Graduate student from the UK completes “sandwich exchange” at Tennessee Tech
Naza Samuel
Graduate student Naza Samuel recently said goodbye to Tennessee Tech University to
return home to the United Kingdom. The chemical engineering major had spent approximately
four months in Cookeville where she worked on a research project and attended a chemical
engineering class twice a week.
“I was researching the top-rated American universities for chemical engineering,”
Samuel said. “I found Tennessee Tech and Dr. Arce’s email, and asked if he was willing
to take me on as a student.”
Pedro Arce, Tech professor of chemical engineering and university distinguished faculty
fellow, welcomed her into his classroom where she attended his class and worked on
a research project involving water purification using an advanced oxidation process.
Her stay was part of a “sandwich exchange” where she first spent a semester studying
at Loughborough University in England before coming to spend a semester at Tech. She
has now departed the States for another semester in England.
“Our Environmental Catalysis Research Group was delighted to host Naza for her sandwich
exchange experience doing exploratory research on the elimination of hormones from
wastewater via advanced oxidation processes,” said Arce. “She is a very inquisitive
learner and a student very eager to overcome obstacles in her research project and
was able to uncover a few important trends that will require additional research to
elucidate the behaviors. We are grateful for the excellent support received for her
project from Loughborough University in the UK and we hope that her success would
lead to additional students interested in the international exchange.”
During her first visit to the United States, Samuel also got the chance to travel
to Nashville, as well as Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia.
“(Coming overseas) is a hard new thing to do,” Samuel said. “You need to be able to
make new connections and adapt to many new things, such as culture differences. Also,
you need to plan out your work beforehand and be ready to ensure you push through
with your work and are on time with deadlines you make.” She added, “The wonderful
and encouraging learning environment at the Department of Chemical Engineering at
Tech was very helpful to facilitate my visit and the always welcoming approach from
students, staff and faculty towards visitors was very appreciated.”
Now back in the UK, Samuel has started another semester at her university there, which
began in February and will run through the end of June.
“My time at Tech taught me to appreciate teachers more, as well as their impact on
students,” Samuel said. “I have also learned the skills to manage my time better and
prioritize work. Also, my water-related research project has made me more interested
in working in the water industry.”
J. Robby Sanders, associate professor of chemical engineering and interim department
chair, said “We are delighted that Naza selected our department for her sandwich exchange
experience and that she found the experience both beneficial for her learning and
professional growth. We believe that her visit was also highly impactful for our graduate
students who had the wonderful opportunity to interact with Naza."
"We greatly appreciate the efforts and expert guidance from the Office of International
Student Affairs at Tech that helped to facilitate the exchange,” he added.
For more information on Tech’s Study Abroad and Exchange Student programs, visit https://www.tntech.edu/studyabroad/.