Aakash Amatya, a Wichita State University graduate electrical engineering student from Nepal, participated in the Kansas State University Pollution Prevention Institute intern program over the past summer.

The internship program links engineering and environmental science students with companies to help reduce emissions and conserve natural resources.

"The internship was a great experience for me," said Amatya. "I am certain that this experience will definitely help me in my career."

Amatya was partnered with the Coleman Co. in Wichita, where he worked on four different projects. In all, he helped save the company an estimated 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, 300,000 "therms" of natural gas, 9.4 million gallons of water and around $74,000 in operating costs.

Amatya said his experience was marvelous, as the staff from both Coleman and K-State embraced him and helped him at all times.

"I couldn't have asked for more," he said. "As icing on the cake, they (Coleman) are going to implement the recommendation that I made for them regarding their boiler."

Amatya credited his coursework and advisers from Wichita State University for his success in the internship. His results will also be used for his master's project.

The experience gained from the internship program is valuable to potential employers and students everywhere.

"Hands-on experience and knowledge of environmental principles are key advantages for the interns," said Nancy Larson, director of the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute. "Participation in these internships throughout the U.S. has resulted in many employment offers from host companies."

The K-State Pollution Prevention Institute works with companies to develop effective waste-reducing solutions. Interns help reduce operating costs, regulatory compliance burdens and companies' environmental footprints.

To be eligible, participants must have junior standing by the start of summer 2011, and be enrolled in an accredited engineering or science program at a college or university in Kansas.

In addition to engineering, the intern program includes positions that work directly with the healthcare and lodging industries.

Student and business applications for the 2011 intern program are due Jan. 31, 2011. For more information on the internship program, visit http://www.sbeap.org/internships.php.