In a remarkable achievement for our College, Erica Yaa Amankwah, a final-year Metallurgical Engineering student, has successfully completed a three-month research internship at one of Germany's leading technical universities, gaining invaluable experience that spans continents and cultures.
From September 10 to December 5, 2025, Erica worked at the Chair of Materials Technology, Institute of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB). The opportunity came through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), with generous sponsorship from DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service.
The internship wasn't just about observing. It was about doing. Erica worked hands-on with some of the most advanced materials in modern engineering: powder-metallurgical compounds, high-alloy materials, nitrogen-alloy steels, nickel-based superalloys, and additively manufactured metallic materials. Her daily work involved preparing metallographic samples, conducting heat treatments, performing hardness tests, and examining the microscopic structure of materials using both optical and scanning electron microscopy. She also prepared samples for specialized tribocorosion tests and conducted image-based data analysis, contributing to ongoing research projects through literature reviews and data processing.
But the experience offered Erica more than technical training. It provided a window into how research operates in a highly structured, safety-conscious academic environment where precision meets innovation. She worked alongside international researchers, learned new laboratory protocols, and adapted to German academic culture, all while strengthening her technical, analytical, and professional skills.
"The experience was academically enriching and transformative," Erica reflected. "It deepened my interest in materials and metallurgical engineering and enhanced my exposure to international research standards."
This internship represents exactly what modern engineering education should be: global, practical, and transformative. It shows our students competing and succeeding on the international stage, bringing world-class experience back to our College. The collaboration between IAESTE and DAAD continues to open doors for talented students like Erica, proving that with the right support and determination, the laboratory benches of Europe's finest universities are within reach for CoE students.
As Erica returns with new skills, international connections, and a broader perspective on materials engineering, the entire College of Engineering community can take pride in her achievement. It's not just one student's success; it's a testament to the quality of education and ambition that defines our institution.
Students interested in international internship opportunities through IAESTE or other exchange programs are encouraged to contact the College's international programs office.
