LyondellBasell Summer Interns Provide Real World Industry Experience
August 17, 2017
CLINTON, Iowa – August 17, 2017 – Working with the American Chemical Society, LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies hosted three undergraduate chemistry and chemical engineering scholars this summer. The paid internships were sponsored by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), a forum that connects science to the business world.
LyondellBasell’s Cincinnati Technology Center, Houston Technology Center, and Clinton Iowa Complex participated in the program.
“The internship program allows the individual to work on real projects that provide value for the company, all while giving them the opportunity to apply the concepts they are learning in the classroom,” said Jim Hillier, LyondellBasell Clinton Complex site manager.
The Clinton Complex hosted Abby Cawoski of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Cawoski interned for LyondellBasell’s Cincinnati Technology Center last summer.
“I was able to explore the research process last summer, analyzing products that had been already manufactured,” said Cawoski. “So it is great to be on the other side this summer seeing how the products are created and delivered to the customer.”
This summer Cawoski, a chemical engineer major, was given the chance to apply principles of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and separations. She also received firsthand experience around core manufacturing programs, such as process safety, reliability and product quality.
The Clinton Complex is one of the largest chemical plants in Iowa, manufacturing ethylene, which is then converted into polyethylene plastic resins used to solve modern challenges like enhancing food safety through lightweight and flexible packaging, and leak-proof and shatter-proof containers for industrial and household chemicals, as well as safe and durable plastics toys.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, personal initiative and perseverance, adaptability, and flexibility.
Jeff Wilson, a production engineer at the Clinton Complex is Cawoski’s summer mentor and believes it is critical for new or inspiring engineers to build a relationship with a more senior engineer in order to promote professional growth.
“The engineering intern program is valuable because it gives students hands-on experience with real projects they would not get in an academic setting,” said Wilson. “LyondellBasell’s mentoring program provides interns the knowledge and technical skills required in today’s industry.”
Media Contact: Megan Borchers O: 815-942-7474 C: 815-210-1980 megan.borchers@lyb.com