ASHRAE Insights

WISE Intern Report from Washington

By Anatoliy A. Zeltser, Student Member ASHRAE

Editor’s note: Zeltser served as ASHRAE’s 2007 WISE (Washington Internship for Students of Engineering) intern. Its goal is to groom future leaders of the engineering profession who are aware of an d can contribute to the important intersections of technology and public policy.

From 12 to 15 outstanding engineering students entering their final year of undergraduate study are selected each year in a nation-wide competition to spend ten weeks in the s ummer in Washington, D.C. The ASHRAE Washington Office hosts an outstanding engineering student every summer through this program. During the internship they learn how government officials make decisions on complex technological issues and how engineers ca n contribute to legislative and regulatory public policy decisions. Following is Zeltser ’s report on his WISE internship. He is an architectural engineering student at Kansas State University.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 WISE intern (details at http://www.ashrae.org/advocacy/page/1226).

Soon after my arrival in Washington, D.C. on June 3rd, I settled into my living quarters at The George Washington University and have been exploring the city ever since. In my time here, I have met diverse individuals through the Washington Internships for Students of Engineering (WISE) internship program as well as other interns throughout the city, which all come from different parts of the United States as well as around the world.

In regards to my work, I am thankful to ASHRAE and my supervisors in the Washington office who are incredibly kind-hearted, respectful and helpful people, which have made my stay this summer exceedingly knowledgeable and enjoyable. I have been introduced to individuals from a multitude of societies, organizations, and institutions such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Institute s of Health (NIH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Science Foundation (NSF), the World Bank, and many others. I have met directors, executives, vice-presidents, lawyers, and doctors from all backgrounds and through my supervisors and experiences have learned more about the ins and outs of Washington and how to properly communicate and conduct myself. Through my meetings and lectures, I have expanded my knowledge on subjects ranging from engineering, health sciences, politics, law and policy. I have visited the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Capitol where I attended hearings and briefings on relevant topics that will undoubtedly affect the nation in the future.

In my time here, I have conducted research, interviewed various individuals involved with the built environment and worked diligently on my public policy issue on energy efficiency in the commercial building sector. My policy paper is titled “Energy Efficiency for Commercial Buildings; A Commitment by a Commercial Building Initiative” and can be viewed on the website displayed below. At the end of my internship, I will present ed my final work through a formal presentation Thursday, August 2 ndin the House Committee on Science & Technology committee . hearing room of the Rayburn House Office Building.

With my free time after work and on the weekends, I had the opportunity to walk around the city, enjoy an array of fine cuisines, pay respects to the Vietnam, Korean, World War 2, Jefferson and Lincoln memorials, explore the Smithsonian museums, marvel at the Washington Monument and catch free concerts such as the Caribbean Festival and Live Earth. During one of my weekends, several of my peers and I rented a car and drove to Philadelphia to see the city’s rich history, eat a famous Philly cheese steak at Geno’s, and catch a fierce rivalry baseball game between the Phillies and Mets. At another time, early one morning a friend and I rented a car and drove down to Delaware, had breakfast on the golf course while playing through 9 nine holes, enjoyed lunch on the beach by noon and made it back to Washington D .C . for dinner. A weekend memory that will stay with me for ever will be my tour of the White House, where I saw a portrait of John F. Kennedy looking down to the ground with his arms folded. A portrait that I found both moving and inspiring.

When it came time to go out and enjoy the nightlife that Washington D .C . has to offer, I have been able to take pleasure in going to piano bars in Georgetown, Irish pubs in Chinatown, and dance clubs in Adams Morgan. On Sunday nights some friends and I would enjoy walking down by the waterfront in Georgetown, catch a late night movie and afterwards sit in the park and reflect on our time in Washington. Some of my most memorable memories that I am taking from my time here is the individuals I have met, the laughs we have shared and the stories we have told.

            In conclusion, my time here in Washington will be something that I will hold dear to my heart for my entire life. I would have never imagined having such experiences, may it be watching Senator Kerry conduct a hearing at the Capitol or being involved in conversations with directors of programs, congressman, and department heads. I will leave with the self confidence over my ability to make a difference, meet new individuals and make contacts that I will have for the rest of my life. I am eternally grateful to have this experience and have the ability to meet and be around such wonderful people. I am humble to everyone from friends, teachers, student peers and my loving family who have allowed me to enjoy such experiences as my 2007 WISE summer internship in Washington DC.