Ana Arce
University of Michigan
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan - [Park Home]
I recently graduated from the University of Michigan in December of 2020, where I obtained a degree in Wildlife Biology. While in school, I learned and studied the role that the predator and prey relationship has on the environment around it. The delicate balance system that these two roles play has always fascinated me. I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. My father worked laborer jobs, which often called for physically demanding work. While my mother worked small sales jobs at various shops. Coming from a family where exploring the idea of higher education was never talked about nor given a second thought. I am proud to say I became the first college graduate in my immediate family. As a Michigan native this island has always been a long wanting goal to one-day set foot on the island. Being able to work and help explore the impact that this relationship plays on the islands current ecosystem is a dream come true. I hope to gain field experience that will challenge me both physically and mentally. I hope to increase my confidence in the field when using the skills and knowledge that I have studied throughout my college experience. I also hope to gain guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, to help me navigate the wildlife biology career path. Lastly I hope and know I will make cherished memories that I will be with me forever.
Andrés L. Pérez Cintrón
University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus
Biscayne National Park, Florida - [Park Home]
¡Hola! I am Andrés and I am from Humacao, Puerto Rico. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management with a minor in education from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. Currently, I am in my first year of the master's degree in planning with an environmental and social emphasis at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. This summer I will be a Mosaics in Science intern working with Environment For The Americas at Biscayne National Park and I will be helping the park scientists with assessing the efficacy of the new fishing regulations implemented in the park. I am very excited to be able to work in a park where I can interact with the Latin community giving me an opportunity to learn more about the multicultural nature of the visitors and the way they perceive and relate to environmental issues. My goal is to learn as much as possible about the courses that the graduate school offers me and at the same time get involved in professional experiences that lead me to what I am studying, which is why I consider this a unique and excellent opportunity. In the future, I aspire to work with the federal government, or in NGOs, in natural resource management, or on environmental and social resource planning boards where I can offer my knowledge and help to implement plans for a resilient future that buffers the actions that cause climate change. This Mosaics In Science program is an opportunity that can give me the necessary tools and skills to learn about the professional opportunities aligned to the social and environmental dimensions of planning.
Ashleyann Bacay
California State University, ChicoLava Beds National Monument, California - [Park Home]
I recently obtained my B.S. in Physiology and B.A. in Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am now a first year master's student enrolled in California State University, Chico's Interdisciplinary Studies: Wildland Management program. Through this graduate program, I am studying the influence of liability, legislation, and policies in regard to the conduction of prescribed (Rx) fires throughout California and identifying specific barriers of Rx fire's current usage. My interest in the Mosaics in Science program is tied to personal and professional reasons. Finding Asian representation (and diversity in general) in the environmental and natural resource fields poses a challenge in itself already, but finding diversity in the specific field that is "fire" is also a challenge of its own! Being able to work in this Fire Ecology Assistant position at Lava Beds National Monument will allow me to be that representation in the natural resource and fire fields and also help further my studies from another point-of-view. My future career goals involve working in a natural resources management position that will allow me to be a role model to younger women of color who aspire to work in the environmental sector, utilize my understanding of policy, legislation, and field work experiences to advocate for the introduction of restorative Rx fire and other conservation or stewardship techniques into an area, and convey the importance and bigger picture of my work to the general public. I know that this internship through Mosaics in Science will provide a big leap toward those goals!
Brooke Su
Cornell University, Ithaca
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota - [Park Home]
I am a recent graduate of Cornell University, where I majored in Environmental Science. The position at Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Jewel Cave National Monument aligns closely with my interests in studying mammals and builds upon my experience working with camera traps and GIS. After working a few years post-graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in wildlife conservation and eventually work for a conservation NGO or government agency. I am extremely grateful to Mosaics in Science for working to create a space within the conservation field for people like me.
Charles Hambley
University of GuamWar in the Pacific National Historical Park, Guam - [Park Home]
I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at the University of Guam. My graduation date is in May 2021. I plan to apply to graduate school for the 2022 academic year this coming fall. My interests in the Mosaics in Science Internship Program lies in my interests in Marine Biology. Specifically I am interested in the study and research of corals and algae. Growing up surrounded by these ecosystems motivates me to help protect the natural resources my home island has to offer. For my profession I aspire to work with organizations that make change and play a role in protecting and understanding coral reefs. Organizations such as the National Park Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. My professional goals are to attain a graduate degree and come back to my home island and work with other programs and organizations that could help maintain and manage the marine systems that are helping support the islands communities whether it be through social or environmental means. With this opportunity given to me, I hope to gain new skills and solidify previous skills gained through my education.
Cristal Espinosa
Florida International UniversityCape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina - [Park Home]
Hello! My name is Cristal Espinosa, and I was born and raised in sunny Miami, Florida. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida International University in 2019. Currently, I am a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science at Florida Atlantic University. I am interested in the Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship program, as it will provide me with the opportunity to break through my comfort zone and gain research and field experience while celebrating and being inclusive of students in diversity. I am eager to complete my internship at Cape Lookout National Seashore and get my hands dirty with sea turtle surveying and data collection. My professional interests lean toward conservation biology, specifically marine conservation. Ultimately, I would love to bridge the gap between important conservation work and educating and bringing awareness to the public.
Deja Olumba
Texas A&M UniversityPoint Reyes National Seashore, California - [Park Home]
My name is Deja Olumba, and I am currently enrolled at Texas A&M University and pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and a minor in Horticulture. I just completed my sophomore year, and I am so excited to be a part of the Mosaics in Science program! I have participated in field research in the past with a lab here at Texas A&M. This internship involved two months of observing the mating rituals of hummingbirds, as well as capturing and collecting samples from live birds. My professional goals are to eventually lead my own field research in animal behavior. To achieve this goal, I plan on getting as much field experience as I can while I am still an undergraduate. I would like the chance to work with all kinds of species in a variety of environments so I can get as much enrichment as possible before choosing a professional path in graduate school and beyond. This opportunity to work for the National Parks Service would be a huge boost in my professional goals due to the amazing experience and networking opportunities. Point Reyes National Seashore is very far from my home and offers a new environment and ecosystem that I haven’t had the opportunity to work with, and I’m excited for the new experience. I’m also excited to work for an organization as important to myself and to the nation as a whole as the National Parks Service. When I was a child, I had posters from several national parks hung on my walls and it's an honor to be able to work for them. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I’m so excited to start working!
Devante Jones
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State UniversityOcmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia - [Park Home]
I am currently a junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science major. I am interested in this program due to my passion for Environmental Science and Nature. As I dive deeper and gain more exposure to my field of study I have realized I am quite interested in Conservation, Research, and Pollution. Efforts to reverse the mistakes of our past in order to see a better future is the essential goal that I pursue. I believe this internship will help me gain experience and skills vital for my future aspirations and serve as a fundamental stepping stone for greatness. My ultimate goal is to work for the EPA or be a part of a team whose research and goals align with conservation or pollution solution efforts. Because Ocmulgee is a governmental organization working with invasive species and conservation, the program suits my interest and needs perfectly. I hope to gain as much experience as possible with an opportunity like this, not only to gain connections and make it easier for me to be in a position of power when it comes to environmental issues but also to be confident within myself that I have what it takes to make a change and place my mark environmentally on this planet. I expect ups and downs and curveballs to be thrown my way, but by putting myself out there through experiences and opportunities such as this one, I can confidently say I am on the right path to success.
Edwin Torres
Central Washington UniversityNorth Cascades National Park, Washington - [Park Home]
I am a student at Central Washington University. I will be graduating this year with a bachelor’s degree in Geography. I am interested in the Mosaics in Science program because it provides opportunities for individuals from under-represented communities to enter the job field and work with the National Park Service. I feel that diversity within any job field strengthens and improves the work environment. Diversity allows for people with different perspectives to meet and learn from each other and move forward together. What I like about this program is that I feel it mirrors the National Park Service mission of “preserving the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations” by not only providing opportunities for students and recent graduates, but also creating the opportunity for interns to inspire current and future generations from under-represented communities to venture into these areas that might seem intimidating or inaccessible to them.
It has always been a dream of mine to work for the NPS. I view these parks as spiritual places that allow you to build your connection with nature. I have always considered that having the opportunity to work in these parks is a great privilege. With this internship I hope to gain a better understanding of the complexities of natural resource management as well as develop the skills and experience that will allow me to be successful in this field. I would also like to develop skills in community outreach and contribute to making my site as accessible as possible. Overall, I look forward to this opportunity and growing as a professional.
