How did you learn about GM's summer intern program?
My professor and a researcher here, Dr. G-A. Nazri, started a collaborative effort before I arrived at Michigan. This was one of the options for projects, so I just fell into it.

Was there an application process?
I needed a copy of my transcript, a curriculum vitae, and references.

How long have you been an intern?
For the past two years. They sent me a letter each spring to let me know I'd been selected.

How did you find housing?
I commute from my home in Ann Arbor, which takes about an hour. So that's a lot of driving.

What were you looking for in an internship?
I was interested in seeing how industry works. As a graduate student, especially a Ph.D., either you're going to work in industry or teach at a university. I've been in a university setting the whole time, so I wanted to see how research in industry worked.

I can definitely tell that industry works faster. I don't know that people here are more meticulous, but instead of making equipment, they can just order it. We still have to keep a lab book and play with beakers and chemicals, of course.

What's the focus of your Ph.D. studies?
I'm studying cathode materials for lithium ion batteries, which is also what I research for GM.

What project are you working on?
Improving lithium ion batteries. At one time, they were the hot topic as a replacement for lead-acid batteries in cars. They're a little safer, run a little better, last a little longer, work better at lower temperature.

But now that GM is focusing more on fuel cells and hydrogen storage, batteries are being pushed into the background. Still, the car companies have invested a lot of money in trying to find new car batteries. Even with alternative fuels, you still need power before the car actually moves.

My work is on just one part of the three that make up the battery - the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. I work specifically on the cathode, which has probably received the least attention in terms of overall battery improvement. I'm focused on stabilizing the material in the cathode. Improvement mainly means increasing the power a battery can offer in a small area. If we can make batteries smaller and more efficient, and use fewer materials, that equates to being cheaper and lighter.

How is this work going to contribute to your education and career?
It really looks good on a resume. Later I'll use the same techniques that I learned here, but I won't do the same research. I have a job offer once I finish my Ph.D. from Lubrizol in Cleveland, Ohio. They make additives for fuels and oils.

What do you like most about working at R&D?
Independence. I have a mentor here, but he lets me do the project the way I want to do it. When a problem comes up, I can handle it. I don't have to ask him. I prefer that, but not every professor lets you do that when you're still at school.

What do you like least about working at R&D?
The drive. And I miss the camaraderie of school. The interns do socialize, but I don't really have the opportunity to do that, because I'm returning home. I don't know that many people here.

How do you like Warren and Ann Arbor?
I came to Michigan from Texas, because I'm a huge Michigan football fan. I was accepted to many grad schools, but it came down to the sport I wanted to watch. As far as those two towns, they're easy to get around and offer lots to do, and the people are friendly. It's hard to complain about the weather in the winter when the summers here are so nice.

What do you do for fun?
I play basketball and softball and video games. I have a family, so I often go home and play with my son and take my wife to dinner.

Has the internship met your expectations?
Overall, yes, very much so. It also pays much more than working at the University of Michigan.