Amy Carrillo
Fordham University
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area - [Park Home]
I attended Fordham University and graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies. I'm highly interested in my program because I will be using GIS and developing maps that will help improve communication with the public. A lot of my work will also include learning about Boston's coastal geography and geology. From there, I will create maps that will predict and showcase the Boston Harbor landscape in the upcoming decades. After completing my program, I have an interest in continuing my education and graduating with a Master's Degree in GIS.
Andrés Patino
San Francisco State UniversityFort Point National Historic Site/Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Muir Woods National Monument - [FOPO Park Home] [GOGA Park Home] [MUWO Park Home]
I am a first generation Queer Latin(x) masters student at San Francisco State University working to get their degree in Integrative Biology (Merging Ecology, Evolution & Conservation). Born in Colombia and raised in New England, I received my Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am currently part of the Vredenburg Lab in San Francisco where I study disease ecology of amphibians, in particular how the pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), impacts the reintroduction success of two native frog species. My interest in the Mosaics in Science program stems from wanting to improve racial equity and diversity within conservation agencies that have historically been less racially inclusive. I hope to participate in identifying areas of improvement that cultivate a welcoming environment for not just employees, but park visitors of diverse backgrounds, so that everyone can enjoy the amazing wildlife that exist in our national parks. I also hope that this internship will train them and enable them to break through some of the entry barriers at future conservation agencies that can often be inaccessible to Queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QBIPOC). My interest in the Mosaics Programs also stemmed from wanting to obtain more hands-on experience working with federally listed species and gaining skills to implement in their own graduate research project. My career goal is to become a Wildlife Ecologist working in an urban-rural gradient environment where I can apply my skills to manage and protect endangered species at both the federal and state level. I believe that by working with environmental professionals, I can both learn and work towards a successful career in conservation.
Angela Fiorito
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignDenali National Park - [Park Home]
I attended Waubonsee Community College for an A.S, andI obtained a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and concurrently worked at the Illinois State Geological Survey. As a student research assistant at the Illinois State Geological Survey, I developed my skills in GIS mapping, analyzing data, and working independently. I am currently attending Texas Tech University for a M.S. in Geosciences and a graduate student certificate in geographic information sciences and technology. My graduate certificate in GIST has introduced me to relevant courses including Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Spatial Analysis, and Digital Imagery in Geoscience. Field experience is one of my strengths and knowing how to map in the field is an asset for digital mapping. The Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program is an amazing program that gives minority students a chance to pursue their goals. As a half Filipino and half white woman, I know that I am in the minority when it comes to the geoscience community and I believe that this disparity in geosciences can be addressed by having more minorities visible in government positions, especially in the National Parks, because the general public will see that geologists come in all genders and ethnicities. I am interested in being a GIS Assistant intern at Denali National Park because I am eager to start a career in geographic information systems and technology. Additionally, I have always wanted to visit Denali National Park due to its incredible biodiversity and history. My career interest is to integrate my geology experience with GIST to perform research at a state geological survey or the USGS.
Anjali Velamala
University of Colorado BoulderMammoth Cave National Park Cave - [Park Home]
I am a third-year student at the University of Colorado Boulder majoring in Environmental Engineering and Applied Mathematics with a minor in Art Practices. After my undergrad, I plan to get a master’s in Environmental Engineering then move on to law school or a PhD program in Soil Engineering. I either want to go into politics to better environmental and social justice or be an engineer working in regenerative agriculture, but I am open to anything interesting that comes my way. I am also interested in applying sustainability and social justice to systems to help others thrive. In my work, I make sure to not only use my engineering problem solving skills, but also my creativity and care for aesthetics. As a child, my parents took my siblings and I to National and State Parks every summer. We would go on 1-2 week long road trips, camping at different parks along the way. These are some of the most impactful experiences of my life, as they are the seeds to my passion for the environment. These trips defined my education and career choices. I applied to the Mosaics in Science internship because I love national parks and it has been a goal of mine since I was a child to work at one, I love being outside and surrounded by nature. Doing research to learn more about the environment aligns with my values and passions. I appreciate this opportunity to grow and learn new things!
