fellowship program to recruit qualified university research students. This fellowship brings highly trained student researchers from the university to industrial gas turbine design and manufacturing environments. The UTSR Fellowship experience often results in the employment of highly trained professionals in the gas turbine industry working to advance gas turbine technology.
 

Program Description

The UTSR Gas Turbine Industrial Fellowship Program is performing cutting edge research for the next generation of industrial gas turbines to enhance U.S. energy security and provide a cleaner environment. The Gas Turbine Industrial Fellowship (GTIF) Program is a key part of the UTSR effort. GTIF provides undergraduate- and graduate-level science and engineering students with the opportunity to conduct research, engineering, and design projects at leading gas turbine industry sponsors (listed below).

Under the guidance of industry experts, selected students will complete a 10- to 12-week summer project in a variety of areas, including:

• Heat transfer

• Aerodynamics

• Combustion

• Thermodynamics

• Advanced materials and coatings

• Design

• Manufacturing

• Test and evaluation

Students will prepare a final report and presentation on their project for distribution to the industry sponsors and posting on the UTSR website. GTIF provides distinct benefits for anyone considering employment in the gas turbine industry or a related field.

Application Deadline is February 15, 2013

Eligibility

The GTIF program is open to graduate and undergraduate engineering and science students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Undergraduates must have completed their junior year by June 2013. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens and provide proof of citizenship or alien status with their application.

Stipends

Undergraduate Fellows are paid a lump-sum stipend of U.S. $11,500, and Graduate Fellows are paid a lump-sum stipend of U.S. $13,500 to cover their living expenses and all expenses associated with the work at host companies. This stipend includes a one-time travel allowance for travel to and from the host site. The stipend will be paid in two installments: The first installment will be paid after the fellowship agreements have been finalized, and the second installment will be paid at approximately mid-point of the fellowship. Beyond this one-time amount, fellows who will be invited to the UTSR Workshop will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses.

Application Requirements

Please complete the Online Application and email your

1. Proof of Eligibility

   a.  U.S. Citizens - copy of your social security card or birth certificate

   b.  Resident Aliens - copy of your permanent resident alien card

to Andrea Barnett.

In addition, you must have your university send an official transcript of your grades to Andrea Barnett – Bldg. 77, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.

The application must be submitted and the supporting documents (Proof of Eligibility and Transcripts) must be received by the application deadline (February 15, 2013).

Selection Criteria

Selections will be made on a competitive basis. The applicant’s selection will be based on academic record, aptitude, and interest in the field of gas turbines or related technologies and the references provided. The student's research interests and host company's requirements will also be considered when matching students with host companies.

A maximum of 14 fellowships are anticipated this year. To increase the likelihood of your selection, you should indicate the maximum possible flexibility in the sponsoring companies that you are willing to work for on your application.

The actual number of fellowships awarded is at the sole discretion of Southwest Research Institute and its decisions are final.

Equal Opportunity Policy

It is the policy of Southwest Research Institute to recruit and select participants without regard to race, age, gender, religion, color, national origin, mental or physical disability, or special disabled or Vietnam Era veteran status.

Program Success

In the past 12 years, 243 students have participated in the UTSR GTIF program. Approximately 80% of the interns have taken positions in gas turbine or gas turbine-related organizations.

2012 Gas Turbine Industrial Fellows

For more information about the program, please contact Dr. Klaus Brun, UTSR Manager of Research.

For logistic questions, you can also contact: William H. Day, (510) 705-1885.

| Fluids and Machinery Engineering Department | Mechanical Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

November 12, 2012