Jailyn Hoskins
The University of New OrleansPadre Island National Seashore, Texas - [Park Home]
I am currently a 3rd year Biology major at The University of New Orleans. I have always been interested in finding a career that continuously challenges me, satisfies my constant desire to always grow and learning, and allows me to give back. I am excited about this internship position I have been offered as a Marine Biological Conservation Assistant because it combines many of my interests; conservation, research, photography/videography, and sharing knowledge with others. I want to help bridge the gap between underserved communities and the sciences, and work to help inform the general public about environmental education and conservation issues. This position would not only help me gain field experience but would also help me pursue a career with the National Park Service. I believe that with this program I'm on the path to a fulfilling meaningful career in the sciences.
Jenelle Booker
The College of WoosterMojave Desert Inventory & Monitoring Network, Nevada - [Park Home]
I am a recent graduate from The College of Wooster in Ohio. After pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry with a German, and environmental focus, and graduating in May of 2020 I turned away from laboratory research and decided to pursue environmental and ecological experiences as the next step in my career. As a woman of color, the internship opportunities that Environment for the Americas offers through its’ Mosaics in Science internship program seemed like the perfect entry point into the world of environmental education and field work. In the future I intend to complete a Master's degree in natural resource management in Berlin after my time in the Mojave Desert.
Jenna Aubrie Heckel
California State University, Monterey BayMonocacy National Battlefield, Maryland - [Park Home]
Hafa Adai! My name is Jenna Aubrie Heckel and I am from Monterey Bay, California. After high school I obtained my undergraduate degree in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Evolution with a minor in Environmental Science and Sustainability. It is in the Central Valley where I fell in love with the mountains and started working for the National Park Service delivering educational programs that connect the local community to the parks and fulfilling my dream of becoming a scientist! I’m currently in graduate school at California State University, Monterey Bay furthering my scientific skills and earning a M.S. in Environmental Science. Although I am heavily interested in plant biology and restoration, an internship at Monocacy National Battlefield as a hydrological assistant will help broaden my knowledge of non-biological (non-living) components of ecosystems. It is the physical environment that ultimately drives what plants and animals can live in certain areas- including humans! Therefore, through this internship, we can evaluate the health and any changes in Monocacy River so the Park Service can make management decisions in the best interest of all communities. It is my eventual goal to work as a scientist for the National Park Service full-time because I believe in their mission to preserve resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration for current and future generations. I am also excited to meet other participants in the program and network with park scientists and managers.
Jorge Vargas-Barriga
University of Colorado, BoulderHomestead National Monument of America, Nebraska - [Park Home]
I am a recent graduate with a B.S. degree in environmental engineering. The outdoors has always been a place where I find peace, so the opportunity to work with the National Park Service is amazing! Additionally, the variety in responsibilities drew me to the position. My professional interests are somewhat wide-ranging and uncertain, but at the moment I am especially interested in water treatment and ecology are of great interest to me. I have been fortunate enough to do some water quality tests in my undergraduate career, but I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in that area and learning from professionals. Water is so important for the survival of our planet and species, so I am always looking to learn more about the current issues and how to preserve our sources. Furthermore, the position gives the opportunity to not only apply and develop my abilities but also will give me the opportunity to teach younger students about STEM concepts. Another aspect of the Mosaics program that I like is the focus on increasing diversity in the parks and STEM. I started seeing the importance of this myself in my undergrad and tried to help people from backgrounds similar to my own. For one summer I got to teach middle school students about 3D modeling online and its many uses. Helping future generations is absolutely something I want to do in my future and the fact that I get to do this while developing my own science and math skills is fantastic. For my own career, I would like to gain some experience in different areas of interest. All in all, I am prepared to step out of my comfort zone, visit new places, and learn new things!
