DEP interns describe field, data and project work at Abandoned Mine Reclamation bureau

Trevor Dietz, an intern with the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, said the summer placement has "definitely increased my professional development," providing practical skills he expects will help his future career. Dietz identified himself as a student at Wilkes University majoring in environmental engineering and said he has taken part in field studies, investigations and data collection as part of the internship.

Connor Monahan, an intern from Pennsylvania State University who is majoring in environmental systems engineering, said the bureau's work closely matches his academic focus. "Being able to see how that works in the field here... has really helped me," Monahan said, describing how on-site observations and follow-up office work combined to give him the "full picture" of projects.

Both interns described their responsibilities as including hands-on field investigations and subsequent office analysis or "legwork" that supports project development at the bureau. Dietz said the experience has increased his professional readiness and that he can "definitely see" himself doing similar work in the future. The remarks were delivered as a brief presentation by the two summer interns representing the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation.