Charlotte K. Dickey
Tenova Inc.
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern as an electrical and automation functional safety intern with Tenova Inc., a global engineering company that designs advanced technologies and automation systems for the metals industry. Working alongside experienced engineers gave me firsthand exposure to the technology, teamwork and innovation that keeps modern steel production operating safely and efficiently.
Throughout the summer, I supported projects involving industrial furnace systems used in steel production, with a focus on combustion safety and functional safety. I studied NFPA 86, the standard for ovens and furnaces, and applied its requirements to real-world furnace designs by reviewing safety systems, control logic, HMI documentation, and safety matrices. This experience strengthened my technical skills while demonstrating the critical role safety plays in every stage of the engineering process.
One of the highlights of my internship was visiting both JSW Steel USA – Ohio and Tenaris Ambridge. Seeing steel production firsthand allowed me to connect the engineering work I was doing in the office with the equipment and processes operating on the plant floor. These visits gave me a greater appreciation for the scale, complexity and expertise that drives modern steelmaking.
Beyond the technical experience, this internship reinforced the importance of collaboration. I had the opportunity to learn from engineers across multiple disciplines who encouraged me to ask questions, think critically, and understand the reasoning behind design decisions. As a woman pursuing a career in STEM, that mentorship gave me greater confidence in my abilities and reinforced that there is a place for women in the steel industry.
Before this summer, I viewed steel production primarily as manufacturing. Now I understand it as an industry driven by advanced automation, rigorous safety standards, and continuous innovation. I am incredibly grateful to the AIST Foundation for making this experience possible through its scholarship and internship program. Thanks to AIST and Tenova Inc., I gained valuable hands-on experience, strengthened my confidence as an engineer, and discovered a passion for contributing to the future of the steel industry.