ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Two Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) students from the University of Alaska completed a summer internship through the federal government’s Pathways Intern Program as trainee engineers with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Grant Cummings, a petroleum engineer senior from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Kyle Jones, a mechanical engineer freshman from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, were the first two ANSEP students to be selected for the program at BSEE. Both students worked full-time throughout the summer assisting BSEE staff fulfill their regulatory mission of overseeing safety, environmental protection and resource conservation on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
As trainee engineers, Cummings and Jones performed duties that allowed them to experience firsthand the application of academic theories and basic principles to petroleum engineering work. They received classroom and on-the-job training in oil and gas operational safety and environmental requirements, and attended training seminars, meetings, and organizational activities. Both Cummings and Jones accompanied BSEE inspectors to facilities offshore, including the Northstar Island site in Alaska and Platform Eureka in California. While offshore they observed BSEE inspectors as they reviewed ongoing operations, checked maintenance records, and appraised work processes. It was an “eye-opening experience,” according to Cummings, and one he won’t soon forget.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in my internship experience,” said Cummings, “BSEE has a critical role, and this internship has provided me with an unparalleled introduction of offshore regulations. I have grown tremendously and know that this experience is one that I will take with me into the future.”
Jones, who recently graduated from Bethel Regional High School as the valedictorian of his class, expressed similar sentiments about his experiences. “My internship with BSEE was very educational,” said Jones. “I learned about regulation in the oil industry, sat in on meetings with oil companies and shadowed engineers and other professionals at BSEE. I am thankful for the opportunity and for all those at BSEE who made this internship possible.”
The Pathways Intern Program provides students with paid internships that allow them to work alongside federal workers. Positions are open to students enrolled at least half-time in high school/GED, vocational, technical, undergraduate, graduate or professional programs. Successful interns may be eligible to convert to permanent positions upon completion of the program.
ANSEP started in 1995 as a scholarship program for university students, the program has evolved into an education model that provides a continuous string of components beginning with students in sixth grade and continuing on through high school, into science and engineering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through to the PhD. ANSEP students at every level are successful at rates far exceeding national and state numbers. The program provides inspiration, guidance, and opportunity for students from over 100 Alaskan communities.