Over the last 10 years, Monument’s Intern and Co-Op programs have produced several incredible success stories for young, aspiring environmental scientists and engineers. But the most notable benefits of these programs aren’t mutually exclusive to the program participants. The talent and work ethic from the members within each of the programs have been impactful to our businesses and functions, often teaching us as much as we teach them! And in the case of the current class, that couldn’t be more true. 

This year’s interns and co-ops were eager to share some of the top insights from their Monument experience…

Our Interns

Alonso Lam, Production Engineer, Houston

“My time with Monument has brought  my knowledge of chemical engineering concepts together, because I’ve had a first-hand look at how those concepts are implemented in a real-world setting, such as all the intricacies of how different pieces of machinery operate. I now have a grasp on how individuals from different technical backgrounds work and collaborate with each other on a daily basis. I definitely enjoyed the friendly and almost family-like environment here; something that may have been lost in other industries in the last few years due to the transition to virtual work, but that is not the case here.”

Abby Turner, Production Engineer, Houston

“The specialty chemicals industry is fascinating in the way that it is constantly changing and evolving. This dynamic creates engineers who are extremely well rounded and have a vast knowledge of the process. I already feel like I have absorbed a great deal of knowledge; I have learned how to monitor campaigns by creating MOCs, helping to write night letters, checking samples, and following the overall production process. And several projects have required me to interact with different departments here at Monument, which allowed me to learn from not only the production group, but also operations, project, and safety teams.”

Asher Thorn, Production Engineer, Houston

“I love the speed of the job. I am always on the move, walking around the plant, talking with operators, and learning from the vast wealth of knowledge everyone has here. The biggest thing I have learned so far is the importance of communication and teamwork. Every project and campaign I have been on has required working with people from all different departments. Therefore, I have to be able to communicate and work with them all everyday. I have also learned so much about troubleshooting and problem solving — including the brainstorming process to think of anything that can go wrong, and then how to test our hypothesis with minimal consequences to production.”

Benjamin Thomas, R&D, Houston

“I’ve learned so much about the concepts and preparation related to batch distillation — from how a lab scale experiment can be used to gain insight into how a process will work in the plant, to  how to simulate the right conditions for successful operation. I aIso worked on setting up the flash unit and spinning band unit in the new innovation labs at the Houston site. Monument is a great working environment with so many knowledgeable people and project opportunities. I enjoy how much I get to learn and apply from my education, as well as the practical questions (and answers!) I find through my work.”

Samuel Blackmon, Research & Development, Houston

“The internship program is made great by people in the company who are willing to show us what they know and do — from the direct supervisor to all supporting team members. A lot of my book learning has been reinforced by interesting real world examples — from how a chemical plant runs and makes careful decisions to how to perform various tests on samples (gas chromatography, density measurement, KF titration, acid titration) and how to use the lab equipment (distillation column, Rotovap, gas cylinder).  In this industry, and at Monument in particular, there is always a new and interesting project with interesting challenges and chemistry.”

Justin Moore, Project Engineer, Houston

“As a student, it’s hard to fully grasp what a professional engineering environment looks like. Through Monument, I’ve been able to see the value in what Texas A&M University has prepared me with, and also supplement that knowledge with real-world and fast-paced practices. The people here are nothing but friendly; from the jump, I’ve felt comfortable asking questions and getting to know the Monument team. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to take part in professional engineering work! My favorite win with the company is getting my heater project ready in time for the Houston shutdown!”

Co-Ops

Adam Smith, Mechanical Engineer Co-op, Brandenburg

“I had heard good things about Monument from various family members before applying to the co-op. The people here are very friendly and great to work with, and I’ve really benefited from learning about the mechanics of all the chemical equipment in the plant and all the elements of Process Safety Management. But my favorite projects have involved creating and updating preventative maintenance plans for equipment across the plant.”

Matthew Franxman, Chemical Engineer Co-op (3rd rotation), Brandenburg 

“​​The best part about working at Monument is having the ability to work on projects from just about every unit. This allows me to learn what each unit does and how it works, and provides me with a diverse range of tasks that make each day unique. The classroom teaches you all the theory and mathematics, but everything from tracing P&IDs to data analysis and how the role of each piece of equipment in the process has been a learning experience in some form or another. My favorite project that I have been part of is implementing a process improvement (PI) manual logger into a couple of our units. It has been a fun challenge to develop it across several months and to overcome the obstacles it has thrown at me.”

Flynn Metcalfe, Chemical Engineer Co-op (3rd rotation), Brandenburg

“I love the variety of the tasks that I’ve supported here at Monument — from performing laboratory experiments, to researching ways to make money from our biowaste, to doing material balances on processes throughout the plant. Through data analysis, I was able to discover that one of our flow meters was faulty — and take the steps to have it repaired. My favorite project so far has been the laboratory KOH neutralization experiments, because I’ve really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of it, as well as the applications of science and chemistry involved in the process. It was fun and interesting to be able to work in the lab, and the experience has ultimately led me to believe that Research & Developmental Engineering is the path I would like to pursue further.”

A big thanks to each of these incredible interns and co-ops for being such a valuable addition to the Monument team this summer. We look forward to seeing the bright futures ahead of each of you!