2024 Intern Symposium

Save the Date! The MnTAP Intern Symposum will be hed on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

2024 Intern Projects

• AaCron Inc., Plymouth, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation, chemical usage, and energy efficiency.
• Aspire Bakeries, Chaska, MN – Lead a project focused on water and energy conservation at an industrial bakery.
• Donaldson Company, Inc., Bloomington, MN – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency at an industrial filtration manufacturer.
• FINNOVATION Lab, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on upcycling various food waste feedstocks from a manufacturing facility, and potentially, other sites, using technology at a start-up company.
• Lakeside Foods, Owatonna, MN – Lead a project focused on waste diversion, wastewater loading reduction, and water
  conservation at a food manufacturing facility.
•  Liberty Paper Inc., Becker, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and reduction of landfill waste at a recycled linerboard manufacturer.
• PTC Steel, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation.
• Michael Foods, Chaska, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation, wastewater loading reduction, and energy efficiency at a food manufacturing facility.
• Minnesota Correctional Facility, Shakopee, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at Minnesota Correctional Facilities.
• MN Department of Administration, Office of Enterprise Sustainability, Remote (some in-person/travel, see description) – Lead a project focused on water conservation at state facilities.
• Niron Magnetics, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on green chemistry for a materials technology company.
•  Puris, Dawson, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and energy efficiency.
•  Second Harvest Heartland (SHH), Brooklyn Park, MN – Lead a project focused on optimization of the food recovery supply chain in Minnesota, and conduct waste audits at a facility.

2023 Intern Symposium

Save the Date! The MnTAP Intern Symposum will be hed on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

2023 Intern Projects

• All Flex Solutions, Northfield, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a circuit board manufacturer.
• Allina Health, Fridley, MN – Lead a project focused on food waste minimization and diversion.
• Avtec Finishing Systems, New Hope, MN – Lead a project focused on wastewater loading reduction, energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Boston Scientific, Arden Hills, MN – Lead a project focused on TRUE zero waste analysis and waste prevention.
• Boston Scientific, Maple Grove, MN – Lead a project focused on TRUE zero waste analysis and waste prevention.
• Cemstone, Mendota Heights, MN – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency.
• Coborn’s, St. Cloud, MN – Lead a project focused on waste stream optimization, with a focus on food waste management.
• Co-operative Plating, St. Paul, MN – Lead a project focused on chemical reduction and water conservation.
• Grede Foundry, St. Cloud, MN – Lead a project focused on foundry water conservation.
• Kemps, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on dairy product conservation and waste minimization at a local food manufacturing facility.
• Nico Products, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on wastewater loading reduction, energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Olympus Surgical Technologies America, Brooklyn Park, MN – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency and water conservation at a medical device manufacturer.
• Seacole Specialty Chemicals, Plymouth, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation.
• St. Paul Beverage Solutions, Maplewood, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a dairy facility.
• VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and food waste prevention.
• Ventura Foods, Albert Lea, MN – Lead a project focused on fuel and water savings.
• Wholesale Produce, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on food waste, water reduction, and refrigerant management.

2022 Virtual Intern Symposium

On August 17, 2022, 16 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 12:00 – 4:30PM at the McNamara Alumni Center and broadcast virtually. Each intern presented 10 minute summaries of their projects followed by a panel question and answer period.

2022 Intern Projects

• Advance Corporation, Cottage Grove, MN – Lead a project focused on pollution prevention at a braille signage and awards manufacturing facility.
• Ball Corporation, Saint Paul, MN – Lead a project focused on chemical use reduction and water conservation at a can manufacturing facility.
• Beckman Coulter, Chaska, MN – Lead a project focused on waste reduction at a medical diagnostics manufacturer.
• Clearway Energy, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a water conservation and energy efficiency project at a steam and chilled water plant.
• Faribault Woolen Mill Co., Faribault, MN – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency.
  
• Heartland Corn Products, Winthrop, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at an ethanol plant.
• Kemps, Farmington, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a local food manufacturing facility.
• M Health Fairview, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on water and energy conservation through steam system efficiency.
• Miller Manufacturing Company, Glencoe, MN – Lead a project focused waste and energy reduction at a manufacturer and distributor of farm, ranch and pet products.
• Minnesota Grocers Association, Saint Paul, MN – Lead a project focused on refrigeration system best practices and recommendations for small grocery stores in Minnesota.
• Mustad USA, Forest Lake, MN – Lead a project conserving energy at a horse shoe manufacturer Company.
• Seagate Technology, Bloomington, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and energy efficiency.
• St. Cloud Nutrient, Energy and Water Recovery Facility, St. Cloud, MN in partnership with Tri County Solid Waste and Donohue & Associates – Lead a pilot project focused on the anaerobic digestion of food waste.
• Stylmark, Fridley, MN – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency.
• Twin City Tanning, South St Paul, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and wastewater loading reduction.
• U Market Services, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on the development, trial and implementation of strategies that minimize waste from single-use packaging materials.

2021 Virtual Intern Symposium

On August 18, 2021, 14 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center and broadcast virtually. Each intern presented 10 minute summaries of their projects followed by a panel question and answer period.

MnTAP staff are grateful that in collaboration with our sponsors, host companies, and students we have been able to once again adapt the 2021 MnTAP Intern Program to safely carry out high impact projects for pollution prevention, energy and water efficiency. Our Intern Symposium will be again be a virtual event for 2021. This is an information packed celebration of the great work the interns and student researchers have done to identify savings in water, energy, and waste. Hosting this event in a virtual format will offer more of you the chance to celebrate with us. Join us virtually on August 18th.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

2021 Intern Projects

• CHS Inc., Inver Grove Heights, MN – Lead a project focused on energy conservation & environmental sustainability.
• Faribault Woolen Mill Co., Faribault, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation, chemical standardization, and energy efficiency.
• General Mills Inc., Golden Valley, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a local food R&D facility.
• Great Lakes Coca-Cola, Egan, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a local beverage bottling facility.
• HealthPartners, Bloomington, MN – Lead a project focused on waste stream and resource use mapping and reduction at select regional hospitals.
• JIT Powder Coating, Farmington, MN – Lead a project focused on water and wastewater conservation at a local powder coating manufacturer.
• Living Greens Farm, Faribault, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Miller Manufacturing Company, Anoka, MN – Lead a project focused energy and waste reduction in a plastic injection molding operation
• MnTAP, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on identifying best practices and source reduction opportunities for industrial chloride use to minimize discharge to wastewater treatment facilities.
• MnTAP, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on developing a database and related search protocols to implement a searchable, web-based water conservation/efficiency tool.
• MnTAP, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on developing a standard operating procedure manual for pollution prevention intern programs.
• National Sports Center, Blaine, MN – Lead a project focused on water and energy efficiency at a Minnesota sports complex.
• Northrup Grumman, Elk River, MN – Lead a project focused on waste and energy conservation at a local defense and weapons systems company.
• Rochester Meats, Rochester, MN – Lead a project focused on wastewater loading reduction, energy efficiency and water conservation.
• South-Town Refrigeration & Mechanical, Brooklyn Park, MN – Lead a project focused on refrigeration system best practices and recommendations for small grocery stores in Minnesota.

2020 Virtual Intern Symposium

On August 19, 2021, 21 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. broadcast virtually. Each intern presented 10 minute summaries of their projects followed by a panel question and answer period.

MnTAP staff are grateful that in collaboration with our sponsors, host companies, and students we have been able to adapt the 2020 MnTAP Intern Program to safely carry out high impact projects for pollution prevention, energy and water efficiency. One adaptation is that we need to make our Intern Symposium a virtual event for 2020. For those who have attended in the past, you know this is an information packed celebration of the great work the interns and student researchers have done to identify savings in water, energy, and waste. Hosting this event in a virtual format will offer more of you the chance to celebrate with us this year. Join us virtually on August 19th.