Lynneva Carroll
University of Alaska FairbanksYukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska - [Park Home]
I am currently in the process of earning my B.S. in Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. As I progress toward my degree, I am exploring different areas of my interests to determine a career field I would like to focus on. These include biology, ecology, and natural resource management. I particularly enjoy field work and encountering new environments. Researching the environment, such as the impacts of climate change on the arctic, is something that I aim to do in my career. During my MIS internship last summer, I learned more about conservation and ecology, as well as video editing. It was my first encounter with videography, and I enjoyed the experience immensely. The video I made was about the conservation of Yellow-billed Loons, and how they were threatened by environmental contaminants. I researched the story, wrote and narrated the script with the help of some fantastic mentors. Then I organized and edited preexisting loon footage to create the video. I also encountered new research projects that I was able to assist on. This summer, I will hopefully be doing more field work, assuming the pandemic allows it. This will include going out on Peregrine Falcon surveys on the Yukon River, which I am practically excited about. In the office, I'll be working on a video about these birds and their conservation story, expanding my skills in videography. I am looking forward to a second season of Mosaics.
Marwa Mahmoud
University of WashingtonMount Rainier National Park, Washington - [Park Home]
I graduated in 2020 from the University of Washington with a degree in environmental studies and a minor in environmental science. My professional interests lie in natural resources. I consider myself a generalist, as I am drawn to a variety of topics within natural resources. These include landscape scale climate change, wildlife interactions with a changing snowpack, climate education, and management and policy implications in a time of a changing climate. My long-term career goals revolve around working in climate science and policy. Outside of my research interests, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and potlucks. I am excited to work in the Mosaics in Science program because I think there is a lot to learn in and from our National Parks. I am especially eager to work in Mount Rainier National Park because I have been involved in studying water resources, wildfire, and wolverines in the area. These research positions have drawn me close to Mount Rainier National Park and I am excited to continue working on the glacial landscape. Growing up in the western Washington region, Mount Rainier has always loomed large in the skyline, giving it a special place in my heart. Through the Mosaics in Science program, I hope to foster new connections to place and people. I am open and excited for what is to come with this experience. As the pandemic rolls on, I hope the Mosaics in Science program will offer a healing and rejuvenating experience for all the interns.
Matthew Millado
University of Notre DamePictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan - [Park Home]
I am currently a senior at the University of Notre Dame and will be graduating this coming May (2021) with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Sustainability. I am excited to be participating in the Mosaics in Science internship program this year because I am passionate about natural resource management and conservation. I am particularly excited to be working at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan because I grew up in Marquette – a town just one hour away from Munising. I have an immense love for Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I spent a lot of time exploring Pictured Rocks during my teenage years. For example, I backpacked 25 miles along the lakeshore during my junior year of high school and, despite getting rained on and attacked by black flies, loved every minute of it. I cannot wait to continue exploring the park and to help manage it as a scientist in the aquatics program this summer. As a Mosaics in Science intern, I am looking forward to gaining first-hand experience in natural resource management in the Great Lakes region, meeting other National Park Service employees, and getting to know the natural environment of Pictured Rocks by living and working in it. Further down the road, I am passionate about finding a long-term career that actively contributes to the conservation of natural spaces for all. This could very well be with the National Park Service, or with any other government or non-profit agency that is geared towards environmental conservation.
Quenten Masters
University of ArizonaCongaree National Park, South Carolina - [Park Home]
I am currently attending the University of Arizona and I am in my junior year of studies. My educational goal is to graduate from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Fisheries Management. Along with Fisheries Management I have taken courses that qualify me to work with terrestrial wildlife in the future. My goal in participating in this program is to expand my knowledge of the natural resources and the efforts that are put into managing those resources. This program presented the perfect opportunity to grow my expertise in fisheries management. As it will allow me to not only communicate with the local anglers daily but it will also allow me to gain experience writing and developing a fisheries management plan. My professional goal is to become a Fisheries or Wildlife manager for either a federal or private institution. While in this position I hope to use my experience from my childhood and my work career. To spread awareness about the importance of protecting the outdoors. As well as help bring more diversity to the field of resource management. One of my dreams is to help provide more opportunities for people of lower incomes to experience the outdoors closer to home. Whether it be by expanding community fishing programs or by implementing programs to help take people to iconic natural wonders. My goal is to make it easier for people to not only experience the outdoors but to grow to love and cherish the environment. So that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
Sahil Duvadie
Brandeis UniversityBoston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts - [Park Home]
I am currently a second-year student at Brandeis University working towards in Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Six years ago, I had my first adventure out on the Boston Harbor Islands. I was a Live Blue Ambassador cleaning the shoreline of Lovells Island, so that piping plovers, a native bird species to certain areas of the Atlantic Coast, could use the island as a breeding ground. I was enthralled by the experience and kept coming back out to the islands with both the same and different organizations; my goal was to meet more of the community that called the Boston Harbor Islands their home. Since then, I have worked with both the New England Aquarium and National Park Service extensively in different positions where I planted native species on the islands and removed invasive species, documented invasive marine species, and educated local Boston youth about the history and natural beauty of the islands. Conservation has always been my passion. I believe this internship opportunity will allow be to gain valuable skills and pursue a career with the NPS. It will be my honor to continue the role of protecting biodiversity through this internship opportunity in Boston Harbor Islands as a Biological Resources Assistant.
