Feng Chia University Students from the Department of Environmental Engineering and Science and the Department of Automatic Control Engineering Begin Internships at Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), Exploring Hydrogen Life‑Cycle Assessment and Digital Maritime Transport

In late February 2024, Chia‑Yu Lin from the Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, together with Yun‑Ching Pu, Wen‑Cheng Tsao, and Yan‑Hua Lu from the Department of Automatic Control Engineering, began their internships at the National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR) in Rome, Italy. Their opportunities were made possible through the Ministry of Education’s Dream‑Building Study Abroad Program and Feng Chia University’s University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives. Their internship will continue through the end of May.

During this period, the students have not only strengthened their professional skills but have also gained deeper insights into the importance of international research collaboration. At CNR, Chia‑Yu Lin is conducting research on life‑cycle assessment, focusing particularly on evaluating carbon emissions in Europe’s hydrogen energy production. Meanwhile, Yun‑Ching Pu, Wen‑Cheng Tsao, and Yan‑Hua Lu are applying their expertise in automatic control to a digital‑twin maritime navigation project aimed at improving energy efficiency in shipping.

Chia‑Yu Lin from the Department of Environmental Engineering and Science (right 1), and Yun‑Ching Pu (left 2), Wen‑Cheng Tsao (right 2), and Yan‑Hua Lu (left 1) from the Department of Automatic Control Engineering are undertaking internships at the National Research Council (CNR) in Italy.

From April 19 to 25, Professor Tsu‑Wang Shen, Dean of the College of Information and Electrical Engineering, Associate Professor Yung‑Chung Chuang of the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Information and Secretary of the College of Construction and Development, and Professor Chen‑Hua Hsueh from the Office of Sustainability visited CNR in Italy. Their visit aimed to review the students’ progress and to discuss long‑term collaboration opportunities with key CNR representatives. Proposed initiatives include researcher exchanges, technical collaboration, co‑hosting international conferences, and joint projects in artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and digital‑twin technologies. The proposals also cover educational cooperation with the Taiwan–Reyhanli Centre for World Citizens in Turkey.

During the weekend, the professors also accompanied the students to explore the rich cultural heritage of Sicily—admiring Mediterranean landscapes, visiting local markets, and gaining a deeper appreciation of Italian culture. The combination of academic training and cultural immersion has enriched the students’ professional and personal experiences. The faculty members also gained clearer insights into the students’ living and learning conditions abroad, paving the way for more international internship opportunities in the future.

The collaboration between Feng Chia University and CNR, strengthened through the long‑term efforts of faculty members such as Chih‑Yung Chu, will continue to generate new academic and professional synergies—much like the passion and charm of Italy itself.

Dean Tsu‑Wang Shen of the College of Information and Electrical Engineering, Associate Professor Yung‑Chung Chuang of the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Information and Secretary of the College of Construction and Development, and Professor Chen‑Hua Hsueh from the Office of Sustainability visited the students at CNR from April 19 to 25. The delegation also met with CNR headquarters (bottom left) to discuss long‑term bilateral collaboration, and visited Ambassador Tsai, Yun‑Chung at the Taipei Representative Office in Italy (bottom right, second from right).