ANIP student assigned to senator's office to produce report on native forest biomass

Mandi Caldwell, a student from the College of Brockport, State University of New York, is currently studying in Australia as a participant in the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP)

ANIP places tertiary students in professional environments, including Parliament House, where they gain valuable work experience, complete a major research project and gain credits towards their degree.

Ms Caldwell is currently working as a parliamentary intern in the office of Senator The Hon Richard Colbeck of Tasmania, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry where she is compiling a comparative report on attitudes toward the use of native forest biomass to generate energy.

“As well as gauging attitudes here in Australia, Mandi will also gather the views of equivalent lawmakers and organisations in the United States and her report will compare the outlooks of each country,” Senator Colbeck said.

“Native forest biomass, specifically its acceptance as a renewable energy source, generated heated debate in Parliament a few weeks ago so Mandi’s project is very relevant to current discussions.”

Ms Caldwell said ANIP was a great opportunity for students to develop professional and research skills.

The ANIP program is open to enrolled students studying in Australian and overseas universities and takes both undergraduate and graduate students.

Applications to undertake an ANIP internship in semester two 2012 close on 27 April.

Find out more about ANIP