Fellow Spotlight: Colin Buck
Posted March 9, 2023
Colin Buck
Visiting Research Fellow, July 2022 - March 2023
How would you describe your fellowship experience at NCERC?
NCERC as challenging in the sense that I was challenged to learn new skills, fulfill new roles, and engage with the people around me under circumstances to which I had not been previously exposed. All of these elements together created a period of tremendous personal and professional growth for me.
What was your favorite assignment during your 9-month fellowship?
I think my favorite assignment during my fellowship was the design and installation of a new level control system for one of our unit ops that historically has been very difficult to operate. Being able to apply my knowledge background to a real world problem while also developing new skills in the process made this a very rewarding project to work on from design through installation.
Would you recommend the fellowship program to another engineer?
Yes, I would recommend the fellowship program to young engineers who haven't had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and are looking for an environment which can accommodate fast growth. I would also recommend the fellowship program to those who are thinking about the possibility of an advanced degree but want professional experience before they take that next step.
About the Fellowship Program:
The Visiting Research Fellowship and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship programs are an unrivaled learning opportunity for recent graduates of a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program who are interested in pursuing a career in research in the bioeconomy. Fellows work under the guidance of two supervisors who provide them with the technical expertise needed to thrive in their research environments and the leadership skills they need to ramp up the trajectory of their careers. This joint supervisory model ensures the connection of theory to practice and builds upon the Fellow’s academic degree through applied, hands-on learning in an industrial setting. This program is designed to prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists for work in high-skill jobs in the bioeconomy. Learn more on our Workforce Training & Education webpage!