Meet Our Past Interns - 2021

  • Biodiversity and Conservation

  • Brewer, Jesse ’22

    Molecular Biology
    PROJECT

    USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station

    MENTOR(S)

    Jennifer Moore Myers, Communications Team Leader, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station

    I participated in a virtual internship with the communications team of the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station through the Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) program. My primary activities included reading primary literature produced at the Southern Research Station, interviewing scientists about their work, and drafting articles summarizing their research findings for the USDA news site, CompassLive. This was an important task because it allowed me to share complex research findings with a wide audience by breaking them down into relatable and understandable terms. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience throughout this internship, particularly in my ability to communicate scientific research. As a pre-med molecular biology major, this skill will help me as I continue to interact with primary scientific literature throughout my career.

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  • Cao, Ashley ’23

    Civil and Environmental Engineering
    PROJECT

    Million Tree Project

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Shanghai Roots & Shoots

    MENTOR(S)

    Xian Liu, Million Tree Project Director, Shanghai Roots & Shoots; Hanlong Chen, Million Tree Project Coordinator, Shanghai Roots & Shoots; Kai Wang, Million Tree Project Regional Manager, Shanghai Roots & Shoots

    I had the great opportunity to work on the Million Tree Project (MTP) with Shanghai Roots & Shoots, a nongovernmental organization whose work centers around large-scale tree planting projects to combat climate change and desertification. Their newest MTP effort focuses on planting trees in the Bangliang Gibbon National Nature Reserve to connect and restore the existing fragmented habitats of the critically endangered cao vit gibbon (CVG). I contributed to the MTP by taking on a number of my own small projects, from redesigning the outdated learning guide, to creating introductory materials for the newest CVG program. I exercised my design skills in particular, working on the online design platform Canva to put together promotional and educational materials ranging from “Save the Gibbon” stickers to “Desertification 101” infographics. Perhaps the most interesting part of my work was being able to witness firsthand how to build the foundations for a program in active restoration. This internship reignited my passion for conservation, and I would like to learn more about restoring and strengthening ecosystem health as I continue in my academic career.

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  • Chang, Darcy ’23

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Climate Change, Plant-Pollinator Interactions and Hummingbird Color Vision in the Rocky Mountains

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Stoddard Lab, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado

    MENTOR(S)

    Mary Caswell Stoddard, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    I studied hummingbird foraging behavior at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. I worked placing time-lapse cameras near flowers pollinated by broad-tailed hummingbirds so the research team could quantify visitation rates for different flower species. This long-term project in the Stoddard Lab will elucidate the foraging decisions of broad-tailed hummingbirds, which could be useful in predicting how these key pollinators will respond as climate change initiates misalignments in phenology, or the seasonal timing of biological events. I also helped use a spectrophotometer to measure the reflectance spectra of flower species in the study site, both those visited by hummingbirds and those pollinated by other mechanisms. Similarly, we used an ultraviolet-sensitive camera to photograph these flowers in visible and ultraviolet light. Both projects add to our understanding of how hummingbirds perceive potential food sources and how they choose flowers to visit. Overall, my experience taught me a lot about hummingbird behavior and visual systems, and it invigorated my interest in ecology. I also refined my observational and problem-solving skills, gained experience in working with field equipment, and improved my ability to design methodologies.

    * This internship is connected to the HMEI Climate and Energy Challenge project, “Investigating the Effects of Climate Change on Hummingbird Sensory Landscapes.”

     

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  • Chantler Edmond, Luisa ’22

    Anthropology
    PROJECT

    Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Rubenstein Research Group, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Mpala Research Centre

    MENTOR(S)

    Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    Certificate(s): Environmental Studies

    The goal of my internship was to assist the Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs in creating active-learning lesson plans that will teach children in Laikipia County, Kenya, about the value of their local environment and its conservation. The biggest project that my fellow intern, Yun Hallowell, and I undertook was designing lesson plans for World Elephant Day. These lesson plans aimed to teach students not only about the animals and the ecological processes they are focused on, but also about elephants’ inherent value and positive effect on the students’ lives. By needing to work across multiple time zones, I learned how to best communicate with my project leaders and fellow intern about the challenges I was facing. I also relied on and challenged my creativity in writing the lesson plans as we had to think about how best to translate the work from paper to a physical activity the students would enjoy. I found listening to the Mpala researchers talk about their work to be one of the most interesting parts of the internship. Hearing not only about their projects, but their journeys into research was fascinating!

