Get to know our 2024 SAM Interns!
At SAM, our interns play a vital role in driving our business forward. They gain hands-on experience, work with immersive technology, and collaborate with highly trained experts. From fieldwork to cutting-edge projects, these talented individuals are making a direct impact on our operations across the country. Let’s take a closer look at their journeys and accomplishments.
Colby Brewster
Knoxville, TN
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am a senior at Tennessee Tech University studying Environmental Technologies.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
My favorite was the solar farm project in Illinois where we did a big boundary survey for a week. I got to learn a lot about surveying on a grid vs. plats like we have in Tennessee.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at SAM?
I would describe SAM as a big family working together to meet one goal, with little to no micromanagement, and lots of support from peers.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I love how everyone is so friendly and eager to come to work every day. Everyone loves to help each other and is always willing to lend a hand in and outside of work.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
I have a huge heart for helping people so when I am home from school I spend a lot of time volunteering with the Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville.
Dana Richardson
Columbus, OH
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication Design.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
During my internship, my favorite project has been designing the look for the Women’s Initiative Network support and all of the additional graphics that went with it.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at SAM?
Supportive, Collaborative, Dynamic, Fast-paced, Diverse
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy how diverse the projects I receive are and that I am learning something new every day.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
Prior to interning with SAM, I was an intern with The Ohio State Athletics department for over 1.5 years!
Drake Slavens
Tyler, TX
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am attending Tyler Junior College to study Surveying and Geomatics in the Fall.
Q: What has surprised you the most about working at SAM?
The fact that everyone is so involved in the company.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
Collaborating with other people on projects. The communication is exceptional here at SAM.
Garrett Speer
Elkhart, IN
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
Purdue, Civil Engineering
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
Working on a 100-acre development project in Georgia.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
How good the people are. Everyone at my office, and everyone I’ve interacted with at other offices are nice, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
I love messing with and building computers outside of work.
Josh Montemayor
Dallas, TX
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I currently go to Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi and I am a GIS major.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
My favorite project I have been a part of was State Highway 114 where I drafted over 30 deeds and started to realize how similar they were to a puzzle.
Q: What resources or support have you found most helpful during your time here?
I have found that the most helpful resource has been the uplifting community at SAM. Your coworkers just want to see you succeed and they will help you in every way possible if you ask.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
One fun fact about my self is that I won my schools intramural 4v4 flag Football Championship.
Kaylee Padilla
Knoxville, TN
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am attending Kennesaw State University and studying Geospatial Sciences with a concentration in Land Surveying.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
My favorite project was a topo survey for KUB near world’s fair park in downtown Knoxville.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved while interning here?
The main skills I have improved this summer are my knowledge of equipment and communication. I have learned how to setup and run the GPS and total station. Also, my ability to communicate with managers, coworkers, construction crews, and the public have improved to drive efficiency.
Q: What resources or support have you found most helpful during your time here?
The people. Everyone has different skillsets in LIDAR, GIS, CAD, and surveying, so I can learn about many geospatial processes.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
A fun fact about myself is that I like to crochet in my free time.
Kyle Walentschak
Columbus, OH
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am attending Ohio State University, studying English with a focus on Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
My favorite project so far has been working on one of our proprietary technologies, SAM Inspect.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the collaboration at SAM the most out of any aspect of the work environment. It never feels like you are truly alone on a project.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
I have been vegan for 3 years.
Luke Vaughn
Maryville, MO
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Computer Science.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
Writing scripts to help automate processes.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at SAM?
Upbeat and genuine.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
All throughout high school, I was the programmer for my High School Robotics Team!
Malia McClenaghan
New Lexington, OH
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I attend Ohio State University, studying Civil Engineering.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved while interning here?
I have developed my skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), gaining a comprehensive understanding of its applications and nuances within our projects. This experience has not only expanded my technical expertise but also enabled me to contribute more effectively to our team’s success.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at SAM?
The company culture at SAM is characterized by its openness, diversity, and genuine care for its employees. SAM is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone, going above and beyond to meet their needs. From my first day, I have experienced an incredibly supportive environment where colleagues are always willing to lend a hand and answer any questions. This collaborative atmosphere has been instrumental in helping me get acclimated and succeed in my role.
Selia Nunez
Columbus, OH
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am attending the University of Florida, pursuing Geomatics engineering with an Ecology minor and drone license.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved while interning here?
I’ve really developed my determination skill, because I’m currently working out in the field and as a woman in the industry, I am faced with struggles not a lot of people would notice. I am 100% determined to surpass them and give my best to SAM.
Q: What resources or support have you found most helpful during your time here?
Being able to travel to Ohio. I know there’s offices in Florida, however, I see my future here in Ohio. I love how it’s easy to speak to people in regard to a problem or situations and how they make it easy for me to learn. I also absolutely love the SAM Women’s Initiative Network Support Group. I joined for the first meeting, and it was so touching seeing all the hard working women SAM has.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I always tell people back home and anyone who is interested in working here, how amazing SAM is. I will never not speak on how phenomenal this company is, I love the support and how everyone here feels like a family. It’s nice knowing I’m not coming to work and leaving with nothing to offer to the world.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know about you outside of work?
A fun fact about me is I’m into dancing and traveling and I found a way to do both. I attend different studios in different cities I travel too. I currently go to one in Gahanna, which is less than 30 minutes from the office! I feel like it’s good to have hobbies and stuff you look forward to, and it gives you a reason to keep working!
Spencer Berglund
Austin, TX
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am a post-grad student at Texas A&M Corpus Christi studying Surveying.
Q: What has been your favorite project or task during your internship?
I really enjoyed working with the field team in West Texas. It was a challenge working around the mountains and into the valleys, but our crew chief skillfully navigated through the terrain. The exotic and beautiful scenery made the work very enjoyable.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoyed honing my CAD skills here while working on some real survey projects. The greatest resource here has definitely been the Transmission and Renewables teams. Everyone, from the Office Technicians to the RPLS, is very generous with their wisdom. I have learned so much just by asking for help and advice around the office.
Q: How would you describe the company culture at SAM?
The company culture is very high trust. My coworkers are all helpful and dependable. You really have the freedom to learn from others and explore the different projects here at SAM.
Tyler Bradford
Warner Robins, GA
Q: What school do you/did you attend, and what are you studying?
I am currently attending Auburn University, where I am studying Biological and Agricultural Technology Management.
Q: What skills have you developed or improved while interning here?
At SAM, I have improved on many skills I first learned at Auburn. I have become more efficient with CAD, allowing me to complete projects quickly while maintaining high quality. My communication skills have also improved, especially in directing and relaying information to field crews. Additionally, I have gained a deeper understanding of surveying and have been able to apply my knowledge of geospatial applications.
Q: What has surprised you the most about working at SAM?
I was pleasantly surprised by the Warner Robins office. They quickly immersed me in my area of interest and allowed me to expand my knowledge on projects I found interesting.
Q: What resources or support have you found most helpful during your time here?
The most helpful resources have been my experienced mentors and the hands -on training opportunities. The support from the team, access to advanced surveying technologies, and regular feedback have significantly expanded my knowledge and skills, building on what I have learned in school.
Q: What aspects of the work environment do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the dynamic and hands-on nature of the work environment. The opportunity to work on diverse projects and the balance between fieldwork and office tasks keep things interesting. The respect and teamwork also make it an enjoyable and motivating place to work.