2023 Steel Intern Scholarship – Samson Canadian

Sarah K. Cushnie

This past summer, I had the privilege to complete a 4-month co-op at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. as part of the AIST Steel Intern Scholarship. I worked in Global Research and Development in the Primary Processing group. My time at ArcelorMittal Dofasco was an incredibly valuable experience and I am walking away from my co-op with a newfound appreciation for the steel industry.

I worked on numerous projects throughout my co-op. These projects included topics such as greenhouse gas reductions, harnessing waste heat and preparing biocarbon samples. My work took me all over the plant, where I gained exposure to many of the different techniques and processes involved in steelmaking. It was a phenomenal opportunity to connect with professionals in different business units and learn so much from them. I gained a much deeper understanding of the steelmaking process and the byproducts generated therein.

While I was only at ArcelorMittal Dofasco for a limited time, they offered me leadership positions on these projects and continually challenged me to do my best work. I felt like I was truly contributing to the efforts of my research group and my work would certainly have an impact in the years to come.

Although I loved the work I did, my greatest joy the past 4 months has been my wonderful coworkers. They immediately welcomed me to the team and offered me all the support I needed. I am so inspired by the work that they do, by how much they care for others and how much they try to make the world a better place.

I am leaving my co-op feeling excited for the future of the steel industry. ArcelorMittal has ambitious goals for their decarbonization efforts, and I commend them for setting the precedent. The steel industry is changing and now is the perfect time to get involved. I can’t wait to continue my adventure in steel in the years to come.

I would like to thank AIST and ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. for providing me with this opportunity. I am immensely grateful for the support I received.