SEEDS Fall 2027 Garden, Research, Career Readiness, and Project Assistant Intern(s)

Major: Varies

"The SEEDsters are growing something great. Check back later this fall for an update!"​

SEEDS Spring 2026 Career Readiness Intern

Major: Economics/Environmental Economics and Policy

"Joining this program helped me build my professional confidence, develop new technical skills, and map out my future academic and career paths. These tasks gave me a look into how professional networks and organizations work, helping me discover what kind of projects I enjoy doing. This internship shifted my mindset from being just a student to a proactive professional, ready for university research and internships. I confirmed my passion for the environmental & education sector."​

SEEDS Spring 2026 Project Assistant Intern

Major: Nursing

"I joined the SEEDS internship to gain more skills career wise but also to apply it into my life. I explored career pathways related to gardening and agriculture, which I thought was interesting. I am most proud of how much more social and confident I became throughout this experience. This internship also helped me build skills like patience and adaptability that will help me in my future career. Even though gardening and agriculture are different from the nursing field I plan to pursue, I still enjoyed learning new things and experiencing a different type of work environment. Moving forward, I plan to continue focusing on my education and work toward my long-term goal of becoming a nurse while using the skills and experiences I gained from this internship in future opportunities."​

SEEDS Spring 2026 Career Readiness Intern

Major: Sustainability

"There are many career paths, no one set path. Interview (get advice and other resources to look at), garden volunteering, workshops (resume and professional workshops)​, networking, field trips, and mentor meetings were  challenge & a good experience to have. ​Be willing to redefine yourself, say yes to opportunities and go to as many events as possible. Treat every attempt as if trying to succeed even if you know you might fail. Experiences are what you make it!"​

SEEDS Spring 2026 Career Readiness Intern

Major: Sustainability

"When was doing the interview I saw a lot people follow their 

dream. I asked, "Are you happy that you chose your dream?" Two people said yes and one of them said no. As a single mother with two kids, I work at Seaworld and I'm going to Mesa College to get my degree in sustainability. I love to help out the Mesa College garden. I also help Linda Vista Garden, go to clean upes beach, and have found out how to teach kids how take of a garden. I've met new people who make my day, and my communication is getting better, as I’m not shy tak to people. To tell the truth, I knew how to take care my plants. But I learned how take the fruits/vegetables, brought my kids in the garden, and they learned new things and looked for bugs and at the flowers!"

SEEDS Spring 2026 Research Intern

Major: Engineering

"My time with SEEDS truly helped me grow. I found real support

for my career goals in nontoxic sustainability and started building

an amazing network blending sustainable engineering,

agriculture, and nutrition. Most importantly, it empowered me to

embrace my values and showed me that underrepresented

students truly belong in this field. Career Goal: To develop non-toxic solutions that protect human and environmental health, while improving food quality and making local, organic, and wild-caught food systems more accessible.​ Getting hands-on with food systems and municipal work gave me the clarity I needed to pursue a specialized path in civil and environmental engineering.​Talking with the New Buildings Institute also made me realize the importance of credentials. Because of that, I have decided to officially get my LEED Certification to stand out in green building and engineering!​"

SEEDS Spring 2026 Research Intern

Major: Biology / Geographic Information Systems

"I was interested in the SEEDS SFF program because I believe that regenerative agriculture is one of the many approaches that can help address interconnected issues pertaining to climate change and the global food system. In our study: Evaluating the Effects of Acmispon glaber on Microbe Species Richness and Nitrate Levels in Raised Vegetable Beds, we collected soil samples from beds located at 

TerraMesa Garden, studied soil microbe microscopy, nitrate levels, and presented at the Mesa College Research Conference. I explored a career in research, developed collaboration, communication, and adaptation skills by asking for help. I designed an experiment, practiced science communication, presenting findings and receiving feedback during the conference, and built confidence, overcoming “Imposter Syndrome.”"

