Research Internship at EPFL, Lausanne
From May to August, I did my research internship at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. There I had the opportunity to work in the Soft Materials Laboratory (SMaL) of MAP Advisory Board Member Professor Esther Amstad.
EPFL is renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research, making it an ideal environment for my internship. The Soft Materials Laboratory conducts bioinspired research on the fabrication of microstructured materials and 3D printing of microparticles and capsules, studying their properties, behaviors, and applications in various fields.
During my internship, I worked on an exciting project that focuses on investigating the electrical actuation of double network granular hydrogels. These materials can deform in response to externally applied voltage, which can be interesting in the field of soft robotics.
My colleagues at SMaL were not only brilliant researchers, but also contributed to a supportive and inspiring atmosphere, fostering teamwork and making our time together enjoyable with numerous fun activities outside the university.
Lausanne, nestled between Lake Geneva and the majestic Alps, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and modern city life. During my stay, I enjoyed doing many outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.
I am sincerely grateful to Prof. Esther Amstad for providing me with the opportunity to do my internship at SMaL, and I extend my thanks to my supervisor Tianyu Yuan for her guidance throughout the internship. Additionally, I would like to express my appreciation to Prof. Nicolas Vogel for assisting me in finding this internship and to the MAP Office for their continuous support and assistance in various organizational aspects.
By MAP student Annika Mauch (matriculation group 2021)