Kennesaw State student explores energy sector through engineering internship at Burns & McDonnell

For Ebere Ezobi, engineering is more than a discipline—it’s a pathway to innovation, impact, and a future in the energy sector.

This summer, Ebere is interning with Burns & McDonnell in their Oil, Gas & Chemicals practice. Her role involves supporting lead engineers with data analysis, documentation, research, and project tasks that contribute to system design and development. Her work directly supports energy infrastructure projects, giving her hands-on experience in a field she’s passionate about.

“I found this opportunity through a KSU career fair,” Ebere said. “The career workshops helped me learn how to pitch myself confidently, and student orgs like NSBE and the EV teams gave me the experience to speak knowledgeably about the energy sector.”

Ebere credits KSU’s academic and professional development programs for preparing her to succeed. She developed strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through class presentations, engineering coursework, and team projects. “KSU helped me grow tremendously,” she said. “I learned how to present ideas clearly and work effectively with different types of people.”

One of her most impactful mentors was Dr. Thain, her digital and electronics professor. “When I first transferred, I didn’t know anyone and ended up without a lab partner. Dr. Thain stepped in and worked with me directly. His patience and support helped me feel seen and confident,” she said.

Ebere also found support in KSU’s inclusive environment. “Professors like Dr. Lee genuinely care—he even followed up with mental health resources after a tough week. It’s a place where you’re treated like a person, not just a student.”

Her most defining moment at KSU was that first digital logic lab experience with Dr. Thain. “It set the tone for how I approached the rest of my time here—with more openness, confidence, and trust in the community around me.”