SEEDS Spring 2026 Garden Intern

Major: Political Science, Women's Studies and Philosophy

"What did I learn from SEEDS? Creativity, leadership, team work, communication, and time management. I joined SEEDS because I love animals and nature, I want to understand and learn about plants, and I like to be an active member of the community. My future plans are transferring to UCSD, internships, and traveling.” 

SEEDS Spring 2026 Garden Intern

Major: Anthropology

"I joined SEEDS as a former volunteer because I love working in gardens, and I believe food sovereignty is inseparable from human culture. I wanted to explore my career options and develop tangible skills I can apply in any work field. The internship allowed exploration in sustainability​, considering sustainability, entomology, anthropology, psychology, and art​. ​My thoughts are I expanded my networking web​, have clearer values and pathways​, have a new, transferable professional and personal skill set​ and a stronger work ethic and drive​. Creating a positive, measurable impact​, I still desire to work in organic gardening​, possibly food sovereignty research and abroad community development, while sticking with anthropology.” 

SEEDS Spring 2026 Research Intern

Major: Atmospheric and Oceanic Science

"I joined the SEEDS internship program to gain experience in a lab and to improve my understanding of the scientific process. Working alongside others to collect and analyze data was an experience that will go on to aid me in all my future pursuits. Through the opportunities provided to me by SEEDS, I was able to learn much about the natural world around me as well as myself. In particular I enjoyed learning about microscopy and the nitrogen cycle.The work I’ve done at SEEDS will aide me throughout my entire journey as I pursue future scientific endeavors. The skills I’ve learned inspire me to continue on my path in atmospheric & oceanic sciences."

SEEDS Spring 2026 Garden Intern

Major: Aerospace Engineering

"My name is Jakayla Caffey and I am an aerospace engineering major with a goal to work at NASA. I always wanted to volunteer in the garden but never found the time to so I thought the internship would be perfect. I initially didn’t think I could relate this internship to my major but I learned along the way. I initially didn’t think I could relate this internship to my major but I learned along the way. From this internship I learned to give myself more grace through taking care of the plants. I never considered how people are similar to plants and they deserve love and care. The same love and care I give them I should give to myself. There are always opportunities to grow no matter where you are. Even in places that don’t seem to align with what you’re doing, theres always a learning opportunity."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Garden Intern

Major: Mechanical Engineering

"I joined SEEDS to try something new and gain experience outside my career field."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Garden Intern

Major: Business Admin

"I am grateful to have learned that a place like the garden exists. I’ve always had interest in gardening and nature, and I wanted to get closer to the community on campus, so I took the opportunity to be a garden intern in hopes of gaining those experiences, and I did! Along the way, I strengthened my leadership skills and gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of the environment around me."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Research Intern

Major: Biology

"I joined the SEEDS internship program to enhance my research skills and to gain work experience in a laboratory setting. Building skills in data collection and lab techniques as well as working efficiently in a team is critical for a career in biology." 

SEEDS Fall 2025 Research Intern

Major: Geology

"I applied for the SEEDS water quality research internship because of my deep passion for environmental justice and conservation. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands on work experience in fieldwork sampling, lab procedures, and data analysis."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Career Readiness Intern

Major: Culinary Arts and Management

"My goal is to finalize my associates degree in culinary arts and management at Mesa College and transfer to SDSU to continue my education in hospitality and tourism. I enjoyed participating in the SEEDS internship because it helped me learn more available resources for students. This program was available for me and created a new way to look at the future food systems."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Career Readiness Intern

Major: Economics

"I applied to the SEEDS internship career prep to learn more about my field and along and with that I got to learn about agriculture and sustainability within our community. I’m grateful for this opportunity along with the community I hope to stay part of."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Garden Intern

Major: Sustainability

"I participated in the SEEDS Scholars Program to get an intro into Sustainability and current local initiatives. The career-oriented branch of the program helped me to visualize my goals and to create a road map to achieve those goals along with access to resources."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Research Intern

Major: Geology

"I accepted this SEEDS internship as a research intern to grow as a student and learn firsthand from experienced researchers and educators. This internship has taught me collaborative teamwork and provided me with hands-on experience contributing to ongoing research surrounding water quality and harmful bacteria. This program was an amazing eye-opener that I wanted to continue my future education and my career in scientific research."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Project Assistant

