For Gwinnett County native Josh Close, an internship in his home county was the ideal way to improve his skills and give back to his community. A biochemistry and molecular biology student at the University of Georgia (UGA), Close interned with the county's department of water resources. Working in the department's research laboratory, he spent the summer conducting water quality testing for the county and devising a standard operating procedure (SOP) for a critical piece of equipment.
Though Close was born and raised in Gwinnett County, the internship marked his first experience with county government operations. As he prepared for his final undergraduate year at UGA, the internship offered an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience in chemical analysis and laboratory work. Although he had previously learned about chemical testing and calibrating laboratory equipment as a student researcher, his internship with the county provided real-world experience and allowed him to develop new skills.
Close admits that he was initially slightly overwhelmed by the scale of the department’s research laboratory at the beginning of his internship. However, he felt immediately supported by staff, including his supervisor, Gwinnett County Water Quality Superintendent Helen Ellis. Close said his coworkers and supervisors "helped provide me with an amazing experience," and guided him through his work for the county. He also collaborated with several other interns stationed in the department and built relationships to share support and resources throughout their internships.
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Close's daily internship responsibilities included preparing and running various water quality analyses. He conducted tests for Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Chlorophyll-A (Chla), among others. Conducting these tests required him to carry out chemical analyses, some of which involved procedures that lasted two to three days. He also had to document the tests in their respective SOP documents, ensuring careful precision and focus through each step. "Precision is a must," Close noted, "as the validity of these tests is determined through the precision the analyst provides through various laboratory techniques." Techniques such as pipetting and measuring volume and weight were key skills that Close honed throughout his time with the county.
Close also got the opportunity to go into the field to collect samples for testing. He acquired samples throughout the county, most prominently at locations on Lake Lanier. On-site, he used a suction pump to gather samples and analyze water inputs and outputs. He also used fire hydrants in the county to acquire samples.
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In addition to his daily testing responsibilities, Close independently created and revised an SOP for the THM 1000 Analyzer, a key piece of laboratory equipment that measures disinfection byproducts left over from the treatment of non-potable water. The byproducts measured by the equipment are likely human carcinogens, so Close's calibration of the equipment was essential for analyzing the county's drinking water. To construct the SOP, Close conducted day-long calibrations, prepared precise test samples, and performed numerous analyses post-calibration. Close had previously completed an SOP in a college class, but the THM 1000 Analyzer SOP was "much longer and much more complex," Close said. Ellis also noted that Close's SOP is a living document and will be helpful in the lab in the future.
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At the conclusion of his internship, Close delivered a presentation on his experience to the leadership and staff of the water resources department. Throughout his time with the county, Close acquired and deepened many necessary skills for his future career in biotechnology. Close noted that he developed his abilities in laboratory safety, organization, and understanding of regulatory policies and compliance requirements. He also said he gained more confidence and "sure-handedness” in the rigorous and precise practices needed for chemical analysis.
Due to his internship experience, Close is confident in his desire to pursue a career in biotechnology. He plans to obtain a master's degree in bioprocessing in the future. The wide range of skills, hands-on experiences, and meaningful relationships built through his internship with Gwinnett County will stay with Close as he continues his career. "I have gained much knowledge and valuable skills to keep with me the rest of my time in school, along with my future career endeavors," Close reflected.
To learn more about the GCIP, please visit www.accg.org/caf_index.
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