The Lürssen Foundation was established to create a positive impact in education, innovation, and society—driving responsible change both within the maritime industry and in the broader global community. As part of this mission, the Foundation launched a funded scholarship program designed to empower the next generation of engineers with access to advanced research, industry mentorship, and the skills necessary to shape a more sustainable maritime future.
A central component of the program takes place at the University of Connecticut, where scholars participate in a one-month summer school, starting July 2025, hosted in collaboration with UConn’s Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) within the Office of Global Affairs and the School of Engineering (SoE). During this intensive residency, participants refine their research, collaborate on guided Research and Development (R&D) projects with faculty and experts to develop solutions tailored to the challenges facing today’s maritime sector.
Over the course of six months, scholars also gain hands-on experience in Croatia and Germany. The program is designed to cultivate not only technical expertise but also the global perspective needed to lead innovation responsibly.
“Through the Lürssen Foundation, we are mentoring engineers equipped to lead responsible change and digital transformation in the maritime industry, while driving societal progress toward a more sustainable future,” says Peter Lürssen, Managing Partner at Lürssen.
One-month Summer School at the University of Connecticut
As part of a structured international summer program, students participated in a one-month academic and cultural immersion at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Upon arrival in the U.S., participants were welcomed at the airport by staff from UConn’s Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) and transported to campus, where they received a comprehensive orientation to help them acclimate to university life.
Throughout the program, students engaged with UConn faculty and researchers, toured state-of-the-art laboratories, and gained exposure to ongoing academic projects. The experience included guided university tours and visits to leading companies, offering valuable insights into academic and industry practices in the U.S.
In addition to academic activities, the program emphasized cultural immersion. Students explored major U.S. cities and landmarks, providing a broader understanding of American society and lifestyle. This unique combination of academic enrichment and cultural experience fostered both professional development and global awareness.
2025 Student Profiles and Projects
Janik Grafelmann
Janik Grafelmann is an industrial engineering and management graduate from the University of Bremen. Originally from Bremen, Germany, he completed his Bachelor of Science with a thesis focused on evaluating process models for machine learning projects, using port emission prediction as a case study.
Janik has gained industry experience through working student roles at Lürssen, Mercedes-Benz, and the Institute for Materials Engineering, where he contributed to projects in quality management and lean process optimization.
Janik Grafelmann Research Project
Project Title: Energy Efficient Control of Onboard HVAC Systems using Machine Learning
Project Advisor: Ugur Pasaogullari, Mechanical Engineering Department, UConn
Project Description:
This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of using machine learning techniques to optimize the control of HVAC and related onboard systems with the goal of improving energy efficiency. The study will include an investigation into current data collection practices and existing machine learning applications relevant to energy management in maritime environments. Based on these findings, the project will outline the key characteristics and requirements of a more advanced, data-driven control system intended for integration into future newbuild vessels.
Why This Project Matters:
HVAC systems are the leading energy consumers on luxury yachts, often operating continuously to maintain high standards of onboard comfort. However, there is significant potential to optimize their efficiency by minimizing idle operation and reducing preemptive control strategies that lead to unnecessary energy use. Additionally, reducing peak energy usage not only improves overall efficiency but also eases the load on onboard power systems, contributing to more sustainable and resilient yacht operations.
Roko Perinic
Roko Perinic is originally from Opatija, near Rijeka, Croatia. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at TU Graz.
Roko gained practical experience as an intern at HyCentA Research GmbH, the Hydrogen Center Austria, where he contributed to hydrogen technology research. He is also working as a student assistant at the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems, supporting research in energy efficiency and sustainable propulsion.
Roko Perinic Research Project
Project Title: SRM HT-PEMFC with 6-phase DCDC converter
Project Advisor: Jasna Jankovic, Materials Science and Engineering Department, UConn and Ugur Pasaogullari, Mechanical Engineering Department, UConn
Project Description:
This project aims to model, simulate, and evaluate a High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) system integrated with a dedicated 6-phase high-frequency DC/DC boost converter. The primary objective is to enhance overall system efficiency and reduce the consumption of reformat gas.
The scope of the project includes the design and optimization of an HT-PEMFC stack, the development of a custom 6-phase DC/DC converter tailored for high-efficiency power management, and the creation of a unified MATLAB/Simulink model. This model will couple a CFD-validated HT-PEMFC system with the multi-phase converter, enabling detailed analysis of fuel usage, thermal and electrical behavior, and the identification of potential design limitations or inefficiencies.
Through this integrated modeling approach, the project seeks to support the development of more sustainable and efficient fuel cell-based power systems.
Catrien de Vries
Catrien de Vries is originally from the Netherlands and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Naval Architecture with a specialization in Marine Engineering at the same institution. Her research interests include energy efficiency through waste heat reduction.
Catrien de Vries Research Project
Project Title: Thermo-Economic and Energy Density Analysis of Supercritical and Transcritical CO₂ Power Cycles verses Organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery in Marine Propulsion Systems
Project Advisor: Ioulia Valla, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, UConn
Project Description:
This project aims to enhance fuel efficiency by evaluating compact waste heat recovery systems, focusing on a thermodynamic performance comparison between different cycle types. Specifically, it compares the thermal efficiency and net power output of CO₂ power cycles versus Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC). The analysis will consider both energy density and performance, examining the trade-offs between system compactness and power generation capability. The goal is to identify the most promising cycle configuration for marine or mobile applications by determining which system offers the best balance between energy density and net power output.
Marin Versic
Marin Versic is originally from Croatia and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rijeka. He also earned a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from Aalborg University in Denmark. Marin has industry experience as a student worker at Metal Shark Boats, where he contributed to practical engineering projects.
Marin Versic Research Project
Project Title: Comparative Study and Development of Reforming Framework of Different Fuel Options for On-Board High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell System
Project Advisor: Jasna Jankovic, Materials Science and Engineering Department, UConn
Project Description:
This project investigates the feasibility of using alternative fuels, specifically methane, methanol, and ammonia, to power a high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell system onboard ships. The study will explore how these fuels can be safely stored and efficiently reformed into hydrogen-rich gas directly on the vessel. A key focus will be on analyzing the reforming process for each fuel type, comparing their technical requirements, efficiency, emissions profiles, and integration challenges within a maritime environment. The goal is to identify the most suitable fuel candidates for onboard hydrogen generation in support of sustainable marine energy systems.