  • Gottfried, Julian ’24

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Climate Change, Plant-Pollinator Interactions, and Hummingbird Color Vision in the Rocky Mountains

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Stoddard Lab, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado

    MENTOR(S)

    Mary Caswell Stoddard, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    I studied hummingbird-flower interactions and hummingbird color vision to understand how shifting climatic factors are causing a timing mismatch between pollinators and the flowers they visit. I worked setting up field cameras on dozens of flower species so the research team could quantitatively assess how hummingbirds use resources, and how their usage is changing over the years. We introduced techniques to monitor difficult flower species and expanded the scope of the project to more flowers. We also used spectrophotometry and ultraviolet imaging to build a database of color measurements for regional flowers that could help us determine how hummingbirds use color vision in pollination. The range of imaging technologies was fascinating and challenging, each requiring different methodologies. Finally, we created protocols for floral transects to collect data on shifting populations. I learned how to troubleshoot sensitive equipment in the field, gained experience in developing and testing scientific protocols, and honed my skills in natural history. This internship gave me an excellent frame of reference for what fieldwork and ecological research entail, and I look forward to processing and analyzing the summer’s data as I continue to work with the lab.

    * This internship is connected to the HMEI Climate and Energy Challenge project, “Investigating the Effects of Climate Change on Hummingbird Sensory Landscapes.”

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  • Gotts, Max ’24

    Undeclared
    PROJECT

    Impact of Grazing Regimes on Rangeland Quality and Wildlife and Livestock Use

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Rubenstein Research Group, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Mpala Research Centre

    MENTOR(S)

    Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    Certificate(s): Linguistics, Planets and Life

    Our research related to the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya sought to integrate wildlife biodiversity and cattle farming. We were particularly interested in finding a way for grazing cattle that is minimally detrimental, or even positively mutualistic. To do so, we used vegetative transect data, herd observations, satellite imagery, machine learning models, the software Wildbook, the geographical software QGIS, programming in R, and a multitude of research figures. Our immediate goal for much of the project was to gain an understanding of the drivers of zebra movement, and to help herders move cattle to where we expected there to be the best terrain with respect to vegetative quality and proximity to zebras.

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  • Hallowell, Yun ’23

    Anthropology
    PROJECT

    Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Rubenstein Research Group, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Mpala Research Center

    MENTOR(S)

    Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    Certificate(s): Language and Culture, Creative Writing

    I worked with the Northern Kenya Conservation Clubs, an afterschool program that teaches environmental science with a focus on conservation. I worked virtually with my fellow intern to create new, and organize existing, teaching materials. In between Swahili lessons and attending lectures by Mpala scientists, I wrote lesson plans with my fellow intern on a wide variety of topics. Our goals were to include as much experiential learning and active learning as possible, and to choose topics that were relevant to local environmental issues. By far the most challenging — and rewarding — part of the process was incorporating economic, political and sociocultural perspectives into the games and activities we designed. This experience made me think a lot about the intersection between environmental science and history, and the benefit of teaching these subjects as interrelated issues. As someone who is interested in a career in education, the potential of this interdisciplinary approach to bring a different kind of understanding really stood out to me, and it is something I’ll carry with me as I continue to think about methods of teaching and learning.

