When budgets are tight and the workload heavy, it can help to seek out volunteers to assist with everything from recurring tasks to multi-faceted projects. Environmental Compliance Analyst Anj McMahon wanted to provide college interns with valuable real world experiences while also tackling some important projects in the sustainability and environmental compliance arena. Enter intern rock stars Damian Moya and Monike DiStefano!

Moya is studying Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University. He just finished up a "semester at sea" during the spring of 2019, where he traveled to several countries around the world and pursued his weekday studies onboard a ship.

Taking his internship project by the reins, he visited 29 city facilities and took notes on what workspace and “public facing” recycling and trash receptacles were available. Additional information collected included methods of disposal for several types of hard to recycle materials. His final report included a photo log and facility-specific recommendations.

DiStefano is studying Applied Geology at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. An active member at Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, American Institute of Professional Geologists and MSU’s Geology Club, she sought out this opportunity to gain insight into Westminster’s environmental compliance and regulatory programs.

Just like Moya, DiStefano eagerly jumped into her project with drive and determination. She visited over 25 divisions and assessed Safety Data Sheet binders and chemical inventories within each work area. If needed, she created such an inventory and printed out the appropriate number of binder packets to assist in this effort. Her final report will also include facility-specific recommendations.

Moya and DiStefano each took a project and produced excellent reports that will assist McMahon and Chief Sustainability Officer Paul Schmiechen in creating even safer work environments.