2024 Internship Team: Sam Lerner, Emma Butterfield, Emma Jones and Gilly Denham
Here at the Shaw Institute, we take great pride in having developed an internship program that not only provides participants with invaluable experience, but also the opportunity to truly make a difference within our local community.
This year, the program features four participants: Emma Butterfield, Gillian (Gilly) Denham, Emma Jones and Sam Lerner. These young scholars bring diverse backgrounds, impressive academic credentials, and a shared passion for environmental stewardship. And as we approach the halfway point of this year’s program, it’s clear that their impressive credentials on paper were just the tip of the iceberg. Without question, they are all exceptional and have amazing futures ahead of them!
“We couldn’t be more delighted with what they have brought to the table,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, our Executive Director and Senior Research Scientist. “It’s important to note that this program isn’t just about providing invaluable hands-on experience for the interns, but also in providing the Institute the necessary human resources to operate at its best during the busy summer season. Without their contributions, we simply could not be as active in the laboratory, in the field or within our community.”
The program is designed to provide practical experience and professional development. Interns become familiar with the Institute’s research and outreach programming, working alongside experienced scientists on projects related to human and environmental health.
“I was looking for an opportunity within Maine that would allow me to conduct research that would be directly related to the environment,” said Emma Butterfield, an undergrad student at Bowdoin College, majoring in Environmental Studies, Biology, with a minor in Hispanic Studies. “Shaw was a perfect example of what I am interested in as it relates the environment and to how humans are being impacted as well.”
Sam Lerner, a student at Colby College, majoring in environmental science, says he likes the way the Shaw team prioritizes the interns’ education and goals. He added: “It’s an experience I know I will gain a lot from. I’m learning so much about environmental research, from algae to microplastics, but also the communication of this research that leads to its real impact.”
The experience the interns receive emphasizes fieldwork, data analysis, and community engagement, aiming to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in environmental science, graduate schools, medical programs, advocacy and more.
“This internship is giving me a wide array of laboratory skills, which allows me to get a sense of what I hope to do after college,” said Emma Jones, a Colby College student majoring in Environmental Policy. “I am most excited to be able to work in the lab on the microplastic research and how it impacts human health because it is such a modern issue.”
Unlike so many other internships, our participants are doing work critical to our operation from day one. From bacteria monitoring and PFAS testing, to lab work, event organization and direct community engagement, our interns continue to make a difference that really counts while also providing them the basis for long-term success.
“This experience has allowed me to see what a career in research can look like when you can pursue the questions that really interest you,” said Gilly Denham, a junior at Williams College, majoring in Biology. “Learning from those at the Shaw Institute and participating in this kind of purpose-driven work has helped me clarify the type of career I want to pursue and has reminded me of the importance of community-based work.”
What’s clear is that the future is bright for these four young adults, as is the Shaw Institute’s because of their contribution. In the coming days, we’ll publish short profiles of each student, so keep your eyes on the blog!
To learn more about our annual internship program please CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE IN SUPPORT OF THE SHAW INSTITUTE’S NONPROFIT SCIENCE-BASED MISSION