Pamela Banuelos at Dr. Helmut Wieser’s Mechanical Engineering laboratory at the University of Augsburg in Augsburg, Germany
Pamela Banuelos visiting the famous Nueschwanstein Castle in Southern Germany
November 2024 – Pamela Banuelos, a senior in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, first studied abroad in Paris, France as a sophomore at Mines. Her experience in France sparked a deep interest in global education, leading her to become a student staff member in Mines’ Education Abroad office. By the time she reached her junior year, Pamela knew she wanted to go abroad again—this time to gain research experience. She successfully applied for a summer 2024 international research internship at the University of Augsburg in Augsburg, Germany, through a newly established partnership with Mines’ Office of Global Education.
During the summer, Pamela worked under Dr. Helmut Wieser in the Mechanical Engineering department at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, where she conducted research on materials for hydrogen production. As a Chemical Engineering student, Pamela is particularly passionate about the potential of hydrogen as a renewable energy source and hopes to contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies in her future career. This research internship offered valuable hands-on experience in a lab environment, and Pamela quickly realized how different research was from her previous academic work. “In research, there are so many unknowns,” she reflected. “At first, managing all those uncertainties was overwhelming, but once I found my footing and learned through trial and error, I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge.”
Lab equiptment in Dr. Helmut Wieser’s Mechanical Engineering lab at the University of Augsburg
Beyond her work in the lab, Pamela embraced her time in Augsburg by exploring Munich and nearby cities on weekends. She appreciated the opportunity to immerse herself in German culture, particularly enjoying the efficient public transportation system and the scenic nature surrounding the city, which provided the perfect backdrop for her love of running.
One cultural difference that particularly stood out to Pamela was Germany’s strong emphasis on renewable energy. She noticed that many of the academic papers she read during her research were authored by scholars from countries other than the United States, especially from European nations. Pamela was inspired by Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, saying, “I would love to return and work in industry in Europe. Living in Germany and France made me realize how much the U.S. needs to shift to renewables, and I want to be part of that change.” She credits this shift in perspective to her time living in countries that prioritize sustainable energy initiatives.
Pamela Banuenos exploring the natural environment surrounding Augsburg, Germany
Pamela’s summer research internship in Augusburg, Germany was made possible by several scholarships, including the Gilman Scholarship and the Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation (RM-AMP)’s International Research Experience. The Congressionally funded Gilman Program broadens the U.S. student population studying and interning abroad by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who might not otherwise study abroad due to financial constraints. Since the program’s establishment in 2001, over 1,300 U.S. institutions have sent more than 38,000 Gilman scholars who represent the rich diversity of the United States, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories to 160 countries around the globe. RM-AMP’s International Research Experience program provides laboratory research or field experiences at international locations to undergraduate students.
“If you have financial difficulties, there are options!” Pamela encouraged. “Studying abroad is an amazing experience and you won’t regret doing it.”
The Gilman Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Colorado School of Mines students who wish to apply may seek advising and support from the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, nationalscholarships.mines.edu. For more information, please contact Ashley Weibel, in Mines’ Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships: ashley.weibel@mines.edu