STEM Research Internship Program (VSRP)

My first time doing a research project and my first time travelling abroad on my own. What a life changing experience. My research group at BAYESCOMP has been incredibly welcoming, and I deeply appreciate their patience and guidance, especially as someone new to research. The environment is a closed fenced campus that has everything from supermarkets to clinics, which provide safety and accommodation (within campus) with kitchen make my first time living abroad easy to settle in. And most importantly the opportunity to meet people from all over the world has been truly amazing.

My name is José Francisco Mar Tapia, and I am a Mechatronics Engineering student from Tecnológico de Monterrey. My experience at KAUST was truly unique due to the combination of high-level research, mentorship from world-class researchers, and a diverse international community. During my internship, I worked on a research project that challenged me technically and helped me grow as an engineer. Daily life at KAUST was well balanced, allowing me to focus on research while also engaging in cultural, social, and academic activities on campus. One of my strongest impressions was the collaborative and supportive environment, where asking questions and learning from others was always encouraged. My advice to future interns is to be proactive, take initiative in your project, and fully engage with the KAUST community, as both the research and the people make this experience truly exceptional.

At KAUST, I learned so much under my post doc. she offered a very welcoming and supportive environment. The research facilities were amazing and my colleagues were very kind. The living arrangement was very nice.