Ben Fujita
California State Polytechnic University of HumboldtPoint Reyes National Seashore/Golden Gate National Recreation Area - [PORE Park Home] [GOGA Park Home]
I am currently an undergraduate at California State Polytechnic University of Humboldt where I am studying Fisheries Biology with a concentration in freshwater. I am also minoring in Environmental Policy. I am so honored and excited to get this opportunity to work at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Mosaics in Science program is really a dream come true for me. My specific interest in the field of fisheries is anadromous salmonids, which just so happens to be the species that my position is focused on. I find them to be fascinating species that have extremely high economic, social, and cultural value to many people in our country. The opportunity to work with the management of Coho salmon and Steelhead during my internship is exactly what I am interested in, and is hopefully what I can dedicate the rest of my professional career to. The management, and in many cases, the recovery of anadromous salmonid populations along the West Coast is really important work that I am so excited to be a part of.
Emmanuel Quintero
University of California, BerkeleySan Antonio Missions National Historical Park- [Park Home]
I am currently attending the University of California, Berkeley, where I studied Environmental Earth Science as an undergraduate student. Now, at 23 years old, I am proud to say that I will be graduating in May 2022 with a Master's in Earth & Planetary Science! My interests are in geology and geospatial technology and representation, so I'm excited to be a part of the Mosaics in Science program as a Geology Assistant. As a Mexican American from South Los Angeles, I take great pride in knowing more than one culture and plan to represent my roots to the world of conservation with honor. By researching the depositional environment of the San Antonio site and implementing my knowledge of GIS and remote sensing, I plan to aid the professionals in San Antonio National Historical Park in studying and mapping the limestone quarry under the Mission Concepción compound. In addition, by gaining practical experience in San Antonio National Historical Park, I hope to refine the skills I will need to become a professional geoscientist.
Erika Khosrovian
University of Washington SeattleOlympic National Park - [Park Home]
I am currently an undergraduate at the University of Washington Seattle pursuing degrees in Biology and English. My interest in this program stems from a love of biology's interdisciplinary nature and a desire to learn how every different subfield of biology interacts as a whole, as well as how other natural sciences (including astronomy) interact with it. I intend to combine my skills in English and Biology to communicate and educate the public on current research, and this internship will set me on the path to doing so. It will also allow me to explore the different professional fields and opportunities present within the parks, which will assist me in pursuing a career with them in the future, particularly in researching conservation from a genetic perspective.
Hannah Rajamani
Washington University in St. LouisArches National Park, Canyonlands National Park - [ARCH Park Home] [CANY Park Home]
I am currently in my third-year year at Washington University in St. Louis. I am working towards a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology along with minors in Psychology and Legal Studies. I am incredibly excited to participate in the Mosaics in Science program for a variety of reasons. Growing up my parents instilled in me a love of nature and the outdoors that I have carried into my adult life, and I am excited to be able to transfer that passion into the real world in a tangible way while working towards preserving the outdoor spaces that have had such a significant impact on my life. I am also excited to gain valuable field work experience because I have not previously had the chance to do that, and I believe that the skills and knowledge that I gain will be very beneficial to me in the future. After the MIS internship program and after completing my Bachelor’s degree, I hope to continue my education and obtain a Master’s degree and possibly a PhD in wildlife or marine biology. I hope to eventually pursue a career in conservation and environmental research and to be a role model for young women of color who are also passionate about the environment.
Ivan Bossert
Truman State UniversityGuadalupe Mountains National Park - [Park Home]
I am finishing up my time at Truman State University, where I am graduating with bachelor's degrees in Biology and Spanish. I plan to go to graduate school in the future, but not immediately. This position will allow me to gain insight into how my current education will relate to the job field, and what further education I will need. I've been increasingly aware of the lack of diversity in STEM, especially in conservation, so this program seemed like a natural choice. I'm excited to experience the day-to-day of working in a national park and getting connected with professionals in the field. Aside from that, I'm excited to work outside. I plan to eventually go to grad school, but only after I know more about what I want to do. There are so many options and paths in biology, so I will explore what is out there in order to have a more direct goal in the future. No matter what I end up doing, I want to be a role model in the industry for others like me; I want students to be able to see someone like them succeeding in the field they are passionate about.
Jackson Maldonado
Benedictine CollegeYosemite National Park - [Park Home]
I am a junior at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where I study biology and psychology. I am also the president of the Eco-Stewardship Club and the Treasurer of the Psychology Club. The former is currently working on planting Milkweed gardens across campus, while the latter primarily hosts speakers. I work on a native wildflower and pollinator project for research at my school and am passionate about these important relationships. We primarily study bees and wildflowers with some emphasis on butterflies and moths. I will be working at Yosemite National Park with Mosaics as part of the Pollinator Hotshots crew. I am interested in restorative ecology, so this position is the perfect fit. I especially love bees, with my favorite being the Xylocopa genus. I am passionate about spreading awareness about native pollinators and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. I have not narrowed down a specialty in biology, but I enjoy marine biology, herpetology, and of course, entomology. My current plan is to receive a master's in wildlife biology and serve our National Parks with conservation. I would be interested in pursuing a PhD as well, but one step at a time, as I am still in my undergrad degree. I enjoy fieldwork and research, as well as public education. I love backpacking and being in the wilderness, along with reading, playing guitar, and spending time with loved ones. I am working on learning Spanish to connect with my history. I am excited for this summer!
Jailyn Hoskins
University of New OrleansGolden Gate National Recreation Area/Point Reyes National Seashore/John Muir National Historic Site/Pinnacles National Park - [GOGA Park Home] [PORE Park Home] [JOMU Park Home] [PINN Park Home]
I am a graduating biology student at the University of New Orleans. I’ve always wanted a career path that continuously challenges me, satisfies my constant desire to learn & grow, and allows me to give back to the community. I am excited for the opportunity to be a Science Communication Assistant through Mosaics in Science because it combines many of my interests; conservation, research, photography, and sharing knowledge with others. I want to help make the sciences more accessible to underserved communities and provide environmental education to the public. This position will provide me with invaluable field experience and help me continue to pursue my dream career path.
James Puentes
Nova Southeastern UniversityBiscayne National Park -[Park Home]
I am currently double majoring in Marine Biology and Education at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where I have built bridges between the Fischler Academy of Education and Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. I became the Fischler Academy's first marine educator and founded the Fischler Marine Education Initiative my freshman year. My sophomore year was the start of my Halmos undergraduate research efforts in an animal behavior lab at the Oceanographic Center where I worked tirelessly collecting data from fish videos to determine schooling sizes, nearest neighbor distances, responses to stimuli, and how to interpret outliers. I also had the opportunity to work in a fish and avian lab during the start of my junior year. My research project examined the differences in optic lobe and eye sizes in fish and related them to different feeding methods. Consequently, my interest in Mosaics in Science rests upon the foundation of my Marine Education mindset and career aspirations in Marine Conservation Biology. I wish to become both an educator of the marine environment, as well as a researcher, to further our knowledge of poorly known marine and aquatic ecosystems. Getting selected for this position as the Mosaics in Science Diversity Intern at Biscayne National Park puts me closer to integrating the research and education sides of Marine Biology. Being involved in the research efforts at Biscayne National Park will allow me to gain further insight into my own research aspirations and help my mentors complete their research goals. Through the surveys I'll be conducting, I will enhance my knowledge of understanding how to communicate with and educate the general public on laws, regulations, and the Biscayne marine environment.
Jenna Collett
Texas A&M UniversityCarlsbad Caverns National Park - [Park Home]
I am currently a third-year at Texas A&M University where I am pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Renewable Natural Resources with a focus on regulation and compliance. I am a part of the Aggie Speleological Society, Aggie Grotto, and I work for the Department of Residence Life. I also am a member of the United States Army Reserve and currently serve as a Religious Affairs Specialist. Carlsbad Caverns was the first National Park I ever visited at twelve years old, and ever since then, I have been captivated by caves and bats. I have now visited 12 National Parks in the American Southwest. I am looking forward to living and learning for an entire summer and fall, working in a place that I enjoy so much. I hope to spend downtime watching, trail running, hiking, and exploring caves in and around Carlsbad Caverns National Park. I am very intrigued by the effects of human interaction with the environment and cannot wait to document various nighttime sky pollution. Additionally, it will be interesting and rewarding to be a part of a team that prepares an International Dark Skies Park application for Carlsbad Caverns. To integrate my love of National Parks with my future career, I hope to practice law for the National Parks Service in some capacity. I hope this internship will provide networking opportunities and hands-on experience to make my dream of working in and around National Parks come true.
Jeremiah Wright
Texas A&M UniversityIsle Royale National Park - [Park Home]
I am an undergraduate student studying Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences with a minor in Environmental Soil Science at Texas A&M University. In addition to my studies, I am the Education Chair of the Texas A&M Chapter of The Wildlife Society. I found this opportunity with Mosaics in Science to study pollinators in such an isolated location incredibly interesting. I cannot wait to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the pollinators on Isle Royale as well as gain new skills relating to this career field, hone my current skills, meet talented individuals, and display this new information to the natural resources community. I am ecstatic to see how this data collected on the Royal will not only benefit the area but as well as the general understanding of how pollinators function as a unit. I am excited to see how this internship will impact my future career as I pursue a position as a Federal Fish and Wildlife Biologist. In addition, I am excited to present this data to the community, as community outreach has always been a passion of mine. Specifically with low-socioeconomic areas being the communities that are critically in need of exposure to the fascinating field of natural resources and wildlife.
Julia Dahlquist
Washington State UniversityNorth Cascades National Park - [Park Home]
I graduated from Washington State University in 2019 with a major in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and minors in Geographic Information Systems, Sustainable Development, and Forestry. I grew up about an hour north of Seattle, and I’m excited to broaden my knowledge with the National Park Service in the North Cascades! I have some experience with identifying native flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest and hope to expand my understanding of the unique ecosystems in my home state. I’m eager to help with restoration and conservation efforts through horticulture. Last summer, I was part of a research team helping gather data to understand the impacts of outdoor recreation on black bears under the changing climate. My team and I utilized camera traps to capture the movement of bears within the North Cascades. It was during this project that I realized how much she loved the Pacific Northwest and what little I had spent exploring it. I have been recently inspired in getting more involved with restoration, adaptability, and sustainability projects, and I believe this program will give me some valuable tools. I love learning about the natural world, and the people in it. Building relationships and understanding where people come from, and where they plan to go, inspire me to be my best self. I am considering going back to school to receive a postgraduate degree. In my free time, you could expect me to be hanging out with friends, hiking, jogging, or planning out her next adventure. Currently, I’m working at an information technology firm as a project coordinator. Although this job has taught me a lot about project management and coordination, I’m happy to be getting back in touch with my passion, conservation and wildlifeI believe there is a way to meet the present needs of society’s developmental goals whilst also sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural resources and ecosystem services on which the society and economy depend. It is crucial, now more than ever, to find this balance, and I know it will not be easy.
Kai Victor
Cornell UniversityMount Rainier National Park - [Park Home]
I'm a recent graduate from Cornell University and majored in Environment & Sustainability with a concentration in Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology. I'm fascinated in wildlife conservation, a field I'm excited to engage with through Mosaics in Science's Mount Rainier National Park internship. I've always been passionate about protecting natural areas and species, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to hone my wildlife research skills while monitoring mesocarnivore populations in the park. I plan to pursue a career in reintroduction biology and translocation ecology. This field is devoted to conserving imperiled species through monitoring, habitat manipulation, translocations, or reintroductions. I'm excited to have the chance to gain essential skills and experiences to prepare me for this field through my work at Mount Rainier this summer!
