The NC Space Grant/LORD Corporation Summer Internship Program-2011
The 2011-2012 application period has closed.

The NC Space Grant has partnered with LORD Corporation to establish a summer internship program to give students real-world experiences in a cutting-edge industrial setting.

LORD Corporation is a worldwide leader in adhesives and coatings, vibration and motion control, and magnetically responsive technologies. Operating from world headquarters in Cary, NC, LORD Corporation has 17 manufacturing facilities in nine countries and 90 strategically located sales and support centers worldwide.

The NC Space Grant/LORD Corporation Summer Internship Program will provide support for up to 7 undergraduate or graduate students (pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines) to participate in a 10-week internship at LORD Corporation’s world headquarters campus in Cary.

RESEARCH PROJECTS
Selected students will be assigned to a research project that best fits their educational experience. Each project will offer the student the opportunity to engage in hands-on research under the supervision of a professional mentor. Potential NC Space Grant/LORD Corporation Summer Internship Program projects are described below:

1. Alternate Reaction Process- Chemical A is produced as an intermediate of a key material used in the manufacture of LORD adhesives. Chemical A is currently manufactured using a batch process in which raw materials are fed into the reactor at varying rates, the materials react under controlled conditions, the resulting mixture is pumped out of the reactor vessel for product separation, and the process is repeated many times. Due to increased volumes, a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) process is being developed to improve throughput and capacity for the manufacture of Chemical A. The proposed intern will actively participate in defining, executing and analyzing optimization studies for the CSTR process. Heat (generated by the exothermic reaction) removal requirements (and limitations) on the commercial scale will be calculated based on data collected on the laboratory and pilot scale. Optimized reaction conditions will be determined using experimental design techniques and statistical analyses. Reaction kinetic studies are to be used to better understand the chemical reaction itself. Specific assignments will be determined by the progression of the project during 2011. Attention to safety is of primary importance as the materials used are corrosive and toxic.
2. Syntheses of Monomers and Precursors- LORD in interested in exploring several synthetic pathways to an important monomer used for rubber-to-metal adhesives. The project will focus on the laboratory syntheses of a variety of monomer precursors, as well as the desired monomer, on the 1-liter scale. Continuous processing methods will be employed, using computer controls, to help identify the most promising production process. In addition to the hands-on preparations, the project will include chemical analysis via gas chromatography and spectral methods.
3. Bonding of Dissimilar Metals for Automotive Body Panel Applications- In today’s automotive industry, efforts are continuously being made to decrease the weight of vehicles. Materials such as aluminum and composites are being used to accomplish this task. LORD Corporation is a leader in bonding steel and aluminum door panels through the use of our Versilok hem flange adhesive technology. However, a significant challenge is encountered when cross-bonding aluminum to steel due to the differences in the substrates’ thermal expansion that occurs during the high temperature ecoat bake process. The project will be to study the forces at work during this process and develop a proposal for enhancements of the hybrid hem-flange joint design. Proposals for enhancements of the physical properties of the adhesive for this application will also be recommended by the intern. The intern will work closely with a Staff Scientist (Supervisor) and will be a member of an active project team in this area. Intern Major: Mechanical Engineering
4. Active Control of Seat Suspension Systems- LORD is currently developing new seat suspension technology for a variety of applications using magnetorheological fluids. During the summer, the candidate will assist with simulations and laboratory based seat testing. (Student must be reasonably proficient with Matlab, and have an interest in Dynamics and Control).
5. Active Torque Feedback Device for Steer by Wire Systems- LORD is developing and producing a number of TFDs for a variety of applications ranging from tractors to boats to forklifts. During the summer, the candidate will assist with prototype assembly and qualification testing.
6. Aerospace product concept development- LORD is exploring potential solutions to manage dynamic loads and motions for aircraft applications. These dynamic loads and motions can lead to catastrophic failures or costly unscheduled maintenance. The candidate will have the opportunity to explore various approaches that may include damping, component isolation, and performance improvements on select aircraft, UAV or helicopter applications. A component of the internship will include completion and testing of a proof-of-concept device for new market applications for the aerospace market. The ideal candidate will have an interest in dynamics and control, be proficient at Matlab and dynamic modeling, and have strong “hands-on” experimental capabilities.
7. Aerospace Active Vibration Control Systems- LORD is leader in the area of active vibration control systems for aircraft. We wish to maintain our leadership position in this area through targeted R&D programs. The successful candidate will participate in such a program. Activities may entail component or system testing, test rig development, and algorithm development and tuning.
8. Sensor Systems- LORD is conducting R&D programs in various sensing applications used in demanding aerospace applications. The successful candidate will participate in such a program. Activities may entail component or system testing, test rig development, design, simulation and development of calibration algorithms.
9. Electronic Materials Application Development- The goal of this project is to develop a manufacturable process to apply LORD solder support material to semiconductor wafers. The candidate will work closely with both our research group as well as the product development group. The candidate will assist in materials formulation, application of the material using equipment standard to the semiconductor industry, characterization of the final coated wafers, as well as assembly of final parts for reliability experiments.
10. Advanced Electronic Adhesives for Semiconductors- This position would be in exploring new polymeric materials for adhesives. These specialty materials are made through chain and addition polymerization techniques (wet chemicals). The materials are great opportunity to explore how to apply and create new chemical technologies in the field of microelectronics. Studies will include synthesis, characterization, and formulation into prototype formulations. The position is for an interested and motivated organic or polymer chemist student.

APPLICATION SELECTION & PROCESS
The NC Space Grant/Lord Corporation Summer Internship Program is open to current 2010-11 undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a STEM degree program at one of the NC Space Grant’s Affiliate universities.

The deadline for submission of applications was Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Supporting materials are due March 18, 2011.

Applications will be reviewed by NC Space Grant staff and Lord Corporation project researchers. The review committee will examine a number of criteria including academic achievement, resume, career goals, and references.

The NC Space Grant/Lord Corporation Summer Interns will be announced by April 15, 2011.

AWARD AMOUNT AND REQUIREMENTS
The total value of the NC Space Grant/Lord Corporation Summer Internship Program is $9,500 per student. Students will be paid a stipend of $7,000 by Lord Corporation. NC Space Grant will provide $2,500 for living expenses.

Selected students will be treated as Lord Corporation employees. As such, students will be asked to sign intellectual and non-disclosure agreements for Lord.

To ensure that all award requirements are met, selected students will be required to sign an acceptance letter. Furthermore, students will be required to submit a brief final report that describes the impact of the internship on their educational and professional goals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: Any student may apply as long as they meet the following requirements:

• Junior standing or higher, including graduate students in the 2010-11 academic year;
• US citizen;
• GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Major in STEM discipline. Examples of related degrees include, but are not limited to, mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry;
• Attend one of the NC Space Grant Affiliate institutions.

Q: If I am selected as a Summer Intern, what are my obligations?
A: The Intern’s responsibilities are to:

• Accept the internship offer and sign an acceptance letter;
• Complete all Lord Corporation personnel information;
• Submit a brief final report describing the impact of the internship on their educational and professional goals.

Q: Will I be guaranteed a job when I graduate?
A: No, but with the increasing shortage of professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math related fields, there will be a strong demand for a highly skilled workforce.

Q: How many interns will be selected?
A: The NC Space Grant/ LORD Summer Internship program is highly competitive. Up to seven internships will be chosen for Summer 2011.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Ms. Jobi Cook, Associate Director of the NC Space Grant, at jcook@ncspacegrant.org or (919) 515-5933.