PhD-trained researchers bring a certain tenacity to projects highly sought after by industry.
Software developer, Electrotechnik, recently utilised these skills by engaging a PhD student intern to help upgrade its popular SafeGrid software – a modelling program that designs safe electric earthing systems. To facilitate the internship, Electrotechnik partnered with APR.Intern and was matched with Electrical Engineering PhD student, Ali Bazaei, from The University of Newcastle.
Over a five-month internship, Ali applied his expertise to analyse and update SafeGrid’s performance.
“PhD students have great skills to solve industry problems and Ali was the perfect fit for our team,”
Jayson Patrick, Electrotechnik Founder and Ali’s Industry Supervisor
Together, Ali and Jayson developed a new software algorithm enhancing the modelling capability of SafeGrid, allowing the software to deliver safer and more efficient design outputs.
For Ali, the internship was an opportunity to apply his theoretical knowledge of electrical power engineering in a practical environment and demonstrate the win-win benefits of industry-university collaboration.
“This internship helped me develop new skills – reporting techniques, organisation, teamwork and more. Collaborating with Jayson, his team and my Academic Mentor, Professor Zhiyong Chen, was a unique experience that highlighted the important aspects of industry challenges and how to tackle them. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Electrotechnik, and thank Jayson for the opportunity,”
Ali Bazaei, former PhD Intern – now full-time employee – at Electrotechnik
Following the project’s success, Electrotechnik offered Ali ongoing employment – an offer he was delighted to accept.
This innovative research project cemented Electrotechnik’s software as one of the leading packages by world standards. The refined algorithm will be integrated into Electrotechnik’s existing software and deployed to customers as part of a significant update.
For more information on Electrotechnik’s product offering, visit: www.elek.com.au.
This internship was supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, through the ‘Supporting more women in STEM careers: Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute – National Research Internship Program’.
