• Charles Sturt science student completes internship with AgriPark partner Halocell

A Charles Sturt University student completed an internship that has allowed him to secure a job in his chosen field as he finished his study.

Third-year Bachelor of Science student in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Mr Mitchell Jones recently completed an internship at AgriPark partner Halocell in Wagga Wagga.

Mr Jones is specialising in analytical chemistry and recently completed the internship, which was facilitated by Generation STEM Links, part of Generation STEM.

Generation STEM is a 10-year initiative to attract, support and retain NSW students in STEM. Managed by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, the program is made possible by the NSW government’s $25 million endowment to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.

The internship program helped Mr Jones secure the position at Halocell, providing him with real-world experience while studying. It is the second year that Charles Sturt and Halocell have participated in the program.

Mr Jones is the third intern Halocell has received from Charles Sturt. The internship is a requirement of one their university subjects, Analytical Chemistry Industry Experience, which is very successful in supporting STEM industries in regional and rural Australia.

During his internship at Halocell, Mr Jones explored the deployment of perovskite solar cells in space. He was tasked with researching and testing alternate materials and encapsulation methods suitable for the harsh conditions of space.

As an AgriPark partner, Halocell actively engages with Charles Sturt’s resources and academics and benefits from access to students, who bring fresh perspectives and technical prowess to the company’s initiatives.

Mr Jones said this experience was more than just an internship – it was a steppingstone to a promising career in the field of renewable energy.

"The good thing about a science degree is that you are not steered into just one discipline," Mr Jones said.

"You can spread your skills around due to the intangibles you learn along the way.

“Skills that sometimes you don’t know you have, such as being able to quickly grasp new topics, effective problem solving and comprehending research papers.

“Small things such as these that you won’t find on your final exam, but which employers find valuable and can extend beyond your specific field.

“The internship at Halocell helped me realise these intangibles and that the university experience is more than just a final grade, which I think almost everyone is guilty of forgetting.”

Halocell Chief Technology Officer Ms Marion Geltinger said the partnership with Charles Sturt is very beneficial.

"It’s great to have the University so close by, even in rural areas of Australia,” she said.

“The students from Charles Sturt University have been a fantastic addition to our team and we can’t recommend the program enough to other STEM companies.”

Mr Jones is employed part-time by Halocell after completing his 200-hour internship.