Four college students spent the summer gaining real-world experience, networking with peers and expanding their skill sets during their paid internships at BASF’s site in McIntosh, Alabama.

Working alongside BASF professionals to enhance their capabilities and gain hands-on knowledge working in the field, interns included:

• Matthew Chauvin, mechanical engineer at the University of South Alabama
• Mary-Ashley Maloney, mechanical engineer at the University of South Alabama
• Gregory Allen, chemical engineer at the University of Alabama
• Elbridge “Brick” Bills, chemical engineer at Auburn University

Through BASF’s internship program, the McIntosh site provides meaningful projects and positions for chemistry, engineering, and environmental science students.

“These students will be creating the chemistry of our future,” said Marcus Pezent, Site Director for BASF in McIntosh. “From the moment they walk onsite until the end of their internship, we guide them by providing real-world experience and industry knowledge. The detailed feedback these students receive during their internship gives them the tools needed to move forward on their path to becoming successful, industry professionals and members of our future workforce.”

Throughout the summer, the interns were challenged to work independently, which required critical thinking, problem solving and the opportunity to connect what they have learned in the classroom with real workforce applications and experiences. They each worked with groups throughout the site including production, project management groups, chemists and operators.

“BASF’s McIntosh site displayed a very inviting, inclusive, and inspiring work environment,” said intern Matthew Chauvin. “Everyone I worked alongside was encouraging and always willing to help when I was in need or had questions about a specific process or even general questions about different aspects of working at BASF or in the plant.”