Each summer, the Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers a 6–8-week study abroad experience to students in their second or third year at Cooper Union. This summer, five engineering students participated in study abroad programs in Germany, Guatemala, Israel, and Spain, gaining hands-on research experience while exploring new cultures.

The Albert Nerken School of Engineering is grateful to the Naomi Harley Professional Development Fund for underwriting the Dean’s Office Summer Abroad Cultural Immersion Fellowships.

GERMANY

Two undergraduate engineering students participated in study abroad programs in Dresden and Karlsruhe, Germany.

Dylan Qiu ME’27 participated in the study abroad program at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe, Germany. Dylan worked with High Efficiency Karlsruhe, a student-led team competing in the Prototype vehicle class at the Shell Eco-marathon competition. His project focused on redesigning a cart used to transport the team's race vehicle to the racetrack. The modified design improved ergonomics by lowering the cart's height and integrating a roller test rig into its workbench functionality.

“I really enjoyed working and living in Germany this summer. It was cool to be working on a project team in a different country and making new friends as well. There were some challenges that I overcame but I was happy to contribute to this project alongside many other people.” – Dylan Qiu

Thai Ly EE’28 participated in the study abroad program at Technische Universität Dresden in Dresden, Germany. Thai conducted research using density functional theory (DFT) analysis to identify environmentally friendly solvents for manufacturing perovskite solar cells. In addition to using the university's computing cluster to run simulations, Thai gained hands-on experience working in a clean room and learning about thin-film solar cell fabrication.
Outside of research, Thai traveled throughout Europe, visiting historical landmarks and scientific institutions while connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds.

“Traveling almost every weekend by bus, I got to see places I had only read about, from Charlemagne’s tomb in Aachen to Kronborg Castle in Denmark (the setting that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet), to the BESSY II synchrotron in Berlin, where I learned how particle accelerators work. I also met so many interesting people along the way.” – Thai Ly

GUATEMALA

Susanna Denny ChE’28 participated in a summer study abroad experience at the Barbara Ford Peacebuilding Center in Quiché, Guatemala. The Center focuses on humanitarian initiatives that support local communities in the region.

Working under the supervision of Luciano Laynez, Susanna developed a project focused on improving soil quality in rural communities facing food insecurity. Drawing on her independent research at Cooper Union, she explored the use of biochar as an affordable soil amendment and designed two low-cost biochar kilns, one small-scale and one large-scale. Her project incorporated waste reduction by using dried food scraps to produce biochar while considering the resources and limitations of local communities.

Outside of her research, Susanna explored Guatemala's cultural and natural landscapes, including visits to Lake Atitlán and Antigua.

“Studying engineering abroad is so necessary to see the skills you learn in the classroom be put to use. To bring a project from its initial design stages to the final product and learn how to adapt to challenges along the way is to understand what it means to be an engineer.” – Susanna Denny

SPAIN

Yunwen (Wendy) Zhu EE’27 participated in the study abroad program at the Universidad de Burgos in Burgos, Spain.

Wendy worked on developing hardware methods to measure the open-circuit voltage (OCV) of a redox flow battery system. Her research focused on improving the accuracy and reliability of voltage measurements by addressing electrical noise and preventing ground loops through circuit-level solutions.

Beyond her research, Wendy immersed herself in local traditions, explored new places, and connected with people from different backgrounds. Her experience encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and gain a new perspective on her studies and personal growth.

“My time in Burgos changed how I see both my studies and myself. I conducted research, immersed myself in local traditions, met people I’d never have crossed paths with otherwise, and traveled on my own. Stepping outside my comfort zone showed me how much more there is to discover.” – Yunwen (Wendy) Zhu

ISRAEL

Rena Sturm participated in a summer study abroad program at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.