On the Job: Lauren Costa

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DEOHS undergrad helps protect hearing for military aircraft mechanics as intern with Boeing Defense & Space

Costa stands in front of a fighter jet holding a noise monitor. Photos: Courtesy of Costa.

This summer I had the privilege to intern with Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri. This Boeing site is a part of Boeing Defense & Space, and I was working with the Environmental Health and Safety team as an industrial hygiene intern.  

My main project focused on worker health and safety. I was leading the project on the F-15 Eagle assembly line, talking with the mechanics who build the planes every day.  

My main objective was to collect personal noise dosimeter data on each section of the plane-building process to ensure that all noise levels were within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Boeing standards. Following that, I also ensured that all employees working in loud-noise areas were enrolled in the OSHA Hearing Conservation Program to confirm their hearing was not being lost while on the job.   

Protecting hearing for fighter jet mechanics

My favorite part of the job was talking to the mechanics working on the planes. It was fascinating to learn about how the planes are made and what each of their roles are. I really enjoyed getting to learn from them and hear their stories, how they got into the profession, and why they enjoy it.  

I also had the incredible opportunity to stand on the flight ramp and watch them do a test flight of the F-15 and F-18, as well as sit in the flight deck of an F-18. Those were some memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  

What surprised me most about the F-15 specifically is that it is primarily made by hand, unlike commercial aircrafts also built by Boeing. So, the mechanics are drilling every bolt by hand, painting the ship by hand; it is incredible work they do day in and day out.

The internship seemed incredibly impactful for the employees I was working with. It was powerful knowing I was helping them so that when they get to be 70 years old, they will still be able to hear their grandchildren talking to them, and music on the radio.  

Worker health and safety in aerospace

It was also incredibly impactful for me, as I learned a lot about assembly lines and manufacturing and aeronautics, all of which I had minimal knowledge of prior to this summer. Along with the noise work I did, I also helped with a lot of other projects. I participated in water sampling, chromium sampling, mold sampling and radiation sampling.

These opportunities gave me a very well-rounded insight into the scope of an industrial hygienist working in aerospace. I have done a few of these sampling techniques in the classroom, so it was fun to apply them in real life and in a different field.  

Following this internship, I have been inspired to continue to get my master’s in public health and continue in the field. I truly enjoyed the work I was able to do this summer, and it made a very positive impact on me. I can’t wait to keep learning more about occupational health and safety.