Kaitlin Yap
University of FloridaGreat Smoky Mountains National Park - [Park Home]
I am a third-year Environmental Science major and Sustainability Studies minor at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. I am very excited to be a Mosaics in Science intern with Environment for the Americas at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this summer. I look forward to being able to work in the field and conduct data collection, as I enjoy working outdoors in nature. I’m excited to gain more hands-on, science-based, experience in the field. I also have an interest in forestry, so I am grateful that this project will allow me to take forestry measurements and study the types of vegetation in the Great Smoky Mountains. I very much enjoy plant identification, and I look forward to being introduced to a new type of forest ecosystem (spruce-fir forests) and learning about the different plants located in the Smokies. Being from Florida, this will be an entirely new experience for me. I especially look forward to being able to travel for this position and to hike and backpack in the mountains. I hope that this internship will provide me with more insight on what kind of career path I may want to pursue. I am considering graduate school after I graduate with my bachelor's degree, where I could work towards a master's degree and potentially focus more on forestry. I am still trying to explore all my options, but in the long run, I hope to have a job that allows me to be able to work outdoors. I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity, and look forward to working this summer!
Keily Pineda
Texas A&M UniversityRocky Mountain National Park - [Park Home]
I am a fourth-year student majoring in Renewable Natural Resources at Texas A&M University. I took a great interest in the Mosaics in Science program, because I believe it is important to diversify the industry. Allowing people with different upbringings and backgrounds to apply their knowledge and give their perspectives is the best way of increasing knowledge sources. I want to diversify my skill set and I am looking for areas of improvement as a future environmental professional. I want to expand my horizons and be able to thrive in any environment I am put in. I want to challenge myself and grow not only as a professional but as an individual during my internship duration. Internship opportunities are the best way to get hands-on experience in the field. Any information that I learn on my own or is passed down to me by a mentor will help me develop as a professional. Even if I play a small role in the overall progress of the program, I will at least know that I am contributing to the protection of the environment and will utilize what I have learned to further preserve the land for future generations to appreciate. I hope with the experience I gain from the internship that I will be able to apply it to different areas of the environmental industry whether it be forestry, water management, or clean energy. I hope to be able to grow from the experience and be able to go to countries such as Mexico that need new environmental protocols to protect the natural environment so that future generations can appreciate it and protect it.
Liza Hafner
Stanford UniversityOlympic National Park - [Park Home]
I am a recent graduate from Stanford University, where I spent my undergraduate career as an earth systems major, environmental communications coterminal master’s candidate, and translation studies minor. I earned my first junior ranger badge as an enthusiastic 5 year old at Kenai Fjords National Park, and throughout my childhood, I went on to earn more than 30 more at national parks and monuments around the country. I consider a life working with the Park Service and think back to the spark of passion I felt during a visit to Yosemite National Park. As I look to my long-term career goals after completing my master’s, I have many options based on my interests and skills including natural resource management, environmental policy, outdoor education, and climate journalism are just a few.
Mahika Rao
University of WashingtonNorth Coast and Cascades Inventory & Monitoring Network - [Park Home]
I am a third-year student at the University of Washington in Seattle currently studying Economics and Environmental Science with a minor in Data Science. Coming from a childhood spent in the Midwest. I have previously worked in outdoor recreation and education, which have together sparked my love of personal connection, applied natural research, and engaging science communication. I look forward to getting to know the connected ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest mountains, as well as the people that visit and value the parks. I’m also excited to do field research through this program in the places I have previously experienced as a visitor. I hope to bring a holistic social science perspective to the natural sciences. I’m excited to be joining the ranks of the Scientists in Parks through the Mosaics in Science program which focuses on centering equity in outdoor spaces, developing science communication to reach underserved populations, and conducting hands-on research in the field. I’m doubly thrilled to be working with the National Park Service, as it has been a lifelong dream of mine. By studying the changes in tree populations and the subsequent shifts in related organism behaviors, I hope to learn about how we can develop a healthy relationship with the Earth and its resources. In the future, I hope to work in education or policy, communicating the needs of the environment to the public and sharing the gifts of the outdoors.
