Introducing the Summer 2025 SEEDS Scholars cohort members! Learn more about their experiences as SEEDS Scholars and how this program builds awareness, preparation and training skills in the fields of food, agriculture, and natural resources in members.
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."