Summer is here, which is always a very special time of the year for us. The temperatures warm up, thousands of seasonable visitors arrive, and our annual cohort of summer interns arrive to help us make the most of it.
For over 20 years we have been so fortunate to host a variety of bright and talented students. They have been emerging scientists, activists, thinkers and those passionate about the intersection of human and environmental health – all interested in making a difference.
And making a difference they do! From assisting with research studies, bacteria monitoring, educational programs, events and more, we truly could not make it through the summer without their important contributions.
“Our efforts never seem to slow down, but they certainly accelerate during the summer months,” says Dani Rodriguez, the Shaw Institute’s Education & Outreach Manager. “Without the help of our interns we simply could not offer the wide variety of services and community outreach that we strive for in the summer months. This year’s team is a super bright group who already are making a difference after just a couple of weeks.”
After reviewing dozens of great applicants, we were delighted to find three fantastic students to help carry on the long and successful legacy of the internship program. Joining the team this year are Eddie Berlin, Aubrey Gifford and Natalie O’Brien. With that, here’s some quick information to introduce them to our community, including some of their own words:
Eddie Berlin
College: Virginia Tech
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Green Engineering
“Even though my journey as an environmental scientist has only just begun, I have already found great purpose in this field. As I continue to grow and learn, I realize that my passion lies in addressing anthropogenic pollutants that have profound impacts on ecosystems and human health. The Shaw Institute Summer Research Program provides the perfect opportunity to contribute to my passion as well as create lasting change through research and community outreach. As an environmental science student at Virginia Tech, I have built a strong foundation in laboratory research, data analysis, and public engagement, and I’m eager to apply these experiences to your impactful work on microplastics and PFAS compounds.”
Aubrey Gifford
College: Bowdoin
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
“Another reason I am deeply interested in your program is because it highlights communities that make Maine so special. Being from a small, rural town in Maine, I am extremely passionate about shedding light into the state’s ecological beauty and wonders. Last summer I worked as a conservation fellow with Friends of Baxter, where I was able to choose an independent research project centered around Baxter State Park. I decided to look at how individual niche ecological communities might be impacted by climate change in the Park. At the end of the project, I presented my findings to the Director of Friends of Baxter to shed light on the specific potential impacts that climate change would have within Baxter State Park. This experience made me feel a deep commitment to protecting and preserving the vast ecological communities that are present in our state.”
Natalie O’Brien
College: Colby
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Minor: Geography
“Growing up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I developed a deep appreciation for wild ecosystems and the science behind their conservation. My coursework at Colby has built a strong foundation in both lab and field research, with classes such as Atmospheric Chemistry, Community Ecology, Microbiology, and Earth’s Climate. These experiences have strengthened my technical and analytical skills as well as inspiring my interest in environmental health.
The Shaw Institute’s work on microplastics, bacteria monitoring, and phytoplankton analysis are very closely aligned with my academic interests and future career goals. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to combine fieldwork, lab analysis, and public education to promote a healthier ecosystem and community.”
As you can see, the long legacy of our summer internship program is in good hands. We look forward to not only teaching them invaluable skills in scientific research, environmentalism, science education and more, but also to learning and gaining inspiration from them … which is truly the biggest value for us!