Recovered Potential

Details

Positions: R&D Intern, Electrochemistry
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Innovation Area: Energy, Food, and Water Nexus; Environment and Health; Materials and Chemicals
Position Type: TomKat Center-supported
Compensation: $8,500
Internship Term: 8 weeks

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Recovered Potential builds compact, electrochemical systems that recover nutrients and remove pollution – turning waste into value for industries and cities worldwide. Our electrochemical stripping (ECS) system recovers nitrogen from wastewater using charge and volatility – not biology – and provides a revolutionary alternative to existing treatment options. The technology is based on 8+ years of research conducted in the Tarpeh lab at Stanford University and is now being further developed in our lab space located in Menlo Park.

Responsibilities

  • Learn lab safety, experiment, and data analysis procedures from designated mentors.
  • Design and conduct chemical and electrochemical experiments in lab in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Test effects of process variables (e.g., current density, temperature, materials, process stream contents, etc.) and configurations on wastewater treatment process performance.
  • Conduct physiochemical measurements (e.g., conductivity and pH measurements) and product characterization (e.g., total carbon analysis) in Menlo Park lab and/or at Stanford shared facilities.
  • Analyze and discuss experimental results with mentors regularly.
  • Attend relevant group and sub-group meetings and give a final presentation at the conclusion of internship.
  • Fulfill expectations from the TomKat Center internship program.

Who Should Apply

Rising sophomores or above who are passionate about sustainability research and acquiring hands-on industrial research experience.

Required Expertise

  • Scientific integrity and collaborative spirit.
  • Familiarity with basic wet-lab procedures (liquid and solid transfer, solution preparation, pH measurement).
  • Basic data analysis skills using Excel, OriginLab, or equivalent tools.
  • Basic data recording and scientific communication skills.

Preferred Skills/Majors

  • Experience working with electrochemical systems.
  • Basic programming skills using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience using characterization instruments including ion chromatography, UV-vis, TC/TN.
  • Preferred majors: Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering.