STEP-IN Positions Available Summer 2006
Company: Bridgestone Americas Holdings, Inc.
Location:535 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
Student major: Chemistry, Environmental Science, Finance/Accounting
Contact: Tim Bent
General Company Info:
Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc is an international manufacturer with 38 production facilities throughout the Americas. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.
Area of summer research: Last summer two STEP students worked in the area of environmental impact and analysis. They performed multiple small projects. One of these was calculating the energy cost of making tires at Bridgestone versus its competitors.
Company: BioVentures
Location: 1453 Kensington Square, Murfreesboro, TN
Student Major: Chemistry, Biology
Contact: Elliott Dawson (CEO)
General Company Info:
BioVentures, Inc. manufactures products for biotechnology research. These include dye markers for DNA sizing, kits for fast and reliable PCR, array-based methods for distinguishing autoimmune diseases, a system for determining genetic variants in the major human CYP450 drug metabolism genes, and custom DNA sequencing. Within 5 miles of campus, this small company routinely hires MTSU students.
Area of summer research: Last summer two students worked on replicating large amounts of a DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for developing a test for the cis / trans relationship of mutations in MTHFR gene (some of which can cause birth defects such as spina bifida). They learned how became proficient with several instruments and techniques commonly used in biotechnology, and will be included on a publication in a peer-reviewed journal such as Genetics in Medicine.
Company: BioMimetic Therapeutics
Location: 389-A Nichol Mills Lane, Franklin, TN
Student Major: Biology, Chemistry
Contact: Kim Cashio (HR)
General Company Info:
BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. is an emerging leader in the development and commercialization of drug-device combination products for the repair of orthopedic injuries to bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. BioMimetic's suite of products and product candidates combine recombinant protein therapeutics with tissue specific scaffolds, actively stimulating tissue healing and regeneration. Recently, they received FDA approval to sell GEM 21S, a combination of growth factor and synthetic bone powder that helps bones and other tissues to heal faster after oral surgery.
Area of summer research: The STEP-IN student will probably work on a new version of the treatment that could be used for orthopedic or sports-related injuries such as fractures and torn ligaments.
Company: Genetics Associates
Location: 1916 Patterson St, Nashville, TN
Contact: V. G. Dev, A. Yenamandra
Student Major: Biology, Chemistry
General Company Info:
Genetics Associates’ qualified technologists perform over 5,000 cytogenetic diagnostic tests per year mostly for constitutional (pre- and postnatal) and cancer diagnostics.
Area of summer research: TheSTEP-IN student will probably work on developing new diagnostic tests or methods for dealing with difficult samples.
Company: Federal Express
Location: FedEx Corporation
942 South Shady Grove Road
Memphis, TN 38120
Available positions: Several
Contact: Mark Blair
Student Major: Engineering, Aerospace
General Info:
FedEx Corporation maintains its global headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and offers a wide array of supply chain, transportation and business services that connect our U.S. customers to the global marketplace.
Area of summer research: under negotiation
Company: Tennessee Concrete Association (still under negotiation)
Location:
Available positions: One
Contact: Alan Sparkman
Student Major: Concrete industry management
General Info:
Area of summer research:
Featured Government Laboratory Opportunities
Laboratory: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Student Majors: STEM, STEM education
Available positions: several in Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) and Pre-Service Teacher (PST) programs
To apply for the SULI program, fill out the form at the link. Also, send a resume and statement of interest to .
General Info:
Specific questions to
Government Laboratory: Tennessee Valley Authority
Location: Mussel Shoals, AL
Student Major: Physics
Available positions: several
General Info:
Area of summer research:
Possible industry partners
Company: Cumberland Swan
Location: Smyrna, TN
Contact: Brenda
Student Major: Chemistry, Biology
Available positions: one
General Info:
Area of summer research:
Environmental Science Corporation
Location: Mt. Juliet, TN
Contact: Trenta
Student Major: Chemistry, Biology
Available positions: one
General Info:
Founded in 1970, Environmental Science Corp. (ESC) is one of the largest, single-location environmental laboratories. As an employee-owned and operated company, our 150+ team-owners are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality analytical services available.
Area of summer research: