Young minds are making waves and leaving an indelible mark during Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) summer internship program.
Through hands-on experience in fields ranging from Information Technology (IT) and Supply Chain to Pit Production Operations and Programs (PPOP), these young talents are not only shaping their futures but also contributing to mission delivery at SRNS.
“Since its inception in 2009, the SRNS Internship Program and its dedicated management team have excelled in creating employment opportunities that provide real-world, hands-on experiences,” said Bryan Ortner, SRNS Senior Vice President, Workforce Services and Talent Management. “By offering practical training and mentorship, we ensure our interns develop the skills and confidence needed to make significant contributions to Environmental Management and National Nuclear Security Administration missions.”
Christopher Kinard and Emma Kramer, mechanical engineering students at the University of South Carolina (USC) Aiken, enhanced the integrity and efficiency of the Site’s Data Centers, Telecom Facilities, and IT equipment. Guided by the IT Facilities Department, their tasks included maintaining the physical infrastructure, power systems, and cooling systems of the Data Centers; removing abandoned cables to improve performance; and validating layouts and power drawings across 13 telecommunication facilities.
Their favorite project was installing and configured a Keri Door Access System in the PCA warehouse, enhancing accountability and protecting assets valued between $2.5 and $3 million. “This experience allowed me to enhance my electrical skills, critical thinking, and overall knowledge of power systems,” said Kinard. “Overall, this was an amazing 12-week experience learning from expert IT professionals and getting a taste of what a full-service role would look like at SRS.”
Kramer added, “This internship kept me on my toes with each day presenting a new challenge and opportunity. Over the past two years, I’ve formed meaningful connections at SRS, and this program has given me a newfound confidence that I will succeed in the professional world.”
Jason Manzanares, a mechanical engineering student at USC Aiken, spent his summer fostering strategic partnerships for the PPOP modernization effort. Collaborating with top PPOP operations managers and engineers, Manzanares coordinated a tour of the Rolls-Royce Manufacturing facility in Graniteville, South Carolina, gaining insights into high-quality engine and turbine production.
During the visit, PPOP personnel toured multiple manufacturing lines, included a 20-cylinder engine used for backup power generation in major data centers such as Google and Amazon.
“Our vision is to develop strategic partnerships for cultural awareness, efficiency, training, and resource development,” said Manzanares. “South Carolina is a manufacturing-friendly state with hundreds of name-brand companies with elite facilities that SRNS can learn from or utilize for buy-over-build components. These partnerships help SRNS visualize a new path forward and drive our goals of creating a successful and best-in-class pit production facility.”
Scott Pardue, PPOP Production Modernization, said, “These opportunities give students a head start in understanding our company culture and missions while receiving mentorship from industry leaders. Internships are often the first professional experience students have, and being labeled as ‘interns’ provides them with the time, attention, and space to mature in their roles and deepen their understanding.”
