Thank you, fall 2024 interns!
Our 2024 fall interns, from top left clockwise: Bella prepares for Ford Area C tour; Aaryan restores habitat; advocates gather at Ford Area C.
Our internship program helps us support the next generation of environmental leaders on their career paths. Last fall, one intern supported pollinator research with our Land Conservation team, and two joined our advocacy team to advance a better future at toxic riverfront site Ford Area C.
Learn more about these leaders and the efforts they made possible.
Aaryan: Fall habitat assessment intern
Aaryan conducted regional land cover analyses in ArcGIS (a geographic information system) and managed several large datasets as an important component of one of our latest research projects. This research assesses habitat for the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee and other bumble bees in Minnesota's restored and remnant prairies. His work will enable us to analyze trends in bumble bee habitat use of multiple FMR-managed prairie sites and inform future habitat management.
Aaryan impressed us with his insightful questions, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Aaryan's reflections
"I worked alongside FMR's Land Conservation team to help analyze geospatial data in order to assess habitat quality for the endemic rusty-patched bumble bee. What first attracted me to this project, and FMR more generally, was an opportunity to contribute directly to this region's ecological preservation — and to be able to do so while also improving upon my GIS and data analysis skills. The biggest takeaway for me from this internship was a better understanding of the kinds of work nonprofits perform, and the various different outlets through which they try to have an impact. I partook in hands-on activities in addition to my data-crunching desk duties, which made the whole experience more enriching.
"I am now an Associate Planner with the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities, and I hope to use what I have learned about natural systems from this internship in my work."
Bella Bassat: Community organizing and engagement intern
We were very excited to bring on Bella, a former Environmental Stewardship Institute council member, as an intern working on community and student engagement strategies for the Ford Area C hazardous waste dump. Bella's work helped us to connect with more college student groups on this issue and build our engagement strategy to reach further.
With her positive energy and quick learning skills, Bella quickly became a beloved member of the advocacy team. In a short time, she was leading her own public walking tours of Area C, showcasing her strengths in public speaking and connecting with community members on this issue.
Bella's reflections
"I was super excited to learn about Ford Area C, and to engage in FMR's advocacy work. I really enjoyed connecting and having conversations with community members, as well as learning about the logistical side of planning events for community members. I learned a lot about how FMR collaborates with external organization partners and community members on environmental issues like this that can have varying perspectives. I loved hearing from community members that asked thoughtful questions and who ended up becoming just as passionate about cleaning up Area C as FMR staff are after not knowing a ton about this site. Overall, I learned so much about environmental advocacy through helping plan and attend events.
"I am currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota studying environmental science, policy, and management on the policy, planning, law, and society track. Working with FMR on advocacy during my internship has been really fulfilling, and I want to continue to pursue opportunities that will allow me to engage in environmental advocacy and policy work as I begin to figure out where I would like to end up in my career during my college journey."
Gianna: Community organizing and engagement intern
Gianna worked with the Land Use & Planning team to build and carry out outreach and engagement strategies with community members and college students on our work with the Ford Area C hazardous waste dump. Gianna's work has helped streamline our tactics to keep people engaged and informed about Ford Area C using new and creative strategies.
From the beginning, Gianna impressed us with her solid people skills and ability to connect with community members and River Guardians. She also brough tremendous energy and creativity to the role, allowing us to pursue new engagement efforts.
Join our career pathways program
As part of our career pathways program, we've expanded our capacity for hosting paid opportunities for youth and young people. Learn more about internship and ESI openings.