Interns in our Northern, Central, and Southern offices completed their internships this month. We asked them to reflect on their summer experiences. Keep reading to hear how their internship experiences shaped them, they've got some great stories to share!
Sammy Suber, Northern Sites Intern
Sammy is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) studying environmental sciences, marine biology, and oceanography. He plans to be a researcher within coastal and estuarine sciences when he grows up. Sammy enjoyed broadening his knowledge in estuarine and coastal ecology this summer. His favorite part of this internship was the privilege to work outside and contribute to sustainable practices.
How did you hear about this internship?
“I heard about this internship through the UNCW Environmental Sciences Instagram. I knew I would apply as soon as I saw it because I am eager to pursue a career in estuarine and coastal research. I knew this internship would provide me with valuable experience working alongside experienced staff.”
What skills and opportunities have you gained from this internship?
“I have had countless opportunities throughout this internship that will help me excel in my future career. A few include learning sustainable management practices, performing guided independent research, the opportunity to drive a boat and pull a trailer, getting CPR and chainsaw safety certified, networking, and more!”
Nora Wood, Central Sites Stewardship Intern
Nora grew up in Kernersville, NC and is a senior at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is majoring in marine biology and ecology with a minor in climate change. The coast has always held a special place in her heart, and she has been thrilled to support the Rachel Carson Reserve this summer. She believes that spending time outdoors with the intent to learn will lead to a future where we can take meaningful action to conserve the incredible ecosystem around us.
What’s been your favorite experience of the internship so far?
“Some of the most impactful experiences I had this summer came from conversations with the reserve staff and visits to some of the other reserve sites. During weekly coffee hours, we got the chance to hear about the staff’s career paths, ask questions about their roles/academic journeys, and learn what led them to the work they do now. These conversations taught me more about them as individuals and also opened my eyes to the variety of pathways I can take post-grad.”
What opportunities and skills have you gained from this internship?
“Throughout my internship with the reserve, I learned boat skills like trailering, splicing lines, and general boating safety. I also got more experience engaging with the public, sharpened my eye and ear for spotting critters in the field, and picked up some solid bird identification skills, plus a newfound love for marine snails! Most importantly, I am leaving with a stronger understanding of how to carry stewardship into my everyday life. It doesn’t stop when the internship ends.”
What does a typical day look like during your internship?
“No two days at the reserve were exactly the same, even when we were doing repeat tasks like ecological surveys, and I loved that. It helped me realize how much I value variability in a job. On the stewardship side, a typical day might include trail maintenance, picking up trash, and checking signage. Other days, I helped with sand dollar surveying, shorebird surveys, tallying diamondback terrapins, public field trips, and summer camps. The mix kept things exciting and always gave me something new to learn.”
Linden Campbell-Godfrey, Central Sites Research Intern
Linden is a junior at N.C. State University studying environmental and marine sciences. A Beaufort local, Linden enjoyed learning more about the area she calls home. This internship inspired her to add a minor in marine sciences to her studies!
What’s been your favorite experience/part of the internship so far?
“My favorite part of the internship has been gaining professional experience in research, education, and stewardship. It has given me the ability to be confident in these areas.”
What does a typical day look like during your internship?
“A typical day at my internship looks like getting to the office, checking in with any emails. Heading out to do any field work if needed - and also helping out with different projects that are currently happening with the reserve!”
Annie Peters, Southern Sites Intern
Annie is a junior at UNCW studying environmental science and recreation management. She has always loved being outdoors, especially in wetlands where there’s so much to discover, so this internship was the perfect fit!
What’s been your favorite experience/part of the internship so far?
"My favorite part of this internship has been the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of hands-on work. There’s always something new to learn, and you never know what exciting things you’ll see each day!"
What do you want to be when you ‘grow up’? Has this answer changed during this internship experience?
"I want to work with wetlands and tourism in some capacity, but this internship has definitely strengthened my interest in coastal environments and research. It’s helped me realize that I want to go to graduate school to deepen my knowledge of coasts and oceans!"
What does a typical day look like during your internship?
"A typical day starts with arriving at UNC Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science around 6:30 a.m. to gather gear for the day’s activity. Then we head to the boat and travel out to Masonboro Island Reserve. If we’re doing sea turtle monitoring, we spend the morning collecting data before heading back. Once we're back at the office, we debrief about what we saw and discuss other ongoing projects. After hours, I sometimes spend additional time working on projects that can be done remotely. Each day is always different!"
Landon Lankford, Southern Sites Intern
What opportunities/skills have you gained from this internship?
"From my work with the N.C. Coastal Reserve, I have learned what fieldwork truly entails as well as the skills necessary to succeed in fieldwork and harsh field conditions. Fieldwork can be physically and mentally challenging but working through these obstacles this summer has better prepared me for a career in fieldwork even when the conditions are difficult. Moreover, this internship has reinforced the skills that it takes to work successfully as a team."
What was your most memorable experience this summer?
"One of my favorite animals is a local species of turtle called the diamondback terrapin, and during a boat landing survey on Masonboro Island where we were monitoring vegetation, we found two of these terrapins right outