Hi everyone! My name is Sienna Gaskin, and I’m a rising Junior studying Civil Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering. This summer, I’m incredibly excited to be heading to Stockholm, Sweden, for an internship with GreenIron—a company at the forefront of sustainable metals recovery and decarbonization technology. Their mission aligns perfectly with my growing passion for environmentally conscious engineering solutions, and I’m looking forward to learning how innovative practices are being applied at the intersection of infrastructure and sustainability.
I was born and raised primarily in Perth, Australia, and have been fortunate to travel extensively throughout my life. I’ve also lived in Helsinki, Finland, and York, Pennsylvania—experiences that have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. Each place has shaped how I see the world and has fueled my interest in globally minded engineering, especially as it relates to building systems that serve both people and the planet.
Outside of academics, I love staying active and spending time outdoors. You’ll often find me hiking local trails, biking around new neighborhoods, or seeking out cozy coffee shops and independent bookstores wherever I go. I’m also deeply curious about urban design and the rhythms of everyday life in different cities, so I’m particularly excited to immerse myself in Stockholm’s rich culture, thoughtful city planning, and strong emphasis on sustainability. Whether I’m admiring its innovative public transit systems or simply enjoying a fika break by the water, I know Sweden will offer both professional and personal inspiration.
I’ve had a few professional experiences leading up to this opportunity, the most significant being an internship last summer at Metso, where I worked in the Bulk Material Handling division, focusing on the design and functionality of stacker reclaimers. That experience served as a valuable stepping stone toward my upcoming internship with GreenIron. At Metso, I was introduced to the broader world of mining and gained a deeper awareness of the immense amount of energy required in heavy industry. It was a firsthand look into the environmental impact of traditional extraction and processing methods, which in turn sparked my interest in cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. This growing curiosity and concern is what makes the chance to intern at GreenIron—where sustainability is at the core of their mission—so meaningful to me.
Outside of the paid professional sphere, I’ve also had the privilege of engaging in volunteer work during my time living in the United States. While these roles weren’t financially compensated, I regard them with the highest respect and personal value. They taught me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and leading with purpose. Most importantly, they revealed the power of teamwork and passion—two major forces that I believe drive the most meaningful and impactful work. Whether it was participating in community-based projects or assisting in educational initiatives, these experiences helped shape my communication skills, my problem-solving mindset, and my desire to contribute to something larger than myself. I carry these lessons with me as I prepare to join GreenIron, where I hope to not only apply what I’ve learned but also to grow as both an engineer and a teammate in a global context.
I’m especially excited to be interning in Sweden because of the country’s global leadership in environmental innovation and sustainable living. Sweden has long been a model for how cities and industries can prioritize the planet without sacrificing efficiency, beauty, or functionality. From urban transportation systems that minimize carbon footprints to policies that champion renewable energy and circular economies, Sweden’s holistic approach to sustainability aligns closely with the kind of engineer I aspire to become. Being immersed in that environment—both professionally and culturally—feels like the ideal setting to grow my understanding of what sustainable infrastructure truly looks like in practice.
At GreenIron, I’ll be contributing to a range of projects that support the company’s strategic growth and global impact. My work will focus on conducting comprehensive competitor analyses to help GreenIron better position itself within the emerging green metals industry. I’ll also be collaborating closely with the management team to identify and evaluate new marketing opportunities that align with the company’s mission and capabilities. In addition, I’ll be performing market research on the availability of hydrogen and electricity in key target regions—critical resources for GreenIron’s hydrogen-based reduction process—as well as researching the requirements and pathways for obtaining international legal permits. Throughout the internship, I’ll present my findings and recommendations directly to GreenIron’s leadership team. This experience will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of how technical innovation is supported by strategic planning, regulatory awareness, and market insight—skills that are increasingly essential for engineers in a globalized, sustainability-driven world.
As I prepare to board the plane, I feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. I know this experience will push me to grow not only as an engineer but also as a global citizen. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to share what I learn in the weeks ahead. Tack så mycket, Sweden—see you soon!