Garrett Busch, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was selected as the fall 2025 Outstanding Co-op Student by the Engineering Career Development Center. Busch recently completed his third term with Hunt Refining Company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he worked in plant engineering, developing work packages for piping modifications, preparing cost estimates, and collaborating with vendors and contractors to support mechanical and electrical projects.
During the third term of his co-op, Busch took on increased responsibility by managing multiple projects independently, including two capital projects that required coordinating work with operations, safety and contractors. He developed practical solutions to challenges as they arose, such as designing a muffler for compressed air moisture blowdown.
Busch’s supervisor, Jon Cavin, plant engineering manager at Hunt Refining Company, said, “I want to recognize Garrett’s participation in our turnaround this summer. He was scheduled to be off, but instead, he worked for five weeks on our turnaround. That included both day and night shift work, where he and a contract mechanical engineer inspected equipment, answered questions about work packages, and developed new work packages as new uses were discovered. This helped us maximize our available engineering manpower.”
Busch described his co-op experience as both challenging and rewarding. He gained valuable experience in the refining industry and worked on a wide range of projects, from smaller assignments to multimillion-dollar initiatives, participating in all stages from initial design to final inspection.
“My co-op has influenced me to focus on mechanical engineering and pursue a career in the industry. It has confirmed my interest in roles that are very hands-on, where I can apply engineering concepts in the real world,” said Busch.
For more information about the College’s co-op program, visit https://coop.sa.ua.edu/cooperative-education/.