Samantha Ye
Colorado State UniversityUrban Ecology Research Learning Alliance (UERLA), D.C. - [Park Home]
I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in journalism, economics, and ethnic studies. And I am less than two months away from becoming a college graduate! This internship opportunity ties in perfectly with what I hope to do long-term. Extracting information, developing multimedia communications, and finding new ways to engage public interest on issues of social importance: it all plays to my passions and what drew me to originally apply for a science communication position in the first place. Career-wise, I have always wanted to enter public service and I hope this experience will give me a better perspective of the work process at the federal level as well as opportunities to network and build relationships with those in NPS communications. The work itself is also an extremely attractive opportunity for me to develop my multimedia strategic communications skills. Though I have done small scale projects across social media, web, and PR, I know I could expand my capabilities significantly through working on more intensive projects, and few things could be more intense than creating federally vetted material set for national publication.
Sasha Escamilla
California State University, Dominguez HillsGrand Canyon National Park, Arizona - [Park Home]
I recently graduated from California State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology. Classwork during undergrad, along with hands-on experiences from various internships, have helped me recognize the passion I have for conserving and maintaining native ecosystems, and has influenced my goal to become a restoration ecologist with the National Park Service. In the future I hope to attend graduate school. Attending graduate school will give me the opportunity to become more knowledgeable on current habitat restoration efforts, and how to approach and develop best practices for preserving our most threatened ecosystems. That is also why I applied for this internship with the Grand Canyon. The work involves active research on an endangered plant species, analyzing the current threats it is facing, and gathering supporting evidence for how we can better protect it. This program will not only better prepare me for success in graduate school, but also prepare me for a future career with the National Park Service. There will be a significant amount of collaboration between different agencies and presenting our findings to others will allow for various networking opportunities. Above all, the DHA status associated with the completion of this internship, is a huge advantage to have when applying for permanent positions.
Sebastian Espinosa
Northern Arizona UniversityNorth Coast and Cascades Inventory & Monitoring Network, Washington -[Park Home]
I am currently in graduate school, working towards obtaining a master’s degree in Climate Science and Solutions. The fields of conservation and environmental science are typically not dominated by Latinos, but as a child of two immigrants from South America, who instilled in me a passion for the outdoors, I grew to have a longing to protect and conserve the natural world. This passion propelled me to obtain my BS in environmental science and has led me to graduate school. I hope to use the knowledge and skills that I have taken up through my education to help achieve my long-term professional goal of developing my career as an environmental scientist with an emphasis on mitigating the effects of climate change on the natural world. I am interested in this opportunity because I am very passionate about the protection of our national parks and the flora and fauna that it consists of. This opportunity will undoubtedly support my professional goal of building my career as an environmental scientist with an emphasize on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Tyria Zanders
Wake Forest UniversityNatchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi - [Park Home]
I am finishing up my freshman year at Wake Forest University. Next semester, I plan on declaring as an Environmental Science major with minors in Spanish and/or Arabic. I applied to Mosaics in Science because as a kid, I always wanted to be a park ranger or field biologist just something where I would get to play all day outdoors. Growing up in Louisiana, I had access to the incredible unique landscapes throughout Louisiana and our neighboring states. Through many summers at camps and family fishing trips, I have grown deeply connected to the natural world. My passion for the outdoors is only exemplified by my love of outdoor recreation and sports such as running and backpacking. As I grow older, I realize more and more there are not many people that look like me or from similar backgrounds that enjoy the same activities and even fewer pursuing careers in environmental fields. Now, as I start my journey into finding a career, I still know I want to work in some way with the environment. This summer, I hope to experience multiple fields that involve working with the environment, from research and management to recreation and tourism. In high school, I was lucky to participate in a study abroad program that placed me on a sustainable farm in the Dominican Republic for the summer. The program really helped me realize careers in environmental fields are possible and will be very important in the coming decades as we face the climate crisis. I also look forward greatly to working under experienced professionals who will be able to further help me define my career goals and finding a path towards them.
