From June to early August 2026, Jamie worked alongside CC4E research associate Sreejith Sreekumar and CC4E deputy director Prof. Dr.-Ing. Torsten Birth-Reichert on the development of a test rig that uses a PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyser to simulate wave-induced movements, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the performance of hydrogen production systems at sea. An exciting time in which he not only learned new things for his studies in the US. We spoke to him about the opportunities offered by the RISE programme and his experience in the lab.
Why were you interested in the DAAD’s RISE programme?
In high school I became interested in the intersection of physics, sustainability, and design, leading me to study mechanical engineering. I became involved in a research lab on our campus in which we study the fluid propulsion mechanics of schooling fish. The project I worked on connected this to improving the efficiency of marine vessels in waves, known as “Wave-Assisted Propulsion”. I found working in a research lab to be both exciting and challenging, but due to my courses I couldn’t dedicate as much time as I hoped towards this work. This led me to look for summer programmes where I could fully apply myself to a research project and the RISE programme seemed like a great opportunity because it would also provide the opportunity to work internationally and experience a new culture.
What caught your attention about the HAW Hamburg RISE opportunity?
I didn’t have any previous experience or background in PEM electrolysis for hydrogen production, but I became interested in the applications of this technology in offshore energy generation and the connection between some of my previous experiences modelling wave-induced motion on floating vessels. I thought the opportunity to design and build a motion platform for the group's experiments was interesting as it would allow me to work with a broad set of skills from 3D-modelling, electronics design and controls.
How does the internship research with CC4E fit in with your studies in the US?
The internship has given me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in my engineering courses to a real research project. It has shown me how classroom concepts come together in practice and given me valuable experience solving open-ended engineering problems in a collaborative research environment.
What have you learned here, and has there been a special highlight?
I’ve learned that in experimental research, a lot of time and resources are spent designing, building, and automating an experiment before any data is collected, and I found this part of the research process to be a ton of fun. I also learned a lot about the PEM electrolysis process, the hydrogen fuel cycle, and how these connect to offshore renewable energy resources. I would say my highlights of this summer were meeting a lot of wonderful people at the RISE conference in Heidelberg, and hiking to the summit of the Zugspitze in beautiful Bavaria.
Why would you recommend RISE to other US students?
RISE is an incredible way to grow both in academic and cultural experience. You get the opportunity to take ownership of a project and will learn a lot through that process. You also get thrown into a completely new environment where you can grow independently, meet people from all around the world, and share ideas you care about. Finally, taking advantage of the weekends allows you to travel around Germany and even to other countries in Europe, making the experience as rewarding outside the lab as it is within it.
Thank you very much for the interview!
The interview was conducted by Inga Mohwinkel.
