RAPID

In this installment of the Meet the RAPID® Interns spotlight series, we are highlighting four interns from the Summer 2024 program. Scroll down to learn more about Desmond Obaita, Kevin Qorri, Cannon Dean, and Liam Yost.

Desmond Obaita

Desmond Obaita is a 2nd year Ph.D. student at Oregon State University, working on a research project, "Process Intensification of Microscale Based Separation Processes via Gradient Distribution in Operating Conditions, Architectural Properties and Material Properties." His research focuses on enhancing separation efficiency in microscale systems by manipulating gradient distributions in operating conditions, architectural designs, and material properties. Specifically, Desmond aims to leverage thermal gradients to create an additional force as a result of thermo-capillarity to achieve rapid and efficient phase separation.

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspirations include driving innovation in process intensification to enhance efficiency and sustainability in industries. I aim to apply my research expertise to contribute to solving real-world industrial challenges, and eventually take on leadership roles in R&D departments to lead projects that improve process efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program?

I believe the RAPID Intern Program represents a significant opportunity for chemical engineering graduate students and early-career professionals in the field of chemical engineering to deepen their understanding of process intensification, a pivotal area in the future of chemical engineering. The program offers substantial avenues for personal and professional development, including webinars on presentation skills, resume enhancement, and how to create great ideas. Additionally, the program facilitates interactions with leading companies and research institutions, thereby creating pathways for future career opportunities and potential collaborations.

Kevin Qorri

Kevin Qorri is an upcoming senior at the University of Dayton, working on a research project, "Isobutylene Compressibility Trials" and Lubrizol. He focuses on improving the batch to continuous process efforts for chemistry at the company.

What are your career aspirations?

I aspire to work in the chemical industry whether it be in the manufacturing field or a role where I am able to directly work on using process intensification to improve processes.

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program?

I really like the learnings and knowledge that has come from the program. I also appreciate the networking that it has provided me with.

Cannon Dean

Cannon Dean is a sophmore at Illinois Institute of Technology. He is currently doing a co-op at Nalas Engineering, where he is developing processes to make chemical reactions more optimal and analyze/present findings. 

What are your career aspirations?

I wish to work in a company with worldly applications and is on the cutting edge of their field.

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program?

I believe that the RAPID Intern Program is very helpful in guiding you through an internship in the chemical field and beyond. RAPID wants to see their students succeed and continue to succeed.

Liam Yost

Liam Yost is a junior at Rochester Institiute of Technology and is currently doing a co-op at Nalas Engineering. His project, "Destruction of Sodium 5-Nitrotetrazolate (NaNT) in a 6L RC1e reactor" is about destroying a 60L of NaNT solution using concentrated HCl and Zn metal, reducing it down to 5-aminotetrazole in 15 batches over 3 months.

What are your career aspirations?

After I graduate college, I will become a 2LT in the US Army, and serve my country. Then I hope use my experience I gained in the Armed Services to start my own Chemical Engineering company and be able to support my family.

What are your thoughts on the RAPID Intern Program?

I think that it was a worthwhile experience that allowed me to see that there are many ways to improve, and to change my perspective when thinking about reaction and manufacturing engineering.

 *The RAPID Intern Program is an exciting opportunity for students working with RAPID members. It is a virtual PI leadership program which overlays on the work students are already doing at RAPID member organizations and provides students with PI leadership training and professional development skill-building opportunities like networking, career discovery, and public speaking/presenting. Click here for more information and to nominate a student.