When: Spring 2020

What did the internship consist of: Natural Climate Solutions Intern. Mykaila worked to calculate carbon stocks in The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) three state chapter consisting of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota by providing data to estimate the potential that nature has in mitigating climate change through sequestration as a carbon sink. This data complimented prior TNC research and outcomes of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) which provides a framework for the potential that nature alone has to offer in combating climate change and global warming through the actions of both storing and reducing carbon emissions. The data gathered can be used to further understand the pressing needs of climate change at a local level.

Favorite memory: Snowshoeing along the Manitou river in George Crosby Manitou State Park, reconnoitering with other TNC scientists to estimate proper reforestation sites.

When: Summer and Fall 2019

Favorite Memory: Working closely with my supervisors and meeting with them throughout the experience. We had several brainstorming sessions where we'd all get together and strategically plan. They are a great group of professionals and I really enjoyed feeling like a valuable member of the team and learning from them at every meeting.

Internship takeaway: "My internship helped me learn more about the Duluth community, allowed me to develop and strengthen several important transferable skills, and helped me gain confidence in myself in a work setting. During my internship, I met with several individuals throughout the Duluth community and learned about the work they do in their organizations. Besides gaining this knowledge, I was able to strengthen networking, interviewing, and relationship-building skills. Through my work and interactions with other business professionals, I grew more comfortable with each meeting and gained confidence in myself and my abilities."

Advice for future students: "DO AN INTERNSHIP! Anyone who can do an internship or participate in some sort of experiential learning should definitely take advantage of it. It's a great way to figure out what you do and don't like, it helps you gain experience, it allows you to develop confidence in a work setting, and can be a great way to put classroom knowledge to use in a practical setting. They're an immensely valuable experience."

When: Summer 2019

What did this internship consist of: Environmental Education Internship. Hartley Nature is an environmental sanctuary in the heart of Duluth with an education programs based on promoting connection to nature through education and exploration. Josie led educational day camps to children ages 4-12 years of age, working to foster a love for nature among children to promote climate action. At the camps, students learn about science and environmental topics centered around sustainability. Aside from teaching, Josie also filled bird feeders around the nature center and cared for a tadpole pond to promote the prosperity of various frog species.

Favorite memory: Catching frogs and crayfish with the kids, or when kids would say "I don't ever want to go inside!"

Internship takeaway: "As an Elementary Education major, I got hands-on experience not only in managing children, but also how to integrate environmental/sustainable education into core subjects. I also gained confidence leading children in the outdoors, so I feel comfortable taking my kids outdoors to offer experiential lessons. I have already accepted a job before I graduated, and I feel like this experience gave me a good boost in the job market."

When: Summer 2020

What the internship consists of: The University of Minnesota Duluth Land Laboratory is an environmental research and outreach facility located on a 30 acre research farm outreach center five miles from the UMD campus. At her internship, Anna worked to compact soil in an organic way under a high tunnel as well as compositing. Anna has worked to determine the best way to test soil and what crops would be most advantageous to plant. The internship works to promote sustainability by the way in which the farmers work with only organic methods that do not harm the soil, species or water.

Favorite memory: "The first day I ever set foot on the Land Lab, and thinking to myself that I am finally doing something that I really want to do, and now is the time to prove to myself that I can do this."

Internship takeaway: "I really love this internship and I know that it will help me become a more qualified candidate for Agriculture Science in Graduate School."