Reading time: 2 minutes
Written by: Essam Morsy – PhD candidate
I had an incredible opportunity to undertake an industry internship through a UniHub advertisement, which provided me with invaluable hands-on experience. As a PhD candidate in electronics and electrical engineering working with Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA), my research focuses on developing an ultra-wideband high-power microwave absorber to protect devices and systems. However, this internship introduced me to a new and equally challenging field of neurosurgical devices, where I could apply my technical expertise in a real-world medical setting.
My internship project centred on developing a proof of concept for a neurosurgical device designed for minimally invasive tumour resection in delicate brain regions. Through a combination of literature review, concept development, and simulation validation, I was able to contribute to advancing this technology. The complexity of the human brain poses significant challenges. Still, with support from Neurospheric, which was the company where I completed my internship through the iPREP Biodesign Internship, I gained a deeper understanding of neurosurgical applications, which was instrumental in refining the project.
This experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and reinforced the importance of bridging academia and industry together. I expanded my professional network, collaborated with experts from various fields, and developed a new appreciation for how academic research can directly contribute to industry innovation. Balancing my PhD research and internship was demanding, but it ultimately gave me confidence in applying my knowledge to real-world challenges.
For any PhD student considering an industry internship, I highly recommend it. The experience broadens your perspective, enhances career prospects, and offers valuable exposure to industry-driven problem-solving. Looking ahead, I am committed to furthering my research while actively seeking opportunities to translate academic discoveries into innovative solutions that benefit both industry and society and to benefit Australia in general.
