AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship
Paxton J. Brown
This summer, I was fortunate enough to return to Nucor Steel–Tuscaloosa for another internship as part of my ongoing journey in metallurgical engineering. Building on the foundation I established last year, I was eager to take on new responsibilities, contribute more meaningfully to plant operations, and deepen my understanding of the steelmaking process. My main project this term focused on a critical aspect of quality control: addressing the issue of product over-width in final rolled products.
Over the course of my internship, I conducted an in-depth analysis of historical production data collected over recent years. My goal was to identify trends and correlations between specific steel grades, dimensions and processing steps that could lead to products falling below or over specified widths. This project combined elements of statistical analysis, metallurgical principles, and cross-functional collaboration with both the meltshop and rolling mill teams.
Through data mining and trend analysis, I began to categorize which product types were more prone to dimensional variations. I also investigated various factors in the production line — from slab cutting and reheating to rolling parameters — that could contribute to these variations. By integrating process data with final inspection records, I worked to pinpoint where along the production route the deviation from target width most often occurs.
This project has not only strengthened my technical skills in data analysis and process evaluation but has also taught me the importance of asking the right questions and validating assumptions with evidence. One key takeaway from this experience has been learning how to translate raw data into actionable insights that can improve operational reliability and product quality.
Beyond the technical aspects, I continued to immerse myself in Nucor’s culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. Regular participation in safety meetings, production huddles and engineering discussions helped me better understand the broader impact of process optimization and the value of clear communication across departments.
I am deeply thankful to the team at Nucor Steel–Tuscaloosa for giving me the opportunity to take on meaningful projects and grow as an engineer. I also want to express my gratitude to the AIST Foundation for its continued support of students pursuing careers in the steel industry. Experiences like this not only enhance my technical education but also reinforce my commitment to contributing to the future of steelmaking.