Enhancing Scientific Expertise Through STSM at Yildiz Technical University 

 

To broaden and develop the professional skills of our team members and widen their scientific network and cultural experiences, the BRT encourages its students to embark on internships and academic mobilities. These internships are connected to their scientific journey and enable them to have hands-on, practical and in-field experiences, which are critical to their future careers. The internships help to hone their communication, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, all of which are highly valued assets in young scientists. 

 

Our PhD student, Lydia Mawar Ningsih, shares insights from her experience at the Yildiz Technical University (YTU) in Turkey. 

 

Enjoy reading as she takes you on her internship journey! 

 

 

I had the valuable opportunity to serve as a visiting researcher at Yildiz Technical University (YTU), under the supervision of Dr. Abdullah Bilal Ozturk from the Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering. During my stay, I participated in a campus tour, visited several faculties, and met with new colleagues to discuss current projects, research outcomes, and potential avenues for future collaboration.

 

As part of the internship, I also had the chance to visit Istanbul Technical University (ITU), where I attended a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) exhibition and summit focused on the defense industry. The event, held in collaboration with multiple universities, showcased several advanced technologies, including Turkey's newly launched satellite, innovations in bullet design (both mechanical and chemical), and other cutting-edge developments. Both YTU and ITU are among the top-ranked institutions in Turkey in the fields of engineering and sustainability, making this experience especially prestigious and enriching.

 

My research focused on the techno-economic analysis of biogas production from tofu wastewater, utilizing a biofilter in an anaerobic baffled reactor, modeled using SuperPro Designer software. This hands-on experience was highly valuable, allowing me to assess the economic feasibility of wastewater treatment technologies based on anaerobic digestion.

 

Beyond the research activities, I had the honor of meeting Prof. Guleda Engin, the Director of the Graduate School of Engineering at YTU and the Director of the ECO-SPHERE COFUND. We had a brief but insightful discussion about my research, which focuses on the utilization of agro-industrial waste for renewable energy generation and chemical recovery for organic fertilizer production using integrated methods.

 

This visit was a tremendous opportunity for me as a junior researcher to expand my international network and deepen my understanding of sustainable engineering practices. In addition, I explored some of Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical landmarks on both the European and Asian sides, including Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Üsküdar, and Galata Tower. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to combine academic growth with cultural exploration.

 

In conclusion, my research stay at YTU significantly enhanced both my technical and academic skills while offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional networking. It has broadened my perspective on sustainable engineering solutions, deepened my cultural understanding, and strengthened my motivation to contribute to global efforts in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.