 Nicole James |
West Salem High School 2007
Salem, Oregon
This summer I have been spending 40 hours a week learning how to research, use well-known computer programs, and evaluate a device that could possibly be used to protect Oregon bridges. I can do this because I was granted an internship by ASE (Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering) with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
At ODOT I am in charge of testing the functionability of a chloride sensor. If it works, this sensor would be embedded in Oregon bridges and used to detect the levels of chloride present in the concrete. Chlorine ions often permeate the concrete on coastal bridges or bridges where de-icing chemicals are used which erode the steel reinforcements. Today, the Oregon Department of Transportation has to inspect the sites visually, usually meaning that bridges are not repaired until they are literally falling apart--with concrete falling off in large chunks. This sensor could allow ODOT to plan for bridge repairs and make them at the appropriate times and prevent bridges from ever corroding to such a dire and dangerous condition.
In addition to this task, I am also evaluating two culvert surveying techniques. By using a software program called GIS (Geographical Information Systems), I can match up the culverts from the separate surveys on a map by their unique characteristics. From matching up the same culverts, I can identify which survey technique was able to procure the most useful information on the most culverts. This survey would then be used exclusively by ODOT when it evaluates its culverts.
In my time at ODOT I have learned how to design and implement a real-life research experiment. I have learned how to get things moving and completed in a work environment, how to use GIS, valuable tricks in Excel and a wealth of unrelated information from my internship mentor. I have attended staff meetings and met with the sensor inventor. I have worked in the state government lab and worked with an experienced lab technician. At the end of my internship, I will have written a report on my research findings that will be published in the ODOT library.
For all of this, I am being paid $2,000. I have already used this money to fund my plans for next summer-volunteering with the Student Conservation Association to protect our environment.