CentraleSupélec Process Engineering Undergraduate Internship

Applications are now open.

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CentraleSupélec is an internationally renowned Higher Education and Research Institution and part of the University of Paris Saclay, currently 14th in the Shanghai world ranking. Its excellence lies in its combination of fundamental and applied sciences for innovation with societal impact. For almost two centuries, CentraleSupélec's top engineers have been developing their skills and knowledge for the benefit of industry, public organizations and society in general.
The Process Engineering and Materials Laboratory (LGPM) is involved in two inextricably linked fields of investigation: Process Engineering and Materials. Modeling, simulation and experimentation are the key words in common between these different research subjects. This complementarity allows an understanding of microscopic phenomena to be used in the simulation, optimization, and intensification of transformation and development processes. Our expertise is, in particular, applied to sustainable aspects of processes (e.g., material and energy savings) and bio-processes (use of renewable resources). These fields have been strengthened with the introduction of the biotechnology chair in 2010, which allows the laboratory to be present in the promising field of the emerging bio-economy.

Dates
Between 6/17/24 and 8/16/24. Lab will be closed from 7/29/24 to 8/16/24. Students will use this time to write their final research report.

Funding
Up to $7,500.
Grant recipients will be required to submit a three-page report within two weeks after their return.
Recipients for this internship must be enrolled at Stanford the quarter following the completion of the project for which they received funding. Thus, students who wish to pursue a fellowship the summer after their senior year may do so, but only if they apply for and receive permission from the University Registrar to enroll for a “graduation quarter” for the summer quarter. More information on graduation quarters can be found here.

Description
The Bioprocess team of LGPM conducts research on photosynthetic biofilm formation, water purification using microalgae, anaerobic digestion for renewable biofuel generation and high value compounds obtained from biosources. In recent years the LGPM has invested heavily in its imaging capacity with the acquisition of a confocal microscope, an axio-binocular microscope, x-ray tomography, and a scanning electron microscope. The proposed internship is focused on testing the response of microalgae to environmental conditions. During this internship, the student will work under the supervision of Professor Behnam Taidi in the field of biotechnology. The student will be particularly involved in the analysis of microbial growth performed by optical density, dry weight and cell count by flow cytometry measurements. The work will be very practical in nature and will additionally require a good working knowledge of Excel.  It is possible that advance image analysis will be incorporated into the internship.

Location
Gif-sur-Yvette, France (15 miles from Paris, less than one hour via public transportation).

Eligibility
Undergraduate students (Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior).

Language requirement
English is spoken in the lab. French is helpful, but not required.

Prerequisites
This internship is open to undergraduate students at any level (Freshman to Senior level) who already have experience in biology or microbiology. The work will be adjusted depending on the background and the interest of the student. The internship topic is particularly well suited for students with experience in microbiology and data analysis. Above all, it is the interest and enthusiasm of the student that will move the project forward.

Application
Applicants should submit the following documents:

  • Application form
  • Itemized budget
  • Letter to be addressed to the France-Stanford Center Director describing your research interests and why you are applying for the position. Please explain the nature of your background and skills in microbiology, microscopy, image handling and/or data analysis. Where and how did you acquire the relevant training? Are there particular courses you took, specific research projects you pursued, etc.? (1 page, ~ 800 words)
  • Recommendation letter from the applicant’s advisor, discussing the applicant and the merits of the proposed visit (1 page). Request this recommendation on your application form
  • Applicant’s resume (1 page)
  • Unofficial Stanford transcript

Contact
Isabelle Collignon, francestanford [at] stanford.edu (francestanford[at]stanford[dot]edu)