APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS IN MARCH 11, 2024

2024 WASI HOST BUSINESSES 

• Help the LOTT Clean Water Alliance evaluate products and chemicals used at the wastewater treatment plant for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon footprint (CO2 equivalence – CO2e). 
• Work with Taylor Farms Northwest to identify and implement methods of reducing water use throughout their food processing facility. Taylor Farms is also interested in identifying and implementing greener alternatives for landfill-bound produce waste. 
• Help Toray Composite Materials America optimize solvent recovery processes and research safer alternatives for solvent-based cleaning processes.
• Work with Valence Surface Technologies to determine optimal operating parameters for process tanks. You’ll minimize wastewater and hazardous waste generation, verify and implement process changes, and update the current Operations Manual to reflect the optimized process.

FULL PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS HERE (PDF)

 

As an WASI intern 

You will be matched with a Washington state business to create sustainability solutions for industry practices. During this 10-week internship, you will conduct research that can help improve efficiency, save money, and prevent/reduce waste. Project topics might include energy or water audits, toxics reduction, green chemistry, and life cycle assessment. Read the Host Businesses Project Descriptions very carefully to determine which project best suits your interests, skills and knowledge.

Additionally, you will benefit from

• Hands on experience in project development and management
• Collaboration with industry
• Mentorship by an WASI engineer or scientist
• Communicating science to interdisciplinary audiences

Eligibility 

• The Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI) is open to any Washington state-based undergraduate student with junior or senior standing (including graduating seniors) in business, economics, engineering, environmental science, green chemistry, physical science or sustainability science.
• NOTE: each internship position has preferred majors and desired skills and experience, and may have additional eligibility criteria (e.g. citizenship requirements) see the project descriptions for more information
• DACA students are eligible to apply, however each internship position may have specific requirements related to immigration status or citizenship (see above)
• Black, indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC), representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and allies are encouraged to apply for this opportunity

How to Apply

Washington Sea Grant uses eSeaGrant for submitting applications. In order to access this system and submit your application for this fellowship, please:

1. Email sgfellow@uw.edu declaring your interest in applying and so that the Washington Sea Grant internship team can provide application support
2. Access eSeaGrant at: https://esg.wsg.washington.edu and register for a user account
3. All application materials (see Required Application Components below) should be uploaded to eSeaGrant by the published deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. While we encourage electronic submission of your application if this is not a possibility please contact sgfellow@uw.edu and we will provide accommodations
4. Note: Applicants may apply for one or more of the available internship positions. If applying for more than one project you must submit a Project Preference Statement for each project.

Intern Selection

Finalists will be interviewed and selected by the WASI Review Panel including representatives from the host business, Washington Sea Grant, and the WA Department of Ecology.

Interviews will take place in early May and internships will start in early June.

 

Required Application Components 

A complete application will include the following 3 components: 

1. A Resumé describing your work and/or volunteer experience. (maximum two pages; use 12 point Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins.)
   • The resumé must include your name, contact information (including phone and email address), GPA, and educational history.
   • The resumé should also detail your work and volunteer history, particularly as it relates to the WASI opportunities.
   • Include names and contact information for at least 2 references
2. A Personal Statement sharing your academic and career vision and how the WASI opportunity fits into and supports your goals (maximum one page; use 12 point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins, and 1.5-line spacing.)
3. A Project Preference Statement indicating which WASI project or projects you are interested in, how you would benefit from the project and how your skills align with the host business project(s) of interest. (maximum 300 words)
   • NOTE: You may apply to more than one project position. If applying for more than one project you must submit a Project Preference Statement for each project AND you must rank the projects in order of preferences (i.e. 1 for first choice project, 2 for second choice project, and so on)
4. Unofficial transcripts showing all college-level education. While required to confirm eligibility, details of student transcripts are not factored into the selection process

Note: Please include only the required components in your application packet (i.e., do not include a cover letter, additional recommendations, or photos). Failure to follow all guidelines may result in the disqualification of your application.

1. The student’s articulated goals for what they want out of the position align with project objectives. (0 – 5 points, poor to excellent)
2. Applicant has skills relevant to the position. Which may include the following: lifecycle assessment, cost benefit analysis, energy audit, economic / sustainability analysis, materials/waste management, etc. (0 – 5 points, poor to excellent)
3. Student degree aligns with those identified by host. (0 – 5 points, poor to excellent)
4. Priority for graduating students. (0 – 2 points)
5. Priority for students who would benefit from this experience (have not already had similar opportunities). (0 – 3 points)

Stipend Amount

• $8,000 per student for the summer. This is a full-time (40hrs/week), 10-week internship and interns must be available to work onsite or virtually at the businesses on a daily basis.
• Housing costs are not provided, but limited funds may be available to support program-related travel expenses
• Intern stipends are administered through Washington Sea Grant and the University of Washington

Note: Internship stipends are non-benefits-eligible and will not have taxes withheld. Interns are not UW employees—i.e., this is not an employment relationship but rather a trainee/learner experience