2024 Steel Intern Scholarships
Hartleigh B. Gardner
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded the AIST Steel Intern Scholarship. This scholarship has afforded me the invaluable opportunity to undertake an internship at AM/NS Calvert in Alabama, marking my first experience with this esteemed organization. The welcoming culture and the exceptional individuals at AM/NS Calvert have deeply impressed me, and I am truly appreciative of this experience.
During my internship, I was assigned to the environmental team, where I was entrusted with meaningful tasks that were crucial to the team's objectives. Instead of performing routine tasks, I was given responsibilities essential to the team's operations but had been deferred due to their demanding schedule. Under the guidance of my mentor, Robert Pinckard, I was actively engaged in various aspects of the role, including comprehensive tours of the mills. This exposure allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of steel mill processes, water management and air emissions within the facility.
One of my key projects involved upgrading the stormwater sampling platforms used for quarterly evaluations. The existing platforms were too high to allow for adequate sampling, so I designed and implemented new stair extensions for most stormwater drains. This task included developing the scope of work, collaborating with my team to hire a contractor, and managing the bidding process. Despite having no previous experience in these areas, my team offered invaluabe support and guidance throughout.
In addition to this project, I participated in fieldwork and technical assignments that greatly enriched my early career experience. Notably, I was responsible for conducting weekly state indirect discharge sampling within the mills. I shadowed the original sampling person and asked as many questions as I could for details of what was being performed. This involved tasks such as labeling bottles and independently collecting samples, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience that I believe was a unique aspect of this internship.
This internship has provided me with an in-depth understanding of both the internal and external operations of a steel mill. I gained valuable insights into the heavy machinery involved in producing high-quality steel, and I learned about its environmental impacts. Additionally, I became familiar with the regulations designed to safeguard the environment and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. The experience was profoundly rewarding, allowing me to acquire knowledge and skills that would have been difficult to obtain elsewhere. It enabled me to enhance my teamwork and leadership abilities significantly. I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals, which contributed to my personal and professional growth.
In addition to the internal aspects of AM/NS Calvert, I could participate in external community involvement, such as the Girls Learning About Manufacturing (GLAM) Camp. We led engineering activities that inspired young girls to pursue STEM careers. Through hands-on activities and plant tours, students gained valuable insights into manufacturing. I also had the privilege to volunteer at the Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) 24th Annual Golf Tournament, supporting PEP's mission of combining economic and ecological growth. PEP focuses on improving life along the Northern Gulf Coast through sustainable practices and has championed environmental causes since 2000. AM/NS Calvert sponsors these types of events to highlight their commitment to environmental progress and sustainability for their future and I am grateful to have been a part of these events.
I am grateful to AIST for providing me with the opportunity at AM/NS Calvert, and to AM/NS Calvert for the excellent experience. I also want to thank the AIST Foundation for their continuous support throughout my internship. The exposure and insights I gained during this internship have deepened my understanding of my field of study and better prepared me for my future career.