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An engineering student completing his doctorate at the University of Houston was honored by being selected for a Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) Professional summer research internship in Germany.

Yuan Zi is studying in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the Cullen College of Engineering. He was chosen for a 2023 summer internship, and completed it with the industrial AI team at the ABB Corporate Research Center in Germany, under the mentorship of Ralf Gitzel, Ph.D.

“It was an incredible experience, working alongside domain experts and data scientists who had dedicated years to solving complex problems,” he said. “This internship provided me with a multitude of positive experiences that I hold close to my heart.”

According to Zi, he used his background in geophysics and seismic data processing and applied it to the field of non-invasive monitoring for medium voltage switchgear. 

“This allowed me to predict the health of mechanical devices, which is crucial for predictive maintenance. What made this experience particularly special for me was the discovery of a new behavior that illuminated a more physically explainable research direction for predictive maintenance monitoring methods,” he said. “It was a true eureka moment, and I felt an immense sense of pride knowing that my work was contributing to the advancement of the project.”

The trip was also positive from a work-life balance for Zi. He is a native of China and came to states to study at UH. Being exposed to the work culture of Europe was a new and welcome experience for him. 

“I appreciated the European work-life balance and the inclusive environment that embraced people from diverse backgrounds. In Germany, we were encouraged to take two normal days off each month, in addition to public holidays, for much-needed rest,” he said. “This not only promoted a healthy work-life balance but also allowed me to explore other European countries during long weekends. One of the most precious moments during my time there was reuniting with my parents after four years since I had started my Ph.D. journey at the University of Houston. We embarked on a wonderful summer European road trip together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

When it came to choosing a place to pursue his doctorate, Zi identified several factors important to him. 

“The deciding factor that led me to join the University of Houston was the availability of a full scholarship,” he said. “Pursuing a Ph.D. is a significant commitment, and the financial aspect cannot be overlooked. Having a scholarship that covered my expenses allowed me to fully focus on my academic and research endeavors without the burden of financial concerns.”

He added, “My choice to join the University of Houston was driven by a combination of the city's strong ties to the energy industry, the program's compatibility with my background, and the critical financial support that allowed me to pursue my doctoral studies with dedication and peace of mind.”

At the University of Houston, Zi listed a wide range of professors and staff members that have helped him in his pursuit of academic success. 

“First and foremost, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my two exceptional advisors at the University of Houston, Dr. Jiefu Chen and Dr. Zhu Han. Their guidance has been invaluable, not just in the technical and academic realms but also in shaping me as an individual,” he said. “Their unwavering support, financial assistance, and life advice have been instrumental in positioning me for success. Without their mentorship, I would not be where I am today.”

Also from the faculty at Cullen, Zi expressed his deep appreciation for Lei Fan, Xuqing Wu, Badri Roysam, Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, Thomas J. Hebert, Hien Van Nguyen, Miao Pan, Saurabh Prasad and Xiaonan Shan. 

“Their teachings and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my academic journey and preparing me to contribute meaningfully to both society and the academic community,” he said. “The staff at the University of Houston, particularly Kelly King and Kellie Sager, deserve recognition for their administrative support and assistance in ensuring a smooth academic experience.”

Zi added, “I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Lei Si, a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in computer science, and Yigeng Zhang, a recent Ph.D. graduate in computer science, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout our shared internship experiences.”

“Beyond the academic realm, I am immensely thankful to Dr. Ralf Gitzel for his mentoring during my internship and for providing me with invaluable insights. The expertise and practical wisdom shared by Dr. Theresa Loss and the insightful comments from Dr. Aydin Boyaci, who are both experts in their respective fields, greatly enriched my internship experience.”

Zi is scheduled to graduate in 2024. He is looking for work that will allow him to apply his diverse skill set and knowledge base. 

“I am actively job searching with a strong focus on roles that allow me to apply my entrepreneurial spirit, technological expertise, and skills to drive advancements in energy and sustainability while addressing climate change,” he said. “I am open to positions involving applied research, application development, and the commercialization of research ideas in these areas. My goal is to bridge the gap between innovation and practical solutions, and I am committed to contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Zi encouraged both graduate and undergraduate students to apply for RISE internship opportunities. It has led to networking opportunities, as well as professional and personal development for him. 

“Being part of the RISE Professional program opened doors to the DAAD alumni portal, connecting me with previous award recipients. This platform gave me exclusive opportunities to participate in community ideathons and receive mentoring from those who had already navigated similar paths. It was a remarkable way to tap into a network of experienced individuals, further enhancing my personal and professional development,” he said.

“In essence, my summer internship with ABB was an unforgettable adventure filled with enriching experiences, both professionally and personally. It allowed me to make meaningful contributions, expand my horizons, and connect with a global community of professionals, and for that, I am immensely grateful.”