The FASTER Student Internship is an immersive hands-on learning program focused on developing both technical and conceptual skills in the fields of business and operations, bioprocessing, process engineering, food science, precision fermentation, and downstream processing.
Participants in the FASTER Student Internship engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their understanding and expertise. These include:
- Laboratory research: Interns work alongside experienced researchers in state-of-the-art laboratories, gaining direct experience with the latest technologies and methodologies in bioprocessing and food science.
- Industry Projects: Students collaborate on projects with industry partners.
- Workshops and Seminars: Expert-led sessions are designed to deepen students’ theoretical understanding and keep them abreast of the latest advancements and trends.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Interns develop a holistic view of the interconnected fields within agricultural and environmental sciences. This cross-disciplinary approach fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Technical Skills Development: Interns receive training in essential technical skills, such as the operation of specialized equipment, data analysis, and experimental design.
- Conceptual Understanding: Students study and develop a deep understanding of bioprocessing and food science concepts, including the principles of microbial fermentation, enzymatic processes, and the purification and formulation of bioproducts.
- Mentorship: Each intern is paired with a faculty mentor who provides guidance, support, and feedback throughout the program.
HIRING REQUESTS
Please contact Jedi Brown at jsbrown6@illinois.edu if you’d like to inquire about hiring requests, or if you have any general questions about the FASTER Program.
LUNCH & LEARNS
The FASTER Program includes Lunch & Learn events, where companies are given the opportunity to speak with students about their company’s specialty, current projects, and job opportunities.
If you’d like to represent your company during a Lunch & Learn, please contact Jedi Brown at jsbrown6@illinois.edu.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Our FASTER interns have exciting career trajectories after they graduate from the program. Take a look at some of our recent success stories.
Rachel Lee and Justin Putera—previously part of our FASTER student intern program—stayed at the IBRL to work in academic hourly positions.
After their extended time at IBRL, both Rachel and Justin accepted positions at General Biological, an industrial chemical and hardware manufacturing company.
Jessica Yang was one of the earliest interns in the FASTER Program. She began an internship in the FSHN-PPP as a freshman in 2018, and now works at Kraft Heinz. She recently won the Kraft Heinz Inventor Incentive Program Award for her Jet Puffed Color Changers Marshmallows.