Intern, SCAQMD
This internship program might appeal to those interested in working for a government agency on air pollution issues. The agency has everything from environmental lawyers, engineers, meteorologists, inspectors, rule/regulations writers, to public affairs specialists.
The ~800 person agency is located in Diamond Bar, California, about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Internships typically start in May, but start times are flexible. A start date in June would not be a problem. The program is structured and includes field trips and workshops specifically geared towards the summer internship cohort. If students have any questions about the internship, they can contact Kajeja Shenghur at kshenghur@aqmd.gov
A short blurb on the agency taken directly from the website (http://www.aqmd.gov/nav/about):
“The SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. This area of 10,743 square miles is home to over 16.8 million people–about half the population of the whole state of California. It is the second most populated urban area in the United States and one of the smoggiest.
Different types and levels of air pollution can cause or contribute to everything from watery eyes and fatigue to respiratory disease, lung damage, cancer, birth defects and premature death. Because this area’s smog problem is so severe, SCAQMD often finds itself at the forefront of the nation’s emission reduction efforts.
SCAQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under SCAQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air… “