Lea Lauvlaund, an Energy and Environmental Engineering student from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is currently undertaking a two-month internship at the Institute of Cement and Concrete at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). She is participating in this placement through the IAESTE Exchange Programme.
IAESTE stands for the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. It is a global organization that provides internship opportunities for students in technical fields such as engineering, science, technology, and applied arts. Founded in 1948, IAESTE operates in over 80 countries and aims to promote:
- Culltural exchange and mutual understanding
- Practical, real-world experience for students
- International collaboration in science and technology
IAESTE internships typically last from 6 weeks to 12 months, and students are matched based on their field of study and the needs of host organizations such as universities, research institutions, and companies.
Lea’s internship is part of a collaborative project between MUST and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Germany. The project, funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung Foundation, is titled Circular Bio-based Intelligent Organic and Oxide Engineering Ecosystems – From Multiple Heterogeneous Sources to Homogeneous High-Tech Materials Supply Streams (Circular B-I/O).
Lea was warmly received at the Institute by Dr. Joseph Mwiti, the Director of the Institute of Cement and Concrete, and was formally introduced by Dr. Cecilia Wanjau and Dr. Beatrice Nyakera, the IAESTE Project Coordinators.
During her internship, Lea will be actively involved in various activities including:
- Environmental assessment and audits
- Life cycle analysis
- Sustainability practices in the cement and concrete industry
- Carbon market research
- Circular economy initiatives
In addition, she will contribute to the design of a pyrolysis kiln for processing agricultural waste, which will be used in cement and concrete research at the Institute.
On behalf of the entire team at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, we are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations and a heartfelt welcome Lea Lauvlaund, as she begins her internship with us.