Major: Psychology & Biotechnology

"Although I'm a scientist-in-training, my first love is nature and growing things. This internship has truly been a gift because it has allowed me to connect back to my sustainability, food justice, and AmeriCorps roots through service and organizing. While I organized in a more administrative capacity, I hope the systems, plans, and foundation I have left will help future SEEDS Scholars weather the coming storms together, with resilience."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Garden Intern

Major: English

"I feel so blessed that I got to learn and work at the TerraMesa Garden. Being around strong and gentle plants and people who keep reaching towards a bright future has been so amazing. My goal now is to become an English Teacher and run an after-school garden where I can teach students about gardening, food sovereignty, and community."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Garden Intern

Major: Construction Management

"I participated in the SEEDS Scholars program to get a better understanding in sustainability. It’s allowed me to gain hands-on experience in maintaining and improving garden spaces, from planting and soil care to sustainable growing practices. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of environmental maintenance while contributing to a space that benefits the community. It was fulfilling to help create a space that people can enjoy while also learning skills I can use for a lifetime."

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Research Intern

Major: Engineering

"Being a part of the SEEDS internship was so much fun; I developed my professional skills and I got to see what the research process looks like from start to finish. It is a great way for anyone who is curious about research to get into it and surround yourself with the right people. I will use this experience moving forward to make more informed career decisions since I learned a lot about myself!"

 SEEDS Summer 2025 Research Intern

Major: Geography

"I participated in the Summer SEEDS internship as a research intern to experience the process of performing real world research. This internship taught me how to approach a research question from start to finish. We started with a literature review of our subject, then developed the research question. We then preformed the field work and took the results and developed a presentation for a conference. It was an excellent opportunity."

Major: Geography

"I participated in the SEEDS Scholars Program to get an intro into Sustainability and current local initiatives. The career-oriented branch of the program helped me to visualize my goals and to create a road map to achieve those goals along with access to resources."

Major: Sociology

“My name is Daniella and I am a sociology major with an interest in sustainability. I chose to take this class because it gave me an opportunity to grow as an individual and provide me with a greater understanding of how sustainability shapes our society. I was able to attend a few field trips, host informational interviews in potential fields, and connect with like-minded individuals.” 

Major: Biology

"I wanted to participate in the Sustainable Food Futures program to gain hands-on experience designing and conducting research on soil microbes essential to the environment and agriculture. I have always been passionate about improving food resource efficiency and accessibility for local communities. This program was an amazing opportunity to take the first step toward that goal while also building my skills in research and project management!"

Major: Biology

"My name is Maria and my major is Biology for Animal Science. Investing my time in food safety and sustainability wasn’t just an internship—it was a meaningful way to learn, contribute to improving global food systems, and protect both people and the planet. The love for the environment and how to improve the quality of life was something I have participated in since I was in High School and what better way to learn about sustainability now in college and be part of a team of people who enjoy the same things as me."

Major: Nursing

"I am majoring in Nursing and will be receiving my associates in allied health and biological science this Spring 2025 in order to apply to Nursing Programs. I participated in the Career Readiness Internship to explore nurse experience working on the field from the education portion and to explore prospective career paths. Additionally, I participated in activities focused on ecological and environmental sustainability as I believe our individual health is directly impacted by our environment." 

SEEDS SPRING 2025 Project Assistant

Major: Data Analytics

"My name is Santiago and I am majoring in Data Analytics. I wanted to participate as a Project Assistant because I care for the environment, and I wanted to build technical and workplace skills. Throughout my time at my internship, I've developed many new skills and met many new people—all helping me on my journey to graduate and make the world a better place, any way I can. Even after my internship is over, I will continue to care for the environment and work to increase knowledge about its importance."

SEEDS Fall 2025 Research Intern

Major: Engineering

"Researching water quality reinforced my belief that engineering should be sustainable and nontoxic. Environmental and human health cannot be separated, and protecting natural resources only works if we do it together."