2020 Intern Projects

• Abbott, Little Canada, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and waste reduction at a medical device manufacturer.
• Albert Lea Wastewater Treatment Plant Albert Lea, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater.
• August Schell, New Ulm, MN – Lead a project focused on process efficiency and wastewater loading reduction at a Minnesota brewing facility.
• Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, Owatonna, MN – Lead a project to reduce metal scrap waste and improve energy efficiency.
• LCCMR Project 1 – Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater treatment ponds.
• LCCMR Project 2- Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater treatment ponds.
• Lifecore Biomedical, Chaska, MN – Lead a water conservation project at a medical device manufacturer.
• Minnesota Department of Administration – Facilities Management Division, Saint Paul, MN – Lead a water conservation and energy efficiency project at the State Capitol Complex.
• Minnesota Specialty Yeast, Hutchinson, MN – Lead a project to improve water efficiency and reduce nutrient wastewater loading.
• Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on analyzing industrial water conservation data to make recommendations for high value projects with replication potential across industries.
• Old Dutch Foods, Roseville, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a local food processor.
• Otsego Wastewater Treatment Plant, Otsego, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater.
• Pearson’s Candy Company, Saint Paul, MN – Lead a project in energy efficiency and lean process optimization at a candy making facility.
• Post Consumer Brands, Northfield, MN – Lead a project focused on energy and steam efficiency at a cereal making facility.
• Rust-Oleum, Brooklyn Park, MN – Lead a project focused on industrial cleaning alternatives at a coating manufacturer.
• Sappi, Cloquet, MN – Lead a project focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing waste at a pulp and paper mill.
• St. Croix Forge, Forest Lake, MN – Lead a project focused on process efficiency and scrap rate reduction at a Minnesota horseshoe forging facility.
• University of Minnesota Physicians, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on targeted energy reduction strategies to reduce electrical, steam, and chilled water use and optimize control of energy consuming equipment automation systems.

2019 Intern Symposium & 35th Anniversary

On August 21, 2019 at the University of Minnesota, 16 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Groups of four interns each presented 10 minute summaries of their projects followed by a panel question and answer period. The event included a poster session and refreshment break that provided ample opportunities to network and interact with the interns. The symposium also included a celebration for MnTAP’s 35th Anniversary!

SolutionsEvent ProgramProject Summaries, Reports, & Posters

2019 Intern Projects:

• Aveda Corporation, Blaine, MN – Lead a project focused on process water conservation and efficiency in the manufacture of personal care products.
• Ball Corporation, St. Paul – Lead a project focused on water conservation at an aluminum can manufacturer.
• Boston Scientific, Maple Grove, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a medical device manufacturer.
• City of Plymouth, Plymouth, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and bench marking at a local municipality.
• Health Systems Cooperative Laundries, St. Paul, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and energy efficiency at an industrial laundry facility.
• Hutchinson Wastewater Treatment Facility, Hutchinson, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater.
• Kerry Ingredients & Actives, Rochester, MN – Lead a project focused on industrial wastewater treatment optimization, product loss minimization, and water conservation.
• Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project to optimize nutrient removal in wastewater treatment ponds.
• Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation and wastewater reduction at a zoo.
• North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN – Lead a project focused on energy conservation at a community hospital.
• Phillips Community, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on improving air quality in restaurants and child care facilities.
• Project at a Food Processing Facility, Fridley, MN – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a local food processing plant.
• Seneca Foods, Glencoe, MN – Lead a project focused on process water conservation and product recovery at a food processing facility.
• Verta Inc, Delano, MN – Lead a project focused on improving paint transfer efficiency.
• Wenger Corporation, Owatonna, MN – Lead a project focused on scrap reduction and energy efficiency.
• White Bear Lake Area Communities, Minneapolis, MN – Lead a project focused on improving air quality at small businesses.

If you have any questions or need more information contact Matt Domski, MnTAP’s Intern Program Administrator, at 612-624-5119 or mdomski@umn.edu.

2018 Intern Symposium

On August 16, 2018 at the University of Minnesota, 15 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Groups of four interns each presented 10 minute summaries of their projects followed by a panel question and answer period.  The event included a poster session and refreshment break that provided ample opportunities to network and interact with the interns.

