Jeronimo Miranda Castro '18 has been awarded an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, becoming the second Colorado College student this year to receive the highly competitive award. An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is a prestigious, integrated, international study program, jointly administered by an international consortium of higher education institutions.
Miranda, from Montevideo, Uruguay, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry, and currently is working as a paraprofessional in CC's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
He will participate in the European Master Course "Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion." The program is designed to provide a two-year education course in Material Science and Electrochemistry offered at eight universities in six countries.
"I am excited to immerse myself in the ever-moving field of energy materials, a key field to turn the world into a more sustainable place," says Miranda. "Energy materials are part of our daily life; they are in our computers, our phones, solar panels, and satellites. Hence, their development is crucial to making new, more efficient and accessible technological advancements."
The first year is dedicated to the science fundamentals (electrochemistry, materials science, physical chemistry, etc.) associated with energy storage and conversion, with the first semester being spent in Poland, Warsaw, and the second semester in Toulouse, France.
The second year of the program is focused on practical and technological aspects covering all the levels of the value chain (synthesis of materials, assembly of energy storage systems, prototyping, large scale facilities). The third semester, focusing more on technology, takes place in Spain, Slovenia, or France, countries that have invested heavily in technology transfer and prototyping of materials synthesis and battery manufacturing. The final semester is dedicated to a six-month master's thesis research project within one of the 30 participating organizations in Europe, the United States, or Australia.
Throughout the program, in addition to scientific and technological modules, several modules for soft/transferable skills are provided to students, essential for future careers.
"During my time at MESC+, I am excited to study at renowned research institutions for the creation of better, greener, more reliable batteries and next-generation energy materials," says Miranda. "I'm thrilled to travel the world, visit many places, learn from brilliant people, and gain a broader perspective of the problems we face as a planet and where possible solutions lie."
Upon completion of his dual master's degree, Miranda plans to pursue a career in academia, possibly getting a Ph.D. in electrochemistry and material science.