I am very thankful for my experience with the SBTRC and CMC as an intern. Currently, the internship is approaching the end of the marketing phase, as we are developing a business model for the project. My team has been focusing on researching the overall market, prices, demand, and current existing companies for aluminum and high purity alumina. Throughout this research we are finding critical information that will be of use to the project, and every week we share our findings through weekly meetings. As a team, we strategize on how to approach the market, as the market is very competitive for these materials. The information found and ideas for the project are to be summarized in the business model, which is the final milestone for the marketing phase. For myself, a personal highlight is the first meeting that was done in person.

Meeting the other project members and starting out the project together was a memorable experience. This project inspired me to develop more connections in the professional world, as it is an advantage for my profession to have connections with multiple industries. From this project, I learned how to study the market for a product in depth, and how to analyze competing markets. Furthermore, I learned how to approach companies, and discuss with them formally to attain information needed. The knowledge and skills developed from the internship, will help me in my career as I will encounter the professional side to engineering. Furthermore, for the project, I share my own insight, perspective, and ideas to the team. I plan on continuing to assist the project until the end of the marketing phase and may assist with technical phase. I am very thankful for the experience SBTRC, WITI, and the CMC has provided for me in the program. I am thankful for the connections I made throughout this project.