Solutions 2018Event Program Project Summaries, Reports, & Posters

2018 Intern Projects:

• AWT Labels & Packaging – Lead a project focused on process waste and solvent use at a facility that produces high quality labels and flexible packaging, Minneapolis, MN
• Aveda Corporation – Process water conservation and efficiency in the manufacture of personal care products, Blaine, MN
• Carley Foundry – Lead a project focused on energy efficiency at an aluminum foundry, Blaine, MN
• Center for Energy and Environment – Energy efficiency at small industrial facilities,Minneapolis, MN
• City of Woodbury – Lead a project focused on water conservation through residential turf irrigation, Woodbury, MN
• KapStone Container Corporation – Lead a project focused on process paper waste improvements and water reduction at a manufacturer of corrugated (cardboard) boxes, Fridley MN
• Lamb Weston RDO Frozen Foods – Lead a project focused on water, energy and chemical use optimization at a potato product facility, Park Rapids, MN
• Minnesota Correctional Facility – Lead a project focused on developing recycling and organics recycling programs at Minnesota Correctional Facilities, Lino Lakes, MN
• North Memorial Health Hospital – Lead a project focused on water conservation for a healthcare system’s two hospitals, Maple Grove Hospital
• Phillips Community – Lead a project focused on improving air quality in multi-family housing, Minneapolis, MN
• Phillips Distilling – Lead a project focused on wastewater and water reduction in a distillery, Princeton, MN
• Science Museum of Minnesota – Lead a project focused facility-wide water conservation and reuse at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN
• SensoryEffects – Lead a project focused on heat recovery and water conservation at a food processor, Sleepy Eye, MN
• Thomson Reuters – Lead a project focused on water conservation at a book production facility, Eagan, MN

If you have any questions or need more information contact Matt Domski, MnTAP’s Intern Program Administrator, at 612-624-5119 or mdomski@umn.edu.

2017 Intern Symposium

On August 22, 2017 at the University of Minnesota, 17 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Each presentation was 15 minutes with five minutes for questions and answers. The event included a poster session and refreshment break that provided ample opportunities to network and interact with the interns.

Solutions 2017Event Program Project Summaries, Reports, & Posters

 2017 Intern Projects:

• Advanced Extrusion, Rogers: Reduce energy and waste in plastic extrusion operations.
• Aqseptence Group Inc., New Brighton: Reduce water use in sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Bailey Nurseries, Cottage Grove: Water conservation in plant production.
• Center for Energy & the Environment, Twin Cities: Increase energy efficiency at small industrial facilities.
• CertainTeed Roofing, Shakopee: Increase production rates, reduce water use and optimize evaporative cooling process in shingle manufacturing.
• City of New Prague Wastewater Treatment Facility, New Prague: Optimize wastewater treatment processes.
• Diasorin Inc., Stillwater: Optimize water use in medical diagnostic devices manufacturing.
• Electric Machinery, Minneapolis: Water reduction at a large motor manufacturer.
• Fulton Brewery, Minneapolis: Reduce waste and wastewater at a craft brewery.
• Kerry Ingredients and Flavours, Rochester: Improve energy and chemical use efficiency.
• Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution Services, Columbia Heights: Optimize chemical treatment process to reduce chemical use aimprove discharge water quality
• Phillips Community, Minneapolis: Improving air quality at small businesses by encouraging the adoption of products and processes that eliminate hazardous air pollutants and reduce emissions of volatile organ compounds.
• Phillip’s Distilling, Princeton: Energy and water conservation in a distillery.
• Plastech Corp, Rush City: Waste and energy reduction in a plastic injection molding operation.
• Seneca Foods, Rochester: Reduce product loss and improve water and chemical use efficiency.
• SkyWater Technology Foundry, Bloomington: Optimize energy efficiency of air handling systems
• Smith Foundry, Minneapolis: Improve air quality through process optimization.

2016 Intern Symposium

On August 23, 2016 at the University of Minnesota, 14 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Each presentation was 15 minutes with five minutes for questions and answers. The event included a poster session and refreshment break that provided ample opportunities to network and interact with the interns.

Solutions 2016Event Program Project Summaries, Reports, & Posters

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2015 Intern Symposium

On August 20, 2017 at the University of Minnesota, 13 MnTAP interns presented their findings from their summer projects. The event took place from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus. Each presentation was 15 minutes with five minutes for questions and answers. The event included a poster session and refreshment break that provided ample opportunities to network and interact with the interns.  The symposium also included a celebration for MnTAP’s 30th Anniversary!

Solutions 2015Event Program Project Summaries, Reports, & Posters