Veronica Mantha
College of William & Mary at Williamsburg, VirginiaColonial National Historical Park, Virginia - [Park Home]
I am a rising senior at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. I have been primarily studying geology, and am minoring in environmental science. Throughout my studies I have been focusing on paleontology, mineralogy, and sedimentation. I have taken part in GIS, biology, and chemistry as well, and I am deeply passionate about conservation and the protection of nature and the earth. While I have not had a chance to take any hydrology courses in my department due to a lack of a professor, I am interested in water dynamics and am ecstatic to learn about these topics this upcoming summer. I am thrilled to take part in the salinity and chemical testing on groundwater and soil on Jamestown Island in Virginia. My interest in this specific program on Jamestown Island stems from my love of the unique combination of history and geology that occurs in the area. I am also excited to be able to share my unique perspective within Colonial National Historic Park, as I believe that diversity in cultures and experience can allow a team to grow stronger and better able to work together. Furthermore, I am so happy to be able to gain experience taking soil and water samples, as due to COVID I have not had an opportunity to take part in fieldwork such as this, which ties together my interests in conservation, biology, chemistry, and of course, geology. Working for the National Parks Service or USGS has also been a dream of mine, and just this summer internship is something I am beyond grateful for.
Viridiana Orona
University of Texas at El PasoSaguaro National Park, Arizona - [Park Home]
I am currently a second-year master’s student in the Environmental Science program at The University of Texas at El Paso. I am interested in the Mosaics in Science internship program because it fits perfectly with research I have assisted with in the past and the current research I am conducting for my master’s degree. Most of my research has been done in a desert ecosystem so I am used to the climatic conditions when doing fieldwork, plus I am familiarized with desert plant ecology. I really enjoy the desert and genuinely admire its beauty. Another aspect of this internship position that I am looking forward to is the ability to do community outreach. I believe it is important that we communicate our findings to the non-scientific community and learn how to effectively communicate science. This will create awareness about the environment and more opportunities to do interdisciplinary work. Being bilingual helps me communicate with a broader audience and I hope to share my work and experiences with Spanish speakers as well. I would love to meet new people and work with other scientists, which will help me establish new network connections. I am always happy to learn new things and be part of exciting opportunities such as this one. The skills gained from this internship will help me become a better scientist and I am more than proud to represent women and the Hispanic community within STEM fields.
William Tsai
Drake UniversityRocky Mountain National Park, Colorado - [Park Home]
I am currently a Junior at Drake University and I am working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science- in the Aquatic & Earth Sciences Track- and a Bachelors of Art in Political Science. I was introduced to the Mosaics in Science program through my older sister who had applied when she was an undergraduate student. Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be a park ranger, however, this dream felt less and less obtainable once I realized not many park rangers looked like me. Discouraged and hurt, I decided that I wanted to change that. Although my desire to become a park ranger has shifted, I still want to work in the field of Environmental Science while representing my culture and community; the Mosaics in Science program allows for me to do both. As a Mosaics in Science intern, I hope to not only encourage the community to get more engaged with the environment and national parks, but to also encourage under-represented communities and individuals to do the same. The Mosaics in Science program builds a bridge between the National Parks Service and under-represented communities which is why I love this program. Following graduation, I hope to utilize both my majors to eventually work at a Federal Science Agency. Although growing up I wanted to be a park ranger, after learning more about Climate Change and the damages humans are causing, I decided that instead of just enjoying nature, I wanted to protect it. I believe that working at a Federal Science Agency would provide paths to create more environmental protection laws at a national level.
Last updated: May 10, 2022