Providing Experiences in Research for Undergraduate Students in Engineering (PERUSE)

Dustin Dalluge, a senior in mechanical engineering, found himself entering his final undergraduate year at Iowa State without having experienced research outside of class. The 2008–09 academic year would have to produce an undergraduate research opportunity if it were to happen for him.

When Dalluge heard about PERUSE (Providing Experiences in Research for Undergraduate Students in Engineering), he saw an opportunity. He submitted his online profile to the program and methodically followed up, checking constantly for openings that matched his interests. His persistence paid off. A faculty member posted a research opening the same day that Dustin e-mailed an inquiry to PERUSE with a status request. His inquiry was forwarded to the faculty, an interview was arranged, and the rest is history. Dalluge is happily placed in the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies (CSET), where he works for Robert C. Brown, Bergles Professor in Thermal Science, Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering, Iowa Farm Bureau director of the Bioeconomy Institute, director of the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, and professor of mechanical engineering, chemical and biological engineering, and agricultural and biosystems engineering. Dalluge looks forward to research opportunities at CSET until he graduates in December 2008. It is his hope to pursue a master’s degree in biorenewable resources and technology.

Dalluge admits to being a little surprised by his first research experience. He observed that in the movies everyone wears white coats, and laboratories are formal and subdued. But the lab where he works, while highly productive, is more relaxed and flexible than he expected.

Jumping right into work at the lab, Dalluge found himself manufacturing equipment he had not heard of before, although he did use familiar skills: pipe fitting, welding, and electrical work had all been part of being raised on a turkey farm. In his first seven weeks in the lab he helped with the manufacture of a slurry reactor used for converting gas to liquid under high pressure (syngas to fuels), then began designing a reactor for torrefaction, which involves gently heating biomass to remove moisture. He also built a cart for a gas chromatograph.

Dalluge is part of a large research group, which gives him the opportunity to be mentored by a number of exceptional researchers, including three postdocs—Justinus Satrio, principle investigator of the project; Dinesh Yeragi; and Satyakrishna Jujjuri—as well as associate scientist Samuel Jones and numerous graduate students.

Dalluge views his research experience as more valuable than simply the income it provides. He is experiencing a steep learning curve, applying knowledge from his coursework, and designing and building research equipment himself. He feels that he has been given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an outstanding research team.

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