Dave Douglas spent six weeks at James Cook University in Townsville which is located on the coast in tropical Queensland, Australia. Townsville has a population of approximately 140,000 people and is ideally placed as a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Townsville is noted for its beautiful climate and relaxed lifestyle. The university takes its name from the eighteenth century British Navigator and explorer, Captain James Cook. Captain Cook’s epic voyages contributed significantly to the world of science.

Dave worked on his master’s in the field of Metallurgical Engineering at Montana Tech. While he was at James Cook University, he was looking at the differences between a rotating disk electrode and a rotating cylinder electrode.

He said, “I ran tests to note what the differences were between cyclic voltammetry and chrono potentiometry. The tests were done with rotating the electrodes at 25 rpm and non-rotating the electrodes in a no additive copper electrolyte and in copper electrolyte with Guar. I thought they were very willing to help me out with my research and to teach me what they knew. Their facilities were very nice and I especially liked the one-on-one attention that I received while there."

While in Townsville, Dave enjoyed walking the magnificent beaches and shopping. He said, “I think this was a great opportunity for me and I’m very thankful for having it available to me. It is a great way to travel and see other people and cultures while getting some work done at the same time.

Dave had this advice for others contemplating Montana Tech’s Thesis Abroad Program: “If any student is ever given the option of doing any international research, my advice is to, take it! It is well worth the time and effort for any length of stay.”

Questions or Comments? Contact Cindy Dunstan
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