Q&A with faculty mentor Ryan Milcarek

Ryan Milcarek is an associate professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. Milcarek’s research focuses on advanced energy systems and technologies, including fuel cells, combustion processes and micro-scale energy applications. He also conducts research in engineering education, with an emphasis on sustainability, resilience and energy-related learning. He has mentored students within the FURI and MORE programs for more than seven years.

What made you want to get involved as a faculty mentor?

I started working with students to prepare FURI and MORE applications during my first semester working at ASU and I have continued to be involved with the program ever since. These programs provide a remarkable experience for students to learn the process of planning, preparing, funding and carrying out research, all while completing their regular degree program. It is an excellent simulation that not only involves the physical acts of conducting research, but also the process of preparing a competitive proposal, having it reviewed, being selected for participation, budgeting and purchasing supplies, presenting their results, etc. All of these steps give students a broader picture of research and help them prepare for futures in research. 

How have your FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend students affected your research? Have they come up with any surprises or proposed new directions for your lab?

Several previous students that I have mentored in the FURI/MORE program have explored novel ideas that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to explore. Every experience has been a learning experience for me as we explore new ideas and has led to opportunities for conference or journal publications for those students.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

I really appreciate the final poster symposium where students can present their work. They display a poster that has some words, images, names and ideas. What might not be apparent to an observer is that beyond the simple poster are literally hundreds of hours of work and effort that went into every step of the process of applying for, receiving and conducting the project. Along the way students have experiences that challenge them and expand their abilities, and it all comes together in the final Fulton Forge Student Research Expo. 

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty members and ask to get involved, and don’t get discouraged if the first faculty member you ask is not available to be your mentor. My first research experience as a student was good, but then I had another experience that was equally good and helped me gain new skills. Keep asking and trying and you will find that you are growing from each step in the process.