Energy Office 2007 Internship Program

The Michigan Energy Office will provide an internship opportunity for up to 6 students interested in undertaking a specific project related to solar energy, wind energy, or energy efficiency in the industrial, commercial, or residential sectors.  The student would be expected to prepare a research or policy paper.  There would be an initial orientation meeting and a final meeting where project results would be presented to Energy Office staff.  In addition to the two meetings, there would be ongoing email and phone communication between the Energy Office advisor and intern.  It is expected that the intern will have a faculty advisor.

The Michigan Energy Office is not able to offer any compensation for participation in the internship program.  A limited number of selected students will gain a valuable internship experience and their work products will be used by a state agency to help develop programs or policies.  The Energy Office will try to work within existing university programs in order to make it possible for students to gain credit for independent studies or internships. The Energy Office is interested in the following topics, but would be receptive to other topics of interest to the students.

1.      Farm Energy Audits – Intern will research and evaluate farm energy audit programs being conducted in various states around the country.  Intern will identify model program and recommend one or more program options for the State of Michigan.

2.      Solar or Wind Energy Technology Advances – Intern will research and identify technology advances related to solar energy and/or wind energy.  Intern will summarize short-term and long-term improvements that can be expected and identify possible policy implications.

3.      Solar Potential in Michigan – Intern will research one or more solar options and identify technical potential in Michigan.  For example, an intern’s research may determine that 1,000 kW of photovoltaic systems could be installed in Michigan every year during the next ten years taking into consideration available roof tops, number of installers, manufacturing capacity, etc.  Intern may also suggest policy options to encourage development of the solar energy.

4.      Passive Solar Design - Intern will research and evaluate passive solar design programs being conducted in various states around the country.  Intern will identify model program and recommend one or more program options for the State of Michigan.

5.      Higher Education Program Research – Intern will research Michigan higher education opportunities regarding specific energy efficiency/renewable energy/clean technologies focus in existing curriculum.  Extensive research will be required to identify specific courses offered in traditional construction trade, architecture, and engineering curriculums as well as identify curriculums where the energy efficiency/renewable energy/clean technologies focus is not apparent.

6.      Job Creation Potential with Energy Efficiency Improvements – Intern will investigate business models that enhance Michigan employment opportunities when existing residential and commercial buildings are retrofitted with energy efficiency improvements.  Businesses could include weatherization service providers, building analysis, consulting, engineering, manufacturing etc..

Students interested in the Energy Office Internship Program should submit a proposal by email to jhsarve@michigan.gov by January 15, 2007.  The proposal should include 1) brief description of the proposed topic, 2) description of the student background including relevant classes and extracurricular activities, 3) name and contact information for faculty advisor.