Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC summer interns from left to right: Vaden Williams, Stephanie Hamilton, Ryan O’Malley, Shea Quigley, Taylor Rumph, Kevin Alvernaz and Paola Lopez Martinez.
In addition to employing more than 3,000 people to date, the nation’s largest bridge and highway project is enlisting the talents of the next generation of engineers, designers and builders. Through ongoing college internship programs, both the New York State Thruway Authority and Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC are engaging bright young minds to learn from, and contribute to, the New NY Bridge project.
More than 60 interns have joined the project team since construction operations began in 2013. From on-site construction to in-office design and a host of other disciplines, the students are mentored by project professionals and encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in their classrooms to real world challenges, providing valuable hands-on experience that will prepare them for their future careers.
The students come from colleges and universities across the country, including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, less than 30 miles up the Hudson River. Founded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1802, the academy has a long and distinguished history of educating many of the nation’s finest civil engineers. Other academic institutions attended by New NY Bridge project interns include Cornell University, Manhattan College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Mercy College, Westchester Community College, and schools as far away as Iowa State and Clemson University among others.
One of the three West Point interns in 2015 is third-year student Matthew Tamburri of Marlboro, NY. Following his service to the nation, Tamburri plans to work as a civil engineer in civilian practice. “After working with Tappan Zee Constructors, I’ve decided to pursue a path in engineering,” said Tamburri. “My experiences have inspired me to do well in my classes and make this my career path.”
The project team will continue offering college interns these exceptional learning experiences throughout the duration of construction. Learn more about the project’s educational outreach initiatives, which extend to students of all ages.
