Source: Nancy Larson, 800-578-8898, nlarson@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Stephanie Lamb is a graduate of Olathe North High School.
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu

Monday, May 9, 2011

INTERNS READY TO HELP KANSAS COMPANIES REDUCE WASTE, SAVE ENERGY AND MORE

MANHATTAN -- Eleven engineering and environmental sciences students will work on research projects with Kansas companies this summer on ways to reduce their industrial emissions and wastes and conserve energy. The work is through Kansas State University's Pollution Prevention Institute intern program.

Over the last five years, students in the institute's intern program have made recommendations to 22 institutions that, if implemented, would collectively realize savings of up to $6.5 million.

"Savings come about through reductions of hazardous waste, kilowatt hours and water use, and diversion of solid waste," said Nancy Larson, director of the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute. Charged with developing effective waste-reducing solutions, the interns' work helps the companies reduce operating costs, regulatory compliance burdens and their environmental footprint.

"The interns gain hands-on experience in an industrial setting, as well as an understanding of pollution prevention strategies for problem solving and environmental management," Larson said. The students work with a technical adviser from the Pollution Prevention Institute and also personnel from their host company to identify appropriate projects.

"Hands-on experience and knowledge gained of environmental principles are key advantages for the interns," Larson said. "Participation in these internships throughout the U.S. has resulted in many employment offers from host companies."

The K-State students in the 2011 intern program and the Kansas industries they have been matched with include:

Edgar Alvarado, senior in mechanical engineering, Liberal, with CST Storage, Parsons; Stephanie Lamb, senior in chemical engineering, Olathe, with Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan; Rachel Trumpy, senior in chemical engineering, Overland Park, with Gates Corporation, Iola; Austin Weckwerth, junior in mechanical engineering, Topeka, with the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Horton; and Donald Ronck, junior in electrical engineering, Wichita, with Bombardier Aerospace Learjet, Wichita.

From out of state: Taylor Scott, senior in architectural engineering, Papillion, Neb., with Schwan's Global Supply Chain, Salina.

From out of country: Vishrut Patel, senior mechanical engineering, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, with Via Christi Hospitals, Wichita.

For more information on the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute intern program, go to http://www.sbeap.org/internships.php.