Western Engineering Students Enhance Skills through Thai Research

Engineering students from Western University engaged in an immersive research experience this summer in Bangkok, Thailand. The program, known as the Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRI), allowed fourth-year students Alyssa Forbes and Sabrina Lindow to work closely with faculty mentors on innovative projects over a three-month period.

Under the guidance of Lars Rehmann, associate dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies in Western’s Faculty of Engineering, the students faced real-world research challenges while adapting to a new culture. Forbes focused on developing sustainable production methods for vanillin, a widely used flavor compound. Traditionally derived from synthetic sources using petrochemicals, her project aimed to convert plant-based ferulic acid, sourced from rice bran and corn husks, into vanillin through microbial fermentation.

Forbes conducted experiments to determine optimal pH levels for the fermentation process, employing techniques such as spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. “This research is a step towards creating environmentally friendly ways to produce an ingredient we use every day,” she stated. “If successful, it could reduce our dependence on synthetic chemicals, benefiting both the environment and industries seeking sustainable alternatives.”

Lindow’s research took a different direction, exploring the use of microencapsulated oils in a cost-effective smell test designed to detect early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Recognizing that a loss of smell often precedes motor symptoms, she collaborated with Chulalongkorn University to adapt existing technology for Thai patients. By incorporating locally familiar scents like lemongrass instead of North American staples, she emphasized cultural relevance in medical diagnostics.

“This project reframed how I think about my responsibility as an engineer,” Lindow explained. “Even small design details – like choosing scents familiar to a specific culture – can determine whether a solution works in the real world.”

Both students found their time in Thailand enriched their personal and professional development. Navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok, sampling new foods, and experiencing the vibrant local culture added depth to their academic journey. Forbes shared insights on the broader impact of research, stating, “Whether or not you love lab work, research teaches you independence, adaptability, and collaboration. It helps you grow not just as a student, but as a person.”

Lindow echoed these sentiments, encouraging others to explore research opportunities. “Don’t be afraid to ask about research opportunities. You never know what doors it might open – for me, it turned my horizon global.”

This experience highlights the importance of integrating cultural understanding with technical skills in engineering education. As students like Forbes and Lindow take bold steps into international research, they pave the way for future engineers to tackle global challenges with innovative solutions.