AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship
Madeleine Lloyd
This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Stelco as a summer intern within the strategic planning and research department. Stelco is an integrated steel producer that is a Canadian subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Stelco has facilities in both Hamilton and Nanticoke Ont. Early in my placement, I had the opportunity to tour both plants and observe the large-scale process firsthand. Witnessing the size and complexity of these operations allowed me to connect the technical knowledge I have learned during my studies at McMaster University with the real-world industrial process and its end products.
During the four months of my internship, I gained valuable experience working in the steel industry. I supported internal process development and contributed to testing activities focused on characterizing customer products. I had the opportunity to work closely with senior researchers and engineers, gaining valuable insight from their expertise which enhanced my practical problem-solving skills. Stelco is committed to the safety of all their employees, so I was mentored to always prioritize working safely during all my tasks. I also attended team training sessions to increase my overall safety awareness.
A key part of my responsibilities included performing microstructural characterization and mechanical testing on various grades of steel. I was trained on, and used laboratory equipment including an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), along with a variety of other testing tools to analyze and document material properties. I also had the chance to use advanced research equipment at McMaster University, which broadened my perspective on how academic facilities can support and complement industrial research projects. As a part of my role, I prepared technical reports summarizing testing procedures and results, which helped me develop clear and concise written communication skills. I also had the opportunity to present my findings to technical audiences, gaining confidence in conveying complex information in a professional setting.
Overall, this experience with Stelco allowed me to develop strong technical skills in materials characterization while also improving my time management and communication abilities. Working with colleagues gave me a deeper appreciation for the collaboration, coordination, and problem-solving required in steel manufacturing.