nims history:
At UWNRG, we’re proud to be partnered with researchers at the National Institute for Material Science (NIMS). Dating back to July 1956, the National Research Institute for Metals (NRIM) was first established. 10 years following that in April 1966, the National Institute of Inorganic Materials (NIRIM) was established. In April 2001, the two institutes merged to form what we know as the NIMS. NIMS has 4 locations, all within Japan and the current president is Hashimoto Kazuhito.
About NIMS:
NIMS’ objective is to carry out fundamental and infrastructural technology research developed under the umbrella of materials science. They look to improve the applications of material science and technology around the world with specific research interests in materials for energy and environment, nanoscale materials and advanced key technologies, such as Coulombic self-ordering upon charging a large-capacity layered cathode material for rechargeable batteries.
Our Partnership with NIMS
For over 5 years, UWNRG has had an exclusive partnership with NIMS where a few members of the team gets to fly to Japan to work under Dr. Genki Yoshikawa’s research group for their co-op term. All accommodation expenses are included with this opportunity. Under Dr. Yoshikawa, students are given a project related to the research and development of the groups’ novel technology: the Nanomechanical Membrane-type Surface Stress Sensor (MSS). Uses of the MSS include high-resolution measurement of odours and scents for standardized testing in R&D applications. Students who participate in this co-op have significant learning opportunities in polymer chemistry, emulsion physics, mechanical design, IoT devices, and electrical prototyping.
Some skills that our previous coop students have gained:
- Constructing and building a robot (circuitry)
- Learning a programming skill (Labview)/building upon previous coding experience
- Wet chemistry, polymer structures
- Working with nanodevices and MEMS devices e.g. using microprinters to print precise small designs
Click here to visit the MSS website.
INTERESTED?
If you are interested in applying to this once in a lifetime research opportunity, you should do the following:
- Ensure you are planning for a summer or winter term for your coop.
- Enroll in the ME 596 course. This is mandatory to apply to the program. Please email us at business@uwnrg.org and we can help you contact someone to enroll you into the course. The syllabus for this course can be found here.
- Email one or more of our members who previously participated in the coop program to ask them about how to apply:
- Alex Nica: alexandru.nica@uwaterloo.ca
- Brandon Klassen: bwklassen@uwaterloo.ca
- Caleb Davis: csdavis@uwaterloo.ca
A lecture presented by Dr. Yoshikawa at the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology
