Engineering Students Enhance Research Skills in Thailand

Western engineering students have expanded their horizons this summer by participating in an international research program in Bangkok, Thailand. Fourth-year biochemical engineering student Alyssa Forbes and chemical engineering student Sabrina Lindow spent three months engaged in innovative research as part of the Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRI) program. Supervised by Lars Rehmann, associate dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies in Western’s Faculty of Engineering, the program connects undergraduates with faculty mentors to tackle real-world challenges while developing essential technical skills.

Forbes’s project focused on creating a more sustainable method for producing vanillin, a widely used flavor compound. Traditional vanilla products often depend on synthetic vanillin derived from petrochemicals. In contrast, Forbes aimed to convert plant-based ferulic acid, sourced from rice bran and corn husks, into vanillin through microbial fermentation. She meticulously adjusted pH levels to discover optimal conditions for production, acquiring valuable techniques such as spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography in the process.

“This research is a step towards creating environmentally friendly ways to produce an ingredient we use every day,” Forbes stated. “If successful, it could reduce our dependence on synthetic chemicals, benefiting both the environment and industries seeking sustainable alternatives.”

Lindow’s research explored the use of microencapsulated oils in a low-cost smell test designed to detect early signs of Parkinson’s disease. Given that a loss of smell often precedes motor symptoms, such a test could enable earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment. Collaborating with Chulalongkorn University, she adapted existing smell test technology to resonate with Thai patients by incorporating locally familiar scents like lemongrass instead of commonly used North American fragrances such as cinnamon.

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

Both Forbes and Lindow noted that their time in Bangkok offered significant opportunities for personal development alongside technical learning. They navigated the city’s bustling streets, sampled diverse cuisines, and adjusted to a different pace of life. Memorable moments included riding tuk-tuks at night and experiencing the city’s rhythm during tropical downpours.

“Whether or not you love lab work, research teaches you independence, adaptability and collaboration,” Forbes explained. “It helps you grow not just as a student, but as a person.”

Lindow echoed this sentiment, 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.”

Through their participation in the USRI program, Forbes and Lindow gained invaluable experience that will undoubtedly influence their future careers in engineering. Their work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has the potential to impact industries and communities on a global scale.