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Hands-on-experience: American students had a chance to work in research organizations and companies in the Central Bohemian Region

During May and June 2022, SIC facilitated short-term internships for eight American students from North Carolina State University to Central Bohemian research organizations and technology companies. We are now bringing you the first in a series of interviews with students, whom we asked about their experiences and impressions. 

Dylan Johnson completed an internship at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, where he conducted research on hydrogen fuel cells.  

What tasks did you deal with during your internship at the institute?

During my time with the Institute of Thermomechanics (Czech Academy of Sciences), I did overpressure testing with glass filters, nanoparticle collection using a spark ablation technique, and wrote a paper on my findings.

What did you find most interesting during your internship?

The most interesting aspect of my internship was learning all about different hydrogen technologies. The end goal of all the testing done in this facility and worldwide is to produce completely green energy. This was something I was passionate about and actively investigated outside of working hours.

Will you use any of the lessons learned in your future studies at NCSU?

I want to use the lessons I learned here to compliment my NCSU education. I investigated different hydrogen companies that NCSU are associated with and started making connections. I hope to use my knowledge that I gained here for future employers or even starting my own business.

In addition to your internship, you had the opportunity to visit a number of places in and around Prague. Which places did you like the most and why?

I liked Český Krumlov because I got to meet a lot of people and completely relax. With working a 9-5 it is important to have connections with people outside of work. This trip gave me connections and allowed me to be able to have fun outside of work in the future.

Thank you and good luck!

Tomáš Němec, the internship guarantor

Dylan Johnson, student of North Carolina State University, worked in our Hydrogen Technology Lab from May 18 to June 23, 2022. His friendly and communicative nature and enthusiasm for hydrogen technology quickly made him become involved in the lab’s research activities. He worked diligently on two major tasks, which he managed to complete successfully despite the short duration of his internship. Thus, Dylan Johnson’s internship made a positive contribution to our laboratory, he actively participated in current research activities and we will benefit immediately from the results of his work. I believe that the experience with hydrogen technologies gained in our laboratory will help Dylan in his studies and work activities. Ing. Tomáš Němec, Ph.D.Laboratory of Hydrogen Technologies Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, v. v. i.