Where are you from?
I’ve lived in Lyndeborough, NH my entire life.

What are you studying at UNH?
I started with a major in Environmental Conservation & Sustainability. I recently added a double major in Political Science.

Why did you choose those fields of study?
I grew up loving the outdoors and I wanted to make a difference in the world while doing something I enjoyed, so I decided an environmental career would be right for me. I wanted to learn about the environment and its natural processes, but also how humans benefit from and influence the system. I settled on Environmental Conservation & Sustainability for coursework in both of these areas. I have also been interested in the policy and politics side of environmental work, so I decided to add Political Science as a second major to learn about how bureaucracy, public opinion, and politics intersect with environmental issues.

What are you most excited about learning as a Stewardship Intern at PLC?
I’m lucky to be working with the PLC because it’s going to show me the exciting work that goes on behind the scenes of conservation work. Being a part of protecting the natural habitat in my home region is a bonus. I’m also excited because this internship is a neat blend of field work and office work. It’s going to help me get a full experience to figure out what I enjoy most.

What does your average day as an intern at PLC look like?
I’m going to be doing Baseline Documentation Reports (BDRs). These documents inform stewardship practices and help property monitors identify change over time. BDRs involve documenting the property in its current state by walking the perimeter and noting structures, human disturbances, scenic areas, and natural resources. The rest of the work is done on the computer, like mapping the area and writing up the report. My average day depends on what Dan Ewald (PLC’s Stewardship Coordinator) is up to along with the weather. We try to get the field work done when it’s nice out so we don’t have to trek around in mud and save computer work for a rainy day. Some other things I’ve been doing are retrieving and going through game camera footage and marking property boundaries with signs.

What do you like to do in your free time?
During the summer, I like to swim at Goss Park in Wilton, NH. I also love baking when it’s a bit cooler out. At UNH, I’m involved in student government and a few environmental clubs and I am also an RA. When I’m not keeping busy with those activities, I kick back with my friends or watch Netflix.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
One thing I think people might not expect from me is that my hobbies are not all that environmentally related. I do enjoy spending time outdoors but rather than doing activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking I prefer to relax and take it all in.

Where do you see yourself headed after graduation?
I don’t have an exact vision of what my life will look like after UNH, but I definitely want to stick around and work to help the environment of New England. I haven’t decided if I want to pursue stewardship work at land trusts, if I’d prefer to work for the state, or maybe do environmental education at a non-profit. I’ve also toyed with the idea of getting my Master’s in Natural Resources or Public Administration. I think at the end of the summer, I’ll have a better idea of what I would like to try next as I search for the right career path.