From ITB to MIT: The Journey of ITB Mechanical Engineering Students to Boston
From November 28 to December 10, 2024, two students from the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) embarked on an academic journey to Boston, Massachusetts, United States. They were M. Nu’man Al Farisi, a student in ITB’s Integrated Bachelor-Master Program (PISM) from the Mechanical Engineering master’s program, and Alip Kurniawan, an undergraduate student in the Mechanical Engineering program. Both students were mentored by Ir. Poetro Lebdo Sambegoro, Ph.D.
This trip was not only an opportunity to broaden their horizons but also a reflection of FTMD ITB’s commitment to supporting its students in gaining global learning experiences through international mobility programs. Through initiatives such as student exchanges, research collaborations, and research internships, FTMD students are provided with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and academic activities at the international level.
On this occasion, the first agenda for Faris and Alip was a visit to the Rohsenow Kendall Heat Transfer Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This lab is renowned as a leading research center in the field of heat transfer and energy conversion. During their visit, they had discussions with MIT professors, researchers, and students about the latest research related to solar absorbers for solar thermal and photomolecular applications.
They explored the photomolecular phenomenon of water, a discovery made in the last two years. This phenomenon describes how water molecules within hydrogels can interact with photons in the visible light spectrum, particularly in the green wavelength. In addition to understanding the concept, they also learned about detection methods using optical devices and nano-precision scales developed by MIT’s lab. This experience was further enriched with a campus tour, providing them with inspiration on how MIT’s academic environment fosters world-class innovation and research.
Faris and Alip also attended the Materials Research Society (MRS) Fall Meeting and Exhibit 2024, one of the most prestigious international conferences in the field of materials science. They presented a research poster titled:
“Influence of Light Incidence Angle and Polarization on the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells with Nanostructured Protective Glass Layer.”
Their research drew interest from international researchers specializing in energy conversion, materials science, and engineering.
Through this conference, they received constructive feedback from participants and established valuable international networks. In addition, they attended various symposia covering cutting-edge topics such as materials for energy conversion applications, photocatalysis, phase change materials, and nanostructured electrocatalysts, further expanding their knowledge.
Nu’man Al Farisi is one of the students in ITB’s PISM Program, a program designed to allow undergraduate students to complete their master’s degree within just five years. Faris’ participation as a PISM student highlights how FTMD ITB provides extensive opportunities for students at all levels to engage in international activities and develop both academic and professional careers on the global stage.
Faris and Alip’s journey to Boston showcases FTMD ITB’s dedication to providing access to innovative global learning experiences — part of its ongoing efforts to shape a generation of outstanding graduates ready to tackle academic and professional challenges at the international level.
