My Park Story: Sophia Britto

Sophia at Glacier National Park's MAPS survey site

Photo courtesy of Sophia Britto

I did not consider myself an outdoorsy person growing up, but I spent most of my time outside, barefoot, and peeling apart plants to uncover what was inside. As I grew up, I shifted my focus and jumped into a career in journalism, and then shifted to digital communications and advertising. I would strip back the different layers of successful campaigns to discover what was being communicated, and thread together the veins of a marketing strategy to connect with the community. It was fun work, but it did not feel right for me long-term.

Near the end of my college years, I found myself taking a lot of hikes, and reconnecting with nature. I was getting back outside and noticing plants, the sky, birdsong, and evidence of wildlife again.

Sophia and Glacier National Park's science communication team travel to different sites on the riverbed to photograph invasive weed removal for the annual Weed Blitz hosted by the Flathead Rivers Alliance

Photo courtesy of Sophia Britto

I decided to go back to nature in my work. I was looking for a place that values nature on a larger scale. I applied to an ad I saw for a Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program position through Environment for the Americas (EFTA). There were two spots for science communication assistants, which seemed perfect for my skills and interests. A couple of interviews and crossed fingers later, I was offered a Science Communication Assistant intern position at Glacier National Park. I had worked locally in my hometown of Amarillo, Texas throughout college, and for a couple of years after I graduated, but I was ready to try something new.

I primarily helped with making more engaging content for the app, website, and social media on topics like geology, birds, mammals, and wildlife. I also contributed to weekly social media posts, the production of reels for the park, and research needed for the podcast Headwaters. This content helps our followers become more scientifically literate, learn about research in the park, and have a better understanding of why the park is important.

Sophia helped pull invasive weeds at the Annual Weed Blitz in between photographing

Photo courtesy of Sophia Britto

I saw a lot of what goes on in the park due to my shared position with the interpretive media team and Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center. Each month of summer has shown multitudes of how a park operates and how science communication and interpretation shifts throughout the season. I have refined my skills as a communicator, storyteller, videographer, writer, and researcher,

I have bloomed as a professional and found a niche I enjoy within the work I have been doing, and I have largely been inspired by those who have taken me under their wing. Hearing about other professionals’ shifting and evolving careers and how their current passions align with their work is comforting. It is a community that has a shared love for a place, the natural world, and the beings that exist within those ecosystems. It is a privilege for someone like me who is still early in their career. I find it special. This results in a community full of kindness and neighborly tendencies where they take care of each other and welcome anyone passing through.

Sophia observing a bird examination at Glacier’s MAPS survey site

Photo courtesy of Sophia Britto

It has been a joy to accompany scientists as they do fieldwork, while gathering content for science communication projects. Joining diverse scientists of different ages, backgrounds, and interests shows the world in a different light. Their natural curiosity about the world makes me wonder how it works and how we can make it better. It has inspired me to follow a similar path within my career to work for places that inspire change within their communities. I am excited for the future with the knowledge I have gained from this internship -- from large-scale story planning to recognizing the call of a loon.

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