Power & Energy Division Intern – SMART Technology Waste Processing
Trinity College, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Electrical Concentration, Class of 2026
This summer, Ronita Murseli has been working on the SMART Technology Waste Processing Project in Plainfield, Connecticut, where she’s contributing to the development of a waste-to-energy power plant and gasifier system. Her work includes reviewing technical documentation from vendors, assisting with the Engineering Request for Proposal (RFP), and supporting the Environmental Justice and Solid Waste permits.
“It’s been exciting to see how each permit, document, and data review matters in making sure the project is safe, effective, and aligned with Connecticut’s environmental goals,” she says. “I love that this project is not just about power, but about long-term impact. It aims to reduce landfills and generate energy from waste. This is the kind of work I want to keep doing.”
Ronita says one of the biggest takeaways from her time at O&G has been a deeper understanding of how complex and time-consuming it is to take a project from concept to construction. “The behind-the-scenes work—permitting, planning, coordination, and technical precision—showed me how much patience, teamwork, and persistence big projects demand. It gave me a deeper appreciation of all the infrastructure we’ve been building for a very long time.”
She’s especially grateful for her mentors, Matt Tobin, Engineering Manager on the SMART project, and Tony Criscuola, Vice President of the Power & Energy Division. “Their trust, guidance, and unwavering support allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. They gave me real responsibility, treated me as a valued team member, and were always there to answer my questions and cheer me on.”
This experience has confirmed Ronita’s desire to work in renewable energy and continue growing as an engineer. “It’s made me realize how important it is to be surrounded by people who support your growth and challenge you to reach your potential. I’ve grown a lot here—not just technically, but personally too.”
Before her internship, Ronita says she had a narrow understanding of the construction industry. “I used to think construction was all hard hats and machinery, but now I see how complex and collaborative it really is—especially in power and energy. Getting to work closely with engineers, managers, and vendors made me realize how much you can learn just by being involved.”
Ronita first connected with O&G after meeting Tony Criscuola and learning about the diversity of projects across the company. “I’ve always been passionate about renewable energy, and the idea of converting everyday waste and organic matter into fuel sources for electricity and gas intrigued me. I feel very lucky to have been matched with a team that recognized my enthusiasm and gave me space and opportunity to learn and contribute meaningfully.”
Her advice for future interns: “Be curious, be bold, and ask questions. Say yes to learning outside your comfort zone—whether it’s sitting in on a call, reviewing a report, visiting a field site, or attending a seminar unrelated to what you have to work on. Jump in. You never know what will spark your next idea or help shape your path.” Outside of work, Ronita’s interests are “wonderfully diverse.” She enjoys painting, reading, swimming, yoga, scuba diving, and deep philosophical conversations. “I’m passionate about learning fun facts—from the practical to the obscure—and I’m committed to seeing as much of the world as I can to expand my cultural understanding.” One of her goals in the next few years is to pass the FE exam and earn her PE license within five years.
