This summer, I had the privilege of serving as a graduate student intern with Michelman, a global developer in sustainable specialty coatings, through the UC Center for Public Engagement with Science. My internship was centered on evaluating waste generation and recycling practices across Michelman’s production sites in the USA, Belgium, and Singapore, with the goal of identifying practical strategies to reduce landfill disposal and enhance circularity.
The experience allowed me to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders—from engineering managers and environmental health & safety leads to procurement teams and external recycling partners. Through site visits, data analysis, and one-on-one discussions, I gained valuable insight into the complexities of industrial waste management. I learned how different operational, regulatory, and cultural contexts shape waste handling practices across global sites, and how sustainability targets must be adapted to fit each location’s constraints and opportunities.
By the end of my internship, I was able to deliver a structured framework for waste data collection, recommend process improvements such as designated waste management roles, and propose packaging adjustments to reduce upstream waste generation. Beyond technical learning, I developed a deeper appreciation for the role that collaboration, communication, and cultural awareness play in implementing sustainability initiatives in a corporate setting.
This internship reaffirmed my commitment to advancing sustainable manufacturing and environmental stewardship. I am grateful to PEWS and Michelman for providing the platform to apply my skills in a real-world industrial environment and to contribute to their ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future.
