Environmental Engineering Internship
Nathan
Experience Information
Employer: Lakeshore Environmental, Inc.
Job Title: Environmental Technician
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Lakeshore Environmental, Inc. is an environmental engineering and consulting firm with offices located in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Vestaburg, Michigan. They work primarily with industrial and commercial facilities regarding their environmental compliance. They also work closely with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, County Health Departments and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have performed groundwater modeling using computer programs such as Visual MODFLOW, Surfer 10, ArcMap, and EVAP. I have completed evaluations using the MDEQ's online Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WWAT). I also have conducted multiple wastewater treatment projects, and performed groundwater and surface water sampling.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I have created complex groundwater models using the program, Visual MODFLOW. These models covered an entire watershed with topography, soil, surface water, groundwater, and climate data entered as an input to calculate water table elevations and particle tracking. I have written technical correspondence for clients about sampling conducted and proposed water withdrawals.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op experience was predicting groundwater elevations during construction dewatering and the potential effects to local water wells.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
As an Interdisciplinary Engineering major with an emphasis on Environmental Engineering, this experience was exactly what I was hoping for. I got to work with actual Environmental Engineers with all aspects Environmental Engineering.