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During his bachelor's degree, Samuel Gage from the US spent a summer as an intern at Clausthal University of Technology. He liked it here so much that he moved from the USA to the mining and university town for his Master's degree in Applied Chemistry. Ten years after graduating, he visited Clausthal University of Technology again and told me how his career has developed since graduating.
From the USA to the university of choice, TU Clausthal
In 2009, Samuel Gage was looking for an internship. In line with his subjects of chemistry and German at Indiana University, Bloomington (USA), he wanted a chemistry internship, preferably in Germany. He applied for a scholarship through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and contacted potential internships - including the Institute for Polymer Materials and Plastics Technology (PuK) at Clausthal University of Technology. But then came a setback: the scholarship was rejected and the internship in Germany was in danger of falling through.
However, this was not an obstacle for Clausthal University of Technology. "They told me to come anyway," he recalls of Clausthal's acceptance. The American then worked at PuK for three summer months, researching fiber-plastic composites. The environment in Clausthal was perfect for the nature lover: "I love the mountains and hiking. I quickly fell in love with Clausthal," says Samuel.
This made it all the easier for him to return to Clausthal University of Technology for his Master's degree in Applied Chemistry after completing his Bachelor's degree in the USA. He was able to put his German language skills to good use in his day-to-day studies. Only the oral exams were a challenge, but the International Center always supported him, he reports. Alongside his studies, he worked there as a supervisor for foreign students and learned to appreciate the international community at the TU.
Government advisor for renewable energies
Samuel wrote his master's thesis at the Institute of Networked Energy Systems at the German Aerospace Center in Oldenburg. He then returned to the USA, where he completed his doctorate at the Colorado School of Mines. This was made possible by a cooperation with Clausthal University of Technology at the time: the university in the Rocky Mountains accepted Samuel's Master's degree from the Oberharz without any conditions.
After completing his doctorate, he stayed in Colorado and initially developed heat storage systems at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He now works as a clean energy consultant and group leader of an analysis and modeling team at the consulting firm Energetics. Energetics works closely with the US Department of Energy (DOE) and advises the agency on the decarbonization of heavy industry.
Samuel's tasks include involving all stakeholders, including scientific institutions and laboratories, start-ups as well as small, medium-sized and large companies, and the strategic analysis of industrial processes. "Industry tells me what they think about topics such as decarbonization and energy efficiency and what they need to implement them," he explains. "I analyze the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of their industrial processes and find out which technologies or improvements are needed."
He then advises the authorities on the basis of his findings. Background: The United States is currently investing large sums of money in promoting sustainability and renewable energies. "Public funds must be used in a targeted manner. So I advise on which investments will have the greatest impact."
Samuel's decision to work in the field of renewable energies after studying chemistry was something he had planned for a long time. On the one hand, this field offered him secure prospects for the future. On the other hand, he already noticed during his bachelor's degree that cooperation between the USA and Germany in this field is very close. "Chemistry is my profession, but German is my passion," he laughs.
In addition to his job, he is therefore involved as a board member of the Colorado Chapter of the German-American Chamber of Commerce. This is part of the network of German Chambers of Foreign Trade and promotes trade between the US state and Germany. Samuel was also present at the American Council on Germany's Young Leaders Conference in Berlin last summer and promoted economic relations.
He used his visit to Clausthal University of Technology to catch up with friends and acquaintances. And he campaigned for a cause close to his heart: Samuel would like to revive the cooperation between the University of the Harz and the Colorado School of Mines so that current students also have the opportunity to gain recognition in the USA.
Many thanks to Samuel Gage!
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