Most Recent NCEL Internship Program Winners:

NCEL has awarded $465,500 to 300 interns since 1999!
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2023 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $40,000 to 20 winners out of 28 applicants:

• Oscar Aguilera, Engineering, Ottawa University.  Mentor: Brady Wolden, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Jonathan Cross, Electrical Engineering, University of Northwestern. Mentor: Edward Studniski, Ayres Associates
• Christine DeMarchis, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin: Madison. Mentor: Jon Calkin, Xcel Energy
• Joe Hafdahl, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota: Duluth. Mentor: Beau Pocquette, MN Power
• Joseph Kupfer, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University. Mentor: Cody Anderson, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Torin Larson, Biomedical Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering. Mentor: Matt Myers, eCSI
• Emma Loveless, Marketing, University of Wisconsin: Eau Claire. Mentor: Mary Anderson, Viking Electric
• Anya Miller, Electrical & Computer Science Engineering, Princeton University. Mentor: Chris Punt, Connexus Energy
• Kaitlyn Madole, Business Management, University of Wisconsin: Eau Claire. Mentor: Jeff Harris, Viking Electric
• Jimmy Nquyen, Electrical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University. Mentor: Anthony Basden, Ayres Associates
• Kate Owens, Economics & Financial Planning, University of Minnesota: Duluth. Mentor: Kayla Hertel, ALLETE
• Cameron Parr, Project Management, University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh. Mentor: Jacob Wokatsch, Viking Electric
• Luke Persons, Finance & Management Information Systems, University of Minnesota: Duluth. Mentor: Eric Halverson, ALLETE MN Power
• Jaxon Rich, Construction Management, North Dakota State University. Mentor: Eric Hoyt, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Jake Ridgley, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University. Mentor: Mark Azure, Dunham Associates
• John Ridgley, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University. Mentor: Mark Azure, Dunham Associates
• Gao Sheng Thao, Math Stats & Data Science, St. Olaf College. Mentor: Scott Hults, Xcel Energy
• Evan Stearns, Electrical Engineering, St. Cloud State University. Mentor: Russell Girtz, Xcel Energy
• Justin Sunvold, Finance & Accounting, University of Minnesota. Mentor: Sean Young, Xcel Energy
• Gage Sutten, Energy Operations, Lake Area Technical College. Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power Co.

2022 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $40,000 to 20 winners out of 28 applicants:

• Jackson Amann, Global Business Leadership, St. John’s University.  Mentor: Mary Anderson, Viking Electric
• Adam Anderson, Electrical Construction Design and Management, Dunwoody College of Technology. Mentor: Edward Studniski, Ayres Associates
• Steven Bell, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Mentor: Thomas Stegge, Xcel Energy
• Abby Bellig, Accounting/Financial Planning, University of Minnesota Duluth. Mentor: Josh Rostollan, ALLETE/MN Power
• Jason Coyle, Engineering Physics, University of Minnesota Duluth. Mentor: Adam Moren, ALLETE/MN Power
• Kaden Danburg, Energy Technology, Lake Area Technical College. Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Alexander Hatanpaa, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth. Mentor: Carrie Ryan, Minnesota Power
• Ethan Hill, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Mentor: Chris Punt, Connexus Energy
• Maveric Kalenberg, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Mentor: Cody Anderson, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Macy Krueger, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University. Mentor: Tyler Mitchell, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Jackson Lalim, Marketing, Minnesota State University Mankato. Mentor: Jeff Stagg, Viking Electric
• Evan Malone, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota- Duluth. Mentor: Edward Studniski, Ayres Associates
• Evan Pederson, Electrical Engineering, University of North Dakota. Mentor: Aaron Demuth, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Zachery Raveling, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth. Mentor: Daniel Paulson, Paulson & Clark Engineering
• Jake Ridgley, Engineering, South Dakota State University. Mentor: Adam Frericks, States Manufacturing
• John Ridgley, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University. Mentor: Adam Frericks, States Manufacturing
• Josh Sandberg, Electrical Engineering, Bethel University. Mentor: Phil Myers, Collins Electric Company
• Cody Schneider, Mathematics, College of Saint Scholastica. Mentor: Vinnie Surges, Minnesota Power
• Noah Scott, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University. Mentor: Stu Schreurs, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Benjamin Watts, Architectural Engineering-Lighting and Electrical Design, Penn State University. Mentor: Chad Korby, HGA

​​2021 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $36,000 to 18 winners out of 18 applicants:​

• Sarah Aman, Electrical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Gabe Kainz, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Logan Ballis, Physics & Mathematics, Hamline University.  Mentor: Matt Myers, ECSI – Div. of Hunt Electric Corp.
• Madeline Bauer, Marketing & Communication Studies, University of Wisconsin - River Falls.  Mentor: Mary Anderson, Viking Electric
• Steven Bell, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Michael Jensen, Xcel Energy
• Raymond Daly, Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota.  Mentor: Dan Fox, Gausman & Moore Associates, Inc.
• Zoe Finkelson, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University.  Mentor: Joe Wetternach, HGA
• Colleen Halverson, Accounting & Finance, University of Minnesota – Duluth.  Mentor: Rhonda Olson, ALLETE Clean Energy
• Preston Hart, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University.  Mentor: Alli Hought, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Luke Hebert, Computer Science, Minnesota State University-Moorhead.  Mentor: Tim Peterson, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Philip Kuechenmeister, Energy Technology, Lake Area Technical College.  Mentor: Gary Wellnitz, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Parker Messerli, Energy Operations, Lake Area Technical College.  Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power Co
• Sarah Profico, Human Resources Management, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Renee Cunningham, Xcel Energy
• Isaac Sachse, Electrical Engineering, Iowa State University.  Mentor: Chris Punt, Connexus Energy
• Sydney Steffen, Electrical Engineering, University of North Dakota.  Mentor: Asko Rajaniemi, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Zach Thom, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Duluth.  Mentor: Chris Punt, Connexus Energy.
• Nathan Visser, Energy Technology, Lake Area Technical College.  Mentor: Gary Wellnitz, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Cole Wilson, Architectural Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Mentor: Eric Prihoda, Hunt Electric Corp.
• Zakary Zwiers, Electrical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Tyler Mitchell, Otter Tail Power Co.

2020 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $30,000 to 15 winners out of 15 applicants:

• Mariah Ahrndt, Business Management, Concordia College.  Mentor:  Korwin Johnson, Agralite Electric Cooperative.
• Logan Ballis, Physics & Mathematics, Hamline University.  Mentor: Matt Myers, ECSI – Div. of Hunt Electric Corp.
• Joscelyne Gonzalez, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Stuart Schreurs, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Evan Hakamaki, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Electrical Engineering.  Mentor: Jared Newton, Connexus Energy.
• Preston Hart, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University.  Mentor: Aaron Demuth, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Alec Johnson, Finance & Accounting, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Courtney Young, Xcel Energy.
• Sherry Johnson, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Duluth.  Mentor: Gabe Kainz, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Ross Kirby, Electrical Engineering, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Shawn Bagley, Xcel Energy.
• Amber Noah, Biology & Environmental Science, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  Mentor: Christine Ball, Xcel Energy.
• Hunter Schroetlin, Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota.  Mentor: Maverick Thompson, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Komi Toviawou, Electrical Engineering, St. Cloud State University.  Mentor: Michael Garrels, Xcel Energy.
• Cole Wilson, Architectural Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Mentor: Evan Connor, Hunt Electric Corp.
• Alexander Wolseth, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Lahn Suhn, Xcel Energy.
• Sean Zafft, Energy Operations, Lake Area Technical College.  Mentor: Erik Faldhammer, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Zakary Zwiers, Electrical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Asko Rajaniemi, Otter Tail Power Co.

2019 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $40,000 to 20 winners out of 20 applicants:   

• Nicholas Arand, Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois – Champaign.  Mentor: Jason Ritchie, Bloomington Electric Co.
• Wyatt Blinkhorn, Business Management, University of Kansas.  Mentor: Tyler Sadek, Parsons Electric Corp.
• Gabriella Brune, Electrical Construction, Dunwoody College of Technology.  Mentor: John Reber, Egan Company
• Joseph Costa, Business Management, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Jason McGrath, Viking Electric Supply
• Alexander Endreson, Electrical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Rod Jensen, Otter Tail Power
• Anders Hellem, Construction Project Management, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Lauren Mann, Hunt Electric Corp.
• Aeron Jahr, Electrical Engineering, North Dakota State University.  Mentor: Jesse Tomford, Otter Tail Power
• Sheryl Johnson, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Duluth.  Mentor: Gabe Kainz, Otter Tail Power
• Jared Knutson, Electrical Lineman, Minnesota State – Wadena.  Mentor: Tom Hoffman, Agralite Electric Cooperative
• Chad Korby, Electrical Engineering, Iowa State University.  Mentor: Michael Woodson, HGA
• Brett Larson, Business Administration, University of Wisconsin – Stout.  Mentor: Brett Wilson, Viking Electric Supply
• Pamela Meighan, Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University.  Mentor: Michael Woodson, HGA
• Ray Munsterman, Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Stuart Schreurs, Otter Tail Power
• Nathan Plagge, Energy Technology & Robotics, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor:  Gary Wellnitz, Otter Tail Power
• Rayver Sherod, Heavy Equipment Operator, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Dan Oakes, Otter Tail Power
• Chris Schieffer, Construction Management, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Mentor: Kevin Colvard, Hunt Electric Corp.
• Isaiah Soucy, Energy Operations & Technology, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power
• Dorothy Stevens, Marketing & Sales, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  Mentor: Timothy Hawkins, Viking Electric Supply
• Cole Wilson, Architectural Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Mentor: Evan Connor, Hunt Electric Corp.
• Noah Wleczyk, Marketing, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.  Mentor: Tim Hoida, Viking Electric Supply

2018 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $36,000 to 24 winners out of 24 applicants:   

• Ryan Billings, University of Minnesota.  Mentor: Zac Tschida, Xcel Energy
• Wyatt Blinkhorn, University of Kansas.  Mentor: Bill Olson, Parsons Electric
• Emre Can, University of Wisconsin – Madison.  Mentor: Scott Storrar, Xcel Energy
• Kelly Carlson, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Robert Thompson, Xcel Energy
• Sean Coyle, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Gary Wellnite, Otter Tail Power
• Ebenezer Dadson, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: James West, Xcel Energy
• Joshua Drews, Minnesota State University – Mankato.  Mentor: Paul Liveringhouse, Egan Company
• Kyja Flisrand, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Dan Oakes, Otter Tail Power
• Matthew Gandsey, Minnesota State – Wadena.  Mentor: Thomas Hoffman, Agralite Electric Cooperative
• Samuel Gagnon, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Travis Johnson, Xcel Energy
• Evan Hagen, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power
• Tyler Jorgenson, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Toby Johnson, Otter Tail Power
• Sina Kassaw, University of Minnesota – Duluth.  Mentor: Dave Blume, Gausman & Moore
• Dylan Kohl, St. Cloud State University.  Mentor:  Josh Gutzman, Xcel Energy
• Tyler Krussow, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Les Wolf, Xcel Energy
• Mackenzie McMillan, University of North Dakota.  Mentor: Jesse Tomford, Otter Tail Power
• Carol Mikhael, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Jason Epeseth, Xcel Energy
• Kameron Mollard, Lake Area Technical Institute.  Mentor: Erik Fladhammer, Otter Tail Power
• Eric Reddy, University of St. Thomas.  Mentor: Daniel Pendar, Xcel Energy
• Jordan Redmond, St. Cloud State University.  Mentor: Sarah Murray, Viking Electric Supply
• Jacob Robinson, South Dakota State University.  Mentor: Stu Schreurs, Otter Tail Power
• Allie Stellpflug, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Sarah Murray, Viking Electric Supply
• Chee Tey, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  Mentor: Gabriel Kainz, Otter Tail Power
• Christopher Randall Weberg, North Dakota State University.  Mentor: Nicholas Ekren, Xcel Energy

2017 NCEL Interns -- NCEL awarded $22,500 to 15 winners out of 15 applicants:  

• Timothy Auth, University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Mentor:  Scott Storrar, Xcel Energy
• Garrett Bembenek, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.  Mentor:  John Grimm, Xcel Energy
• Adam Breunig, University of Wisconsin-Stout.  Mentor:  Sarah Murray, Viking Electric Supply
• Taylor Georgeson, North Dakota State University.  Mentor:  Jeff McKeever, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Bryce Gilbertson, St. Cloud State University.  Mentor:  Sarah Murray, Viking Electric Supply
• Jacob Gutzmann, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.  Mentor:  Michael Jensen, Xcel Energy
• Tyler Jorgenson, South Dakota State University.  Mentor:  Toby Johnson, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Marshall Lang, Dunwoody College of Technology.  Mentor:  Mark Bell, Egan Company
• Casey Neameyer, North Dakota State University.  Mentor:  Brady Wolden, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Brent Neuhardt, North Dakota State University.  Mentor:  Jesse Tomford, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Emily Neumann, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.  Mentor:  John Grimm, Xcel Energy
• Travis Northway, Dunwoody College of Technology.  Mentor:  Mark Bell, Egan Company
• Katarina Reller, University of North Dakota.  Mentor:  Kyle Frigaard, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Jacob Robinson, South Dakota State University.  Stu Schreurs, Otter Tail Power Co.
• Matthew Schuster, University of North Dakota.  Mentor:  Tori Pausch, Otter Tail Power Co. 

2016 NCEL Interns --  NCEL awarded $21,000 to 14 winners out of 18 applicants:

• Andrew Allen, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Mentor: Toby Johnson, Otter Tail Power Company
• Mitchell Andreasen, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: Adam Reyzer, Xcel Energy
• Garrett Bembenek, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: John Grimm, Xcel Energy
• Jacob Gutzmann, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: Michael Jensen, Xcel Energy
• Joshua Gutzmann, University of St. Thomas - Mentor: Jason Espeseth, Xcel Energy
• Kellen Metling, St. John's University - Mentor: Janet Watson-Hays, Werner Electric Supply
• Chase Monger, St. John's University - Mentor: Jeff Starkman, ElectroTech
• Emily Neumann, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: John Grimm, Xcel Energy
• Erich Nollan, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: Michael Jensen, Xcel Energy
• Allison Oyos, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities - Mentor: John Axelson, Hunt Electric Corporation
• Matthew Schuster, North Dakota State University - Mentor: Tori Pausch, Otter Tail Power Company
• Alexander Shafer, Missouri University of Science & Technology - Mentor: Tom Rasmusson, Otter Tail Power Company
• Megan Spitzer, University of North Dakota - Mentor: Gabriel Kainz, Otter Tail Power Company
• Aaron Thompson, Bemidji State University - Mentor: Scott Gunderson, Otter Tail Power Company

NCEL Internship Program started in 1999 -- Thanks for our NCEL members' support!