Lyrkan Thuery is a student on the Sustainable Energy Systems MSc, he tells us about his time undertaking a remote internship with Solar Polar as Solar Technology Intern.

To secure this internship I travelled to Peterborough for a face-to-face meeting and an insight into the company's base of operations, manufacturing warehouse, and a pilot construction of a product.

Part of my internship involved development of a novel solar cooker, through ray tracing simulations and mathematically optimising micro-geometries as well as helping to raise funds. The goal in mind is to mitigate firewood fuel collection in sunbelt countries, while reducing indoor pollution from burning firewood with a fuel-free solar cooker capable of storing heat into the night.

Developing key skills as an engineer

I have developed several key skills as an engineer, such as innovation, modelling, and thinking outside of the box. I have also gained experience in how projects operate in the real world, which has given me insight into business operations and what it takes to bring a product to life. 

I have been doing this internship while working part-time as a maths instructor at Mathnasium and also engaging in my university work. Time management and planning have thus become crucial in order to balance these life aspects.

Putting theory into practice, for good

The most enjoyable part of this internship has been putting theory into practice. I see the people I work with as philanthropists, and it is very inspiring to see all the theory I've learnt in university be applied to helping communities in need internationally. As an inspiring engineer, it is refreshing to work for a company with these values, as I feel people often associate the profession with money, rather than making a positive change. 

The fact it is a small company has allowed me to have direct access to leadership, and form relationships with my colleagues - all while expanding my network. Alongside this, it provides a close insight into the operations, sweat and tears of what it takes to make a product.