EPA Data Analyst Internship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 located in Chicago, Illinois.
This research project will involve analyzing environmental data submitted to the EPA, while also identifying methods to locate potential industrial facilities of concern. By identifying these industrial facilities of concern, EPA can then work with the company to potentially reduce chemical releases to the environment, as well as, sensitive communities. This project will help fulfill EPA's mission to protect public health and the environment.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will: analyze environmental data submitted to the EPA, as well as, contribute to the development of methods (using computer programming languages, such as, Java, database SQL, Python, R, VBA, or some other code) to locate potential industrial facilities of concern. These methods will then be presented (by the participant) to EPA scientists and managers for potential utilization.
In addition to analyzing environmental data and developing computer methods, the participant may also be involved in the following activities:
- Quality Assurance activities to ensure that industrial facility data reported to the Toxic Release Inventory is accurate
- Pollution Prevention, pesticide and Green Chemistry analysis
- lead abatement targeting and research
- analyses of chemical species in the Great Lakes.
The participant will learn how to apply their scientific and technical knowledge in the field of computer programming, while learning how to collect relevant statistical data, to interpret results (using computer programming languages), and to explain those results to EPA employees, state environmental agencies, and tribal representatives. Through this project, the participant will have the opportunity to:
- Observe how science is used at the EPA
- Learn how EPA utilizes (and quality assures) emissions inventory data
- Learn about existing EPA environmental tools
- Develop skills to analyze large datasets
- Develop skills in scientific writing and public presentations
The mentor for this project will be Kushal Som (som.kushal@epa.gov).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Middle 2020
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend rate will be ~$46,000 (Bachelor's), ~$56,000 (Master's), and ~$62,000 (PhD). Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at EPA in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.