International Internship Combines Culture and Science

Connecting culturally and scientifically with people from different backgrounds and regions of the world, Ellen Zwickl, an engineering science student and triple major, interned in Duisburg, Germany.

Inspired by a summer study abroad experience in Hanover, Ellen returned to CSU not only an engineering student, but also an international studies and German language student. Ellen expanded her skills even further through an internship at the Institute for Combustion and Gasdynamics at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Working alongside a Ph.D. student, Ellen supported research on measuring velocities and temperatures in boundary layer flows using laser-induced fluorescence. Ellen chose the internship not only due to her interest in the subject, but as a means of improving her communication and German language skills.

Noting the advantages of an international internship, Ellen emphasized, "Not only did I experience the history from churches and other historical monuments, but I also experienced Germany's modern scientific community, and it was interesting to compare how we do things in America."

Combining her German, international studies, and engineering backgrounds, Ellen intends to work and travel abroad throughout her life. Ellen recently graduated from Colorado State, and is currently working for Ball Aerospace.