Membrane Based Direct Air Capture (mDAC) –

A Visiting Scholars Program

A Visiting Scholars Program

The Visiting Scholars Program in Direct Air Capture (mDAC) is a fully funded summer research opportunity for students from New Mexico Tech (NMT), University of Wyoming (UW), Navajo Technical University (NTU), Central Wyoming College (CWC), and Dillard University (DU). This program provides hands-on research experience in membrane separations, sorbents, and carbon capture technology, mentorship from faculty, and experience in state-of-the-art research labs at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and the University of Wyoming (UW).

We anticipate selecting approximately 6 trainees for the program each year. Accepted trainees will participate in a 6 week VSP-mDAC internship program, which includes a stipend, housing allowance, travel assistance, and mentorship.

Recruiting Plan

Are you passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge research? Our Visiting Scholars Program offers students from New Mexico Tech (NMT), University of Wyoming (UW), Navajo Technical University (NTU), Central Wyoming College (CWC), and Dillard University (DU) the chance to work on Membrane Based Direct Air Capture (mDAC) technologies alongside experts at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and the University of Wyoming (UW).

Objective:

  • Gain hands-on experience working on Membrane Based Direct Air Capture (mDAC) technology
  • Work closely with leading researchers at NMT and UW
  • Receive a summer stipend and travel reimbursement
  • Enhance your resume and technical skills
  • Build professional connections in sustainability and carbon capture

How to Get Started:

If you are a student at NMT, UW, NTU, CWC, or DU, reach out to your faculty contact for more information:

  • NMT: Prof. Jianjia Yu
  • UW: Prof. Maohong Fan
  • NTU: Prof. Abhishek Roychowdhury
  • CWC: Prof. Bill Finney
  • DU: Prof. Tomekia Simeon

📢 Ready to Apply?

Apply Now

Student Selection Plan

We seek students who are passionate about engineering, sustainability, and research. The selection process is competitive but designed to identify students who will receive hands on experience from the program.

âś… Application Requirements:

  • Personal statement (Tell us why you’re interested!)
  • Resume or CV
  • College transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

📆 Selection Timeline:

  1. Applications are reviewed by a faculty committee.
  2. Top candidates are selected and contacted.
  3. Finalists are matched with mentors and research teams.
  4. Students confirm participation within two weeks of receiving an offer.

🌟 Pro Tip: Show us your enthusiasm! We love applicants who are excited about Environment solutions and hands-on research.

Apply Now

Enrollment

Once accepted, you’ll need to enroll as a special student at New Mexico Tech. This process is simple and allows you to access campus resources, labs, and research facilities.

Steps to Enroll:

  1. Submit your application to Jianjia Yu via email and send a copy to the NMT registration office.
  2. Accept your admission offer within two weeks.
  3. Receive your NMT Student ID (needed for course registration).

đź”— Special Student Enrollment Portal: Apply Here

Have Questions? Contact Dr. Jianjia Yu @ Jianjia.yu@nmt.edu

Summer Course Registration

To get the most out of your experience, you’ll enroll in a summer course (ChE 4098: Direct Air Capture) at New Mexico Tech.

Course Title: ChE 4098 – Direct Air Capture

đź“Ś Why Enroll?

  • Access course materials and faculty lectures.
  • Receive an official record of your participation.
  • Stay connected with mentors and fellow researchers.

💡 Registration Tip: You’ll receive a step-by-step guide after your admission is confirmed.

Room and Board Application

We provide on-campus housing and meal plans to ensure you have a comfortable stay while focusing on research.

🏡 Housing:

  • Fully furnished dorms
  • Shared or private rooms (based on availability)
  • Convenient access to labs and campus facilities

🍽️ Meals:

  • Dining hall options with meal plans included
  • Vegetarian and dietary accommodations available

📆 Deadline: Complete your housing application by May 15 to secure your spot!

đź”— Housing Info: NMT Housing Options

Travel Planning

We help cover travel costs! Once accepted, you’ll be eligible for travel reimbursement to make getting to NMT stress-free.

What You Need to Do:

  1. Book your flights or transportation to Socorro, NM.
  2. Save all receipts for reimbursement.
  3. Submit a travel request form before arrival.

📆 Program Dates: The program runs from early July to early August every year.

Need help booking travel? We’ve got you covered!

Pickup from the Albuquerque Airport

Flying to New Mexico? We’ll pick you up from Albuquerque International Sunport and bring you to campus!

How It Works:

  • Let us know your arrival time in advance.
  • Our team will meet you at the airport and drive you to Socorro.
  • Get settled in your dorm and meet fellow students.

We want to make your arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible!

Summer Stipend

Get Paid While You Learn! Participants receive a stipend to support living expenses during the program.

đź“Ś How It Works:

  • Payments will be disbursed in installments throughout the summer.
  • No need to apply separately—funding is included in your acceptance!

This allows you to focus on research without financial worries.

Orientation and Laboratory Safety Training

Your safety is our priority! Before starting lab work, all students will complete:

  1. Program Orientation: Meet faculty, mentors, and fellow students.
  2. Campus Tour: Learn about NMT’s research facilities.
  3. Lab Safety Training: Offered to all students before working in research labs.

📆 When? First week of July—so come ready to learn and explore!

Hands on Research Experience in the Laboratory

Once research is complete, you’ll jump into cutting-edge mDAC research alongside faculty and grad students.

📌 What You’ll Do:

  • Learn about advanced membrane based sorption materials.
  • Use state-of-the-art lab equipment.
  • Participate in weekly research meetings.
  • Write technical reports and present your findings.

This is a unique opportunity to gain real-world research experience!

Off-boarding Process

Wrapping Up Your Experience
At the end of the program, students will:
âś… Submit a final report summarizing their research.
âś… Give a presentation on their findings.
âś… Complete an exit survey (help us improve!).
âś… Return keys and materials before departure.

Students are encouraged to stay connected through the alumni network for future opportunities and professional connections.

đź”— Connect With Us: NMT Alumni Page

Waivers and Approvals

🚀 Ready to join? Apply today!

Application Checklist:
✔️ Personal Statement
✔️ Resume/CV
✔️ College Transcripts
✔️ Two Letters of Recommendation

đź”— Apply Here: Apply Now

📆 Deadline: Don’t wait! Applications close April 15th 2025

Admission Issues

(1) Transfer Credits
A zero-credit summer course will be offered, and no transfer credits will be available for visiting students.

(2) Conflict Resolution
Create a protocol for addressing any issues or conflicts that arise during the visiting student’s stay, including academic or personal grievance.