Nicholas C. Durgadeen
University of the Virgin IslandsBuck Island Reef/Christiansted/Salt River Bay - [BUIS Park Home] [CHRI Park Home] [SARI Park Home]
From the age of nine, I knew I wanted to study marine biology. Thus, I have tailored my experiences and studies to match my interest and will be a Mosaics in Science intern at the National Park Service in Christiansted, US Virgin Islands. I will be starting this position in May. What I will bring to the table when starting this position is five years of experience studying Marine Biology as an undergraduate at the University of the Virgin Islands. In addition, I have over five years of experience involving coral restoration. My experience includes scuba diving to treat infected corals suffering from disease, maintaining coral nurseries, and coral fragmentation. I am eager to apply the knowledge that I have learned in the classroom, and the skills I have acquired from the various internships and jobs relating to coral restoration and husbandry. From my course work as a student studying marine biology in the Virgin Islands, I am familiar with most reef organisms and their ecological interactions. In addition, I have amassed well over one hundred dives, with a significant number of those being scientific diving. The primary purpose of those dives were to restore and protect corals for organization both local and overseas, such as East End Marine Park, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of California's DIversity Project. I look forward to applying the knowledge that I have learned from those organizations, as a Mosaics in Science intern with the National Park Service.
Taro Katayama
Colby CollegeCabrillo National Monument - [Park Home]
I have a Bachelor of Arts from from Colby College in Environmental Science and am currently a first year Master of Environmental Management student at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. I am an aspiring scientist interested in building climate change resilience. I hope to continue a career in the government to further protect and conserve our natural environment and wish to use his platform to inspire others.
Xavier Quinata
Johnson & Wales UniversityWar in the Pacific National Historical Park - [Park Home]
I am a third-year undergraduate student at Johnson & Wales University in Providence studying towards a bachelors of science degree in Data Analytics and a minor in Psychology. Although I spent most of my life on the island of Guam, I have found living in the continental United States to be a wonderful learning experience for me. Growing up as an indigenous Chamorro, values such as sustainability and respect for the environment have always been deeply embedded in my culture. It were these values that motivated me to participate in local programs in my youth that expanded my knowledge on natural resource conservation, coral reef conservation, and marine ecosystems. My background in environmental conservation combined with my current academic and career goals is what ultimately sparked my interest in this program. The burning passion I have to serve my native island and protect its natural resources has, and always will be, a constant in my life, regardless of my career path. As I looked deeper into this program, I realized that much of the technical work would be applications of concepts I've learned in university. The work I would be doing in the Mosaics in Science Program is not only in line with my university education, but it also ties in with my passion for conservation. That is an opportunity that does not come very often, and it would not have been wise of me if I had not taken it. As I further my education in data analytics, I intend to sharpen my technical skills needed in the field through experiential learning opportunities such as jobs and internships. From there, I plan to study towards a Master's Degree in Data Science, from which I hope to develop a deeper understanding of the insights data can give us. I aim to work in the government, either at the local or federal level. The Mosaics in Science Internship program is an extremely rare opportunity that would undoubtedly help me towards my academic and career goals while staying aligned with my cultural and moral values. The world is advancing faster than we can comprehend, and information is becoming available to us just as fast. I believe that one of the ways of coping with this truth is to use data to make more informed policy and financial decisions. Using my expertise, I wish to help the government make such data-informed decisions to produce fairer and more accurate outcomes.
Last updated: June 28, 2022