There is a first time for everything, and for Sachin Mehta, he is the first undergraduate student from the University of Nevada, Reno to be selected for a prestigious engineering internship.

"I'm very honored to be the first student at the University chosen for this internship," Mehta said. "I am excited to represent the University of Nevada, Reno in bridging the gap between science and politics in Washington, D.C."

Out of nearly 4,500 applicants, Mehta was one of eight chosen for the Washington Internship for Students in Engineering. The application process involved several essays demonstrating academic prowess and outstanding character.

Candice Bauer, one of Mehta's professors from the College of Engineering, said, "Sachin has an excellent sense of how to work with a diverse audience as well as understanding his role as an engineer and student to serve society."

The internship will last nine weeks, beginning early June in Washington, D.C. During this time, Mehta will work with senators, congressman, legislators and other leading government officials to learn how engineering skills can assist in the making of public policy. Mehta hopes to apply his mathematic and engineering research skills to contribute to legislative decisions involving energy, risk analysis and economic development.

"Engineers can contribute their knowledge to public policy and can also help build a safer, more sustainable, technology-based system," Mehta said.

At the conclusion of his internship, Mehta will have the opportunity to present a paper about an engineering-related public policy issue he encountered. His write-up and conclusions will be featured in volume 18 of the Journal of Engineering and Public Policy.

"I'm very much looking forward to it," Mehta said. "It is a great opportunity and learning experience."

While majoring in electrical engineering with an emphasis in biomedical, Mehta is also in pursuit of minors in business administration and applied mathematics. Following his time in Washington, D.C., Mehta will return to Reno for the final semester of his undergraduate education. Afterward, he intends to work for a defense contractor, the Northrop Grumman Corporation, and attend law school at Columbia University.

The Washington Internship for Students in Engineering was established in 1980 to prepare future engineering professionals for issues in science, technology and public policy. Sponsors include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and American Nuclear Society. The program is ranked as one of the best internships for engineering students by the Princeton Review in 1994.