UPDATE: Do you have computer programming skills? Check out this internship opportunity to help us build a wildlife camera storage database.
As the 2021 summer internship season approaches we are taking time to celebrate our 2020 interns, who creatively navigated the pandemic to excel in their internships and beyond.
At Vashon Nature Center, our programs build positive change by growing a community of people who connect with their wild neighbors—be they tree, mammal, amphibian, or insect. Those relationships start with seeing and knowing the other beings who share our planet. And those new ways of seeing and knowing the world often drive change. One of the most rewarding benefits of our work is fostering and empowering the next generation of naturalists, scientists, and conservationists.
“Seeing these young people grow and move out into the world gives me hope for a healthier planet,” says Bianca Perla, VNC director. “Through one of the most tumultuous times in recent history, during major transitions in their own lives, they still brought to their work joy, humor, dedication, and a deep love for the natural world. We are incredibly grateful for each of them.”
Our interns are great examples of how ripples from our shores make waves of change in the wider world. These young people participated in Vashon Nature Center research and conservation projects last summer, and below they share how their experiences with VNC are enriching their academic and work pursuits:
Paulina joined us as an intern through the support of a Rose Foundation Grant and Vashon Audubon Society donation. She used her many artistic and scientific talents to enrich small, socially distanced events in the Heron Meadow and in the Judd Creek watershed. We are pleased that Paulina has joined the VNC staff as our volunteer coordinator!
VNC: Heron Meadow Stewardship Intern and Vashon Nature Center Volunteer Coordinator
Paulina is a 2018 graduate of Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Anthrozoology in 2018. She is currently completing graduate coursework in science communication toward an endorsement in non-fiction writing at Otago University in New Zealand. Click here to learn more.
“One day, during a routine pollinator survey, I came across an insect I had never seen before. It was a wasp so large the leaves bent under its weight. This beautiful but intimidating wasp was a rare and native species to this region and a gentle giant, an elm sawfly.
Tabitha and Alex are two young scientists who participated in Vashon Nature Center programs as children. We were so happy to work with them again!
VNC: BeachNet Intern
Tabitha just graduated from Western Washington University in environmental science with a marine emphasis, congratulations Tabitha! She worked with us in the summer of 2020 as a BeachNET intern.
“I think that the mission the VNC has is what is needed in our world right now. I appreciate being able to relate the experience I acquired in the field to topics in class, connecting my academic experience with real-world experience.”
VNC data analysis intern: Long-term volunteer, most recently doing BioBlitz species data organization
Alex is a new University of Washington 2021 graduate in bioengineering/nanomolecular engineering. Congratulations Alex!
She is working in a lab investigating an intracellular delivery method for antibody-like proteins with plans attend graduate school at UW in bioengineering this fall.
“Working with the iNaturalist data I was impressed by how many different species of flora and fauna can be found just on Vashon. Working with the nature center from a young age has developed my love of science and I’d like to help make that happen for other kids.”
Connections with creative professionals in Information, Technology, and Data management are bringing the power of computers to community science!
VNC: UX Design & Research Intern
Turam recently completed University of Washington master’s in information management
Research fellow at Anecdata.org (host of Vashon Nature Center’s WildCam research collection)
“Based on my summer internship and long-term association with Vashon Nature Center and the University of Washington, I am helping to set up a Co-Op called Sarjom. In collaboration with researchers and non-profit organizations we will develop modern technologies for collecting data about our environment and will spread awareness through citizen science. This summer we received a seed grant from the European Union to launch Sarjom. This would not have been possible without support and mentorship from VNC.”
VNC: Data Science Intern
Shreyas recently completed University of Washington master’s in information management.
He is now a software developer for a startup company.
“I was really surprised at the amount of research being done to conserve wildlife on Vashon. I was able to contribute to that research by applying my skills in data science, which was a great experience. Vashon is doing amazing work in terms of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection using data-backed scientific methods. I aspire to become a data scientist in my career, and I have come to understand the importance of small local non-profits that collect data about our environment.”
VNC: Software Engineering Intern
Vighnesh Misal recently completed University of Washington master’s in information management.
He is now an independent blockchain developer creating smart contracts for digital assets.
“The internship was a good experience for me to get a practical approach to building tools and technologies to benefit the community directly. It helped me realize the practical implications of theoretical work I have done in the past. Citizen Science, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection are very important to our world today. We need more investments in these areas for community awareness.”
Our internships aren’t only for college students. We accept dedicated high school students interested in pursuing field science as a career. Quinn was an indispensable member of our small COVID-safe beach team last summer.
VNC: BeachNET 2020 and lifelong BioBlitz volunteer
Quinn is a 2021 graduate of SAMI: Science and Math Institute, Tacoma, Wash.
He interned with us as a BeachNET intern in 2020 and will be coming back this year and expanding his duties to include other field-based research projects.
“A wow moment I had was this summer was working on the bulkhead survey when it occurred to me that this was a very important project all over the Puget Sound and it was cool to be a part of something bigger.”
Do you or someone you know want to explore, survey, record, and share island nature alongside our staff scientists? Internships are informal, individualized based on the amount of time you have, your interests and our needs, and on a volunteer basis unless otherwise noted. We are looking for college or high school students to join us in the field and office this summer. A science background is encouraged, but not required. Please email us for more information: bianca@vashonnaturecenter.org