Internship Experience: RIYA

I was selected for the Research Internship for Young Academics (RIYA) program conducted by The Ohio State University. This prestigious opportunity is open to third-year B.Tech mechanical engineering students from India, with around 5-6 students selected annually. As the internship was conducted in virtual mode, it did not include any stipend.

The application process involved two rounds. In the first round, we submitted an initial application form by the first week of October, which included details such as CGPA, preferred labs, and a brief (50-word) statement on our reasons for applying. Shortlisted candidates were then required to complete an extended application, which included two essays: one on research and career goals and the other on biographical information. This biographical section allowed us to highlight our achievements, extracurricular activities, and prior internships. The final application deadline was December 1st, followed by an interview, with results announced in January.

To prepare for the interview, I reached out to Sai Vikas, a 2023 RIYA Scholar, for insights. The interview, conducted by Prof. Rajendra Singh, Director and founder of the RIYA program, was informal and conversational. Prof. Singh asked about my projects, strengths, and motivations for applying. The discussion lasted around 1–1.5 hours and was largely based on the details I’d shared in my essays. For future applicants, I’d recommend writing sincere essays and preparing for the interview by reviewing your essays closely.

During the internship, I worked on static and dynamic analyses of the QZS mount (used for vibration isolation) under the guidance of Prof. Singh and Prof. Luke Fredette. I performed parametric studies of the non-linear shear leg mount stiffness using an analytical model developed in MATLAB, followed by a dynamic analysis of the mount in the frequency domain. While the virtual nature of the internship had its challenges, Prof. Singh and Prof. Fredette were always supportive. In the latter half of the internship, we explored advanced topics in vibrations—challenging initially, but I made significant progress with my mentors’ guidance.

In addition to research work, we had weekly group discussions and a lecture series. Group discussions covered topics such as professional ethics, problem formulation, ASME Vision 2030, interview skills, and self-assessment for graduate admissions. The lecture series featured sessions with Dr. Sandeep Vijayakar, President of ANSOL, and Dr. Rajendra Gunda, Director of Engineering at ANSOL. These discussions helped bridge communication gaps among RIYA Scholars, fostering active participation and improving our communication and soft skills. The virtual format also allowed me to spend quality time with my family during the vacation period.

Overall, the RIYA internship was a fantastic and enriching experience.