Rahul Masand (CH7)
Domain: Research (SURA)- Goniometer
Interned at IIT Delhi
Mode: Offline Interviewed by: Rishit Srivastava
INTRODUCTION
I’m Rahul, and I'm currently in my second year of a dual degree in Chemical Engineering. My hobbies include debating and mostly reading.
MOTIVATION
How did you get to know about SURA/ what was the motivation behind pursuing it?
I had a very random interaction with my Fluid Mechanics professor, Dr. Somnath Basu. We met on a staircase, which led to a discussion about the lack of equipment manufacturing in India. I asked if he would help us create something, and he encouraged me to apply for SURA under his guidance. I had no clue about lab equipment at that time, but this opportunity seemed interesting, so I went for it.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What was the application process for SURA was like?
SURA is a program where the institute shortlists students who have a CGPA of 7.5 or above and willing to apply for a research project under the guidance of a professor, either individually or in teams of 2. After preparing a proposal, you present it to your department’s committee, which consists of senior professors. They review your proposal, question its feasibility, and ask what you aim to achieve. If selected, your job is to fulfill what you promised in your proposal.
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
What was your Internship (SURA) about, like what all did you work on in your SURA?
My SURA project involved building a contact angle goniometer, a device used in surface chemistry to measure contact angles and hysteresis. This tool has multiple applications, especially in biotech and chemical labs. The challenge was to create this equipment under a budget of ₹25,000 with accuracy comparable to those available in the Indian market, which typically cost around ₹4-5 lakhs.
What were the challenges you faced during your Internship?
The major challenge was the cost reduction. Typically, a goniometer costs around ₹20 lakhs if imported, or ₹4-5 lakhs if manufactured in India, albeit with lower accuracy. Our task was to develop this instrument for under ₹25,000 while maintaining accuracy close to industry standards.
We faced challenges at every step, from figuring out the hardware and software components to achieving precision in the camera and stage automation. It required a lot of research and innovation, especially since we were aiming for industry-grade precision within a highly constrained budget. But overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding as it pushed us to explore and innovate beyond traditional methods.
What do you think are the exclusive benefits SURA provides you?/ Why should one go for SURA?
Firstly, with SURA, the entire institute is trusting you by providing faculty mentorship. The professors mentoring you are highly experienced, often dedicating several hours to your project. This kind of mentorship goes beyond classroom lectures; you get access to their offices, labs, and valuable resources, including connections outside the institute.
Additionally, SURA can lead to further opportunities like publishing research papers or even patents. I have friends whose SURA projects are on their way to becoming patents. The support and experience you gain through SURA can be invaluable.
LEARNINGS
Any advice/ learnings for the incoming second yearites who shall be applying for internships this year.
Firstly, I would advise everyone to try a research internship at least once. It’s important on your CV, and it’s easier to secure than a corporate internship, especially if you lack connections or a high CGPA. A research internship can help you understand if you want to pursue a particular field further.
For those interested in sectors like business analytics, learning some coding and applying to top business schools for internships can be beneficial. It’s not about giving up corporate aspirations but rather gaining clarity on your interests.
As for selection criteria, your CGPA doesn’t always matter for research internships, except for programs like SURA. Many students with CGPAs as low as 6.0 have secured good research internships abroad by being diligent with their applications. Timing and persistence in sending out emails are crucial. If you’re applying abroad, sending emails at the right time in the professor’s local time zone can increase your chances of getting a response. Lastly, don't stress too much about having a fixed career path in the second year—exploration is key.
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