  • Heine, Alex ’24

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    “Go to the Ant Thou Sluggard, Consider Her Ways and Be Wise”: Buffelgrass Seed Preferences, Predation and Dispersal in Kenya Home Range by Messor Harvester Ants

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Mpala Research Centre

    MENTOR(S)

    Dino Martins, Executive Director, Mpala Research Centre, and Visiting Research Scholar, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University

    Certificate(s): Archaeology, Environmental Studies

    I examined pictures and videos of Messor harvester ants and their preference for buffelgrass seeds in Laikipia County, Kenya. The predation of buffelgrass by harvester ants could provide insights into how to manage the plant’s population in areas where it is invasive, such as the United States. During the study, I observed and documented the ants via video as they selected seeds from a pile collected by researchers in the field. Then, I ran an analysis of variance model to determine if the differences in seed preference were statistically significant. My efforts contributed to the study’s continuing data collection, which will further the understanding of the relationship between these two species. This internship provided me the opportunity to learn basic Swahili, gain practical data processing skills, and gain new perspectives on conservation’s impact on humans. Due to this experience, I further developed my confidence in pursuing research in conservation biology, and I now have new possibilities and ideas for future research.

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  • Himmelfarb, Joseph ’24

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Urban Biodiversity and Conservation at NYC Parks

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Natural Resources Group, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks)- New York City, New York

    MENTOR(S)

    Georgina Cullman, Ecologist, NYC Parks; Clara Holmes, Plant Ecologist, NYC Parks; Jamie Ong, Environmental Protection Project Manager, NYC Parks; Heather Platt, Ecological Restoration Project Assistant, NYC Parks; Desiree Yanes, Vegetation Monitoring Technic, NYC Parks

    Cities are commonly regarded as ecological deserts, but they are often overlooked refuges for biodiversity. For my internship, I worked on conserving native plant species in New York City with the conservation team of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s (NYC Parks) Natural Resources Group. My primary responsibility was to draft conservation action plans (CAPs) for several locally sensitive wildflowers. CAPs provide ecological and biological details on how to protect and conserve specific species. I studied the scientific literature on the target wildflower species and their close relatives to compile information that would be useful for conservation efforts. I also assisted in fieldwork, traveling to a range of parks across the five boroughs to conduct rare-plant surveys and manage existing populations. I experienced the ongoing efforts by NYC Parks to conserve and restore natural areas, from salt marshes to woodlands. My internship provided an opportunity to conduct both the research that enables species management and the fieldwork that pushes that research forward. I learned firsthand the value of urban conservation, and I am eager to continue learning about the ecosystems that persist alongside industrial landscapes.

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  • Hsi , Annika ’23

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Impact of Grazing Regimes on Rangeland Quality and Wildlife and Livestock Use

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Rubenstein Research Group, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University; Mpala Research Centre

    MENTOR(S)

    Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1877 Professor of Zoology, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    Certificate(s): Applications of Computing

    I studied the interaction between zebras and cattle at the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya. Identifying the effects of cattle on the behavior of plains and Grévy’s zebras during this past summer’s drought can help efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict within the context of climate change. I created heat maps showing the locations and movements of zebras and cattle using the software QGIS. These maps were then given to herders to guide where they moved their cattle. Additionally, I used Wildbook, a software that recognizes individual zebras by their stripes, to process photos and field data. This allowed me to create home ranges for several Grévy’s zebras, which helped us understand differences in their behavior and reactions to cattle. I gained a deeper understanding of zebra behavior — from mating systems to water dependency — and the importance of sustainable livestock ranching. I also gained skills in processing and analyzing large data sets using R code and computer software. This internship gave me an invaluable skill set that will help me as I continue studying ecology and sustainability.

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  • Leinenbach, Megan ’23

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Plant Ecology and Ecosystem Health

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station

    MENTOR(S)

    Timothy Bowden, Owner, Bowden Brothers LLC

    Certificate(s): Global Health and Health Policy

    I worked through the Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) program to build out the CompassLive website that the Southern Research Station communications team uses to post popular-science articles about the research and accomplishments of Forest Service scientists. My daily activities included reading new scientific publications, interviewing scientists, drafting and editing articles, and composing social media posts about publications. These tasks improved my ability to understand and translate science so that technical concepts and data can be understood by a general reader. This internship built skills that are essential in any communications-driven career beyond science writing, from entrepreneurship to health care. With these skills, I can now freely communicate with scientists and help them understand how their work applies to broader audiences.

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  • Mejia, Marissa ’23

    Psychology
    PROJECT

    Ka Honua Momona International

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Ka Honua Momona International- Molokai, Hawaii

    MENTOR(S)

    Tiani Puaa Kawaauhu-Cook, Executive Director, Ka Honua Momona International

    Certificate(s): Environmental Studies

    I had the incredible opportunity through the Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) program to work with Ka Honua Momona (KHM) International, a Native Hawaiian environmental conservation nonprofit. I contributed to the organization’s mission of being a model for sustainability — “mauka a makai” (“from the mountains to the sea”) — by engaging in hands-on conservation work. I was involved in the preservation of ancient Hawaiian fishponds, monitoring the island’s coral reef and limu (seaweed) populations, planting hundreds of native-plant seedlings, and aiding in the removal of thousands of pounds of invasive species. I also redesigned the organization’s website to improve its aesthetics and make it more user-friendly; spearheaded the creation of the Āhā’ilono (KHM’s monthly newsletter); and directed, filmed and produced “‘Ike Kūhohonu,” a documentary featuring the island’s “kupuna” (elders) and their insight on Hawaiian fishponds. This experience taught me about Native Hawaiian cultures and ecosystems, showed me how empowering it can be to live in a space inhabited by people who look like me, solidified my desire to pursue a career in environmentalism, and shifted my perspective on conservation to incorporate more holistic and sustainable approaches created by Native Hawaiians.

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  • Mo, Joyce ’24

    Chemical and Biological Engineering
    PROJECT

    Ka Honua Momona International

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Ka Honua Momona International- Molokai, Hawaii

    MENTOR(S)

    Tiani Puaa Kawaauhu-Cook, Executive Director, Ka Honua Momona International

    Ka Honua Momona International is a nonprofit based in Molokai, Hawaii, that seeks to be a model of sustainability, or “mauka a makai” (“from the mountains to the sea”). Through the Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) program, I worked in Hawaii with Ka Honua Momona on fishpond restoration, specifically removing invasive mangroves and the seaweed gorilla ogo, and testing water quality for salinity, temperature, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels. Ka Honua Momona also seeks to perpetuate traditional Hawaiian knowledge through five core values inspired by our “kupuna,” or wise elder. I created a series of botanical illustrations of native Hawaiian plants with descriptions of the plants’ cultural significance with their Hawaiian, common and scientific names. I also listened to stories from a kupuna, learned ocean and coral reef monitoring skills from a kupuna known for sustainable ocean practices, and planted native plants with a kupuna known for his homestead farmland and environmental stewardship. As a result of my time in Molokai, I am more aware of, and intend to keep a more open mind to, different perspectives and aspects of sustainability.

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  • Morris, Jahir ’24

    Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    PROJECT

    Urban Biodiversity and Conservation at NYC Parks

    ORGANIZATION / LOCATION

    Natural Resources Group, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks)- New York City, New York

    MENTOR(S)

    Heather Platt, Ecological Restoration Project Assistant, NYC Parks; Jamie Ong, Environmental Protection Project Manager, NYC Parks

    I worked as a member of the wetlands team monitoring populations of diadromous fish — which are species that spend portions of their life cycle both in freshwater and at sea — in the Bronx River. The goal of the Diadromous Fish Restoration Project is to minimize the obstructive effects that dams along the Bronx River have on the upstream migration of river herring and American eels through the use of a fish passage and eel ladder at the 182nd Street Dam. I worked on-site collecting anatomical data on captured American eels, temperature values at several points, and additional notes on the overall functionality of the equipment. Off-site, I reviewed video footage from within the fish passage to help compile a record of the number, species and frequency of fish using the passage to scale the dam. Ideally, these data will be used to provide insight into the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, such as fish passages and eel ladders, in restoring migration activity at dam construction sites.

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  • Pickering, Matthew ’24

    School of Public and International Affairs