From college to career: USCA student reflects on engineering internship at SRNS

Kamdyn Neale, a sophomore at USCA, is taking on a double major in chemistry and mechanical engineering, along with a minor in math. She’s working toward becoming a chemical engineer, something she got interested in back in high school when she first discovered her love for chemistry, which eventually led to a growing curiosity about engineering.

Her connection to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) developed naturally, as the company maintains strong ties with USCA through events such as the STEM Fair and meetings hosted by the Engineering Student Association. Additionally, several of Neale’s friends and family members work at SRNS, giving her valuable insight into the professional opportunities the company offers.

These personal and academic influences ultimately led her to pursue an internship with SRNS, where she solidified her goal of building a career in the field.

SRNS, which manages operations at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina, offers internships that provide students with hands-on experience in real-world engineering environments.

During her time at SRNS, Neale worked as a mechanical & plant design engineering Intern within a multidisciplinary engineering team. “The experience allowed me to see behind the curtain into the process of design engineering for a construction-phased project,” Neale shared. “I wasn’t just watching; I was part of the team.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the internship, she noted, was gaining practical skills that aren’t typically taught in the classroom. Neale received training in new software, participated in field operations, and collaborated closely with experienced professionals.

“I got to go out into the field, put on the hard hat and safety shoes, and see what was going on, not just see it behind a screen,” she said. “Talking to construction workers and hearing their perspectives was incredibly valuable.”

Beyond technical skills, Neale’s internship offered meaningful networking opportunities and deeper insights into the inner workings of SRNS. The experience confirmed her desire to work for the company in the future and further fueled her interest in specialized fields like fire protection engineering.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.