Research Project Description

Environmental Data Analysis and Reporting in Alkylphenols
Postgraduate Internship Opportunity
Region 5 Chicago Regional Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Chicago, IL

EPA Region 5-CRL/RMD 2013-01

Project Description:

A postgraduate internship is available with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chicago Regional Laboratory (CRL) in Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of this project is to understand the fate of Alkylphenols and its ethoxylates (APES) in water, land applied biosolids and digester sludge. This study may also involve the development of sample preparation techniques in order to analyze a variety of environmental matrices.

Project elements will include, but not be limited to: detailed analysis of environmental samples by GC/MS and LC/MS, preparation of environmental samples, and preparation of visual materials for oral presentations and communications.

The intern will be mentored by CRL staff scientists involved in the analysis and reporting of environmental data and the planning and conducting of oral or poster presentations. Specific learning opportunities may include, but not be limited to:

• Developing or implementing extraction methods for environmental samples utilizing Accelerated Solvent Extraction, Solid Phase Extraction, liquid-liquid extraction or new technologies. Environmental samples may include soils, sludges, water, fish and industrial matrices.
• Interpreting the data, this includes statistical analyses, review of quality assurance data, and preparation of tables and figures.
• Writing papers to be presented at a conference and/or to be issued as post-conference reports.
• Being involved in creating and improving current methods and technologies

 During this project the intern will:

• Learn about the many complex environmental analyses concerning EPA
• Increase skills in data analysis and reporting.
• Learn the many facets required to plan and implement a complex project
• Learn roles and responsibilities for being part of a team
• Obtain professional contacts around the country
• Increase sense of professional responsibility

This project could involve overnight travel to attend meetings.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree in a science related discipline within five years of the desired starting date, or be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university pursuing a degree in analytical chemistry. Experience in an environmental or industrial laboratory is desired.

The program is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status is preferred (but can also hold an appropriate visa status, however, an H1B visa is not appropriate).The intern does not become an EPA employee.

Technical Questions:

The technical contact for this project is Dr. Lawrence Zintek. He can be contacted at zintek.lawrence@epa.gov.

How to Apply:

The Internship Program for EPA is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please reference Project # EPA Region 5-CRL/RMD 2013-01 when calling or writing for information. For additional information and application materials contact: Internship Program – EPA, Attn: Betty Bowling, MS 36, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831 Phone: (875)576-8503 FAX: (865)241-5219 e-mail: betty.bowling@orau.org.

 An application can be found at http://www.orau.gov/orise/edu/EPA/app-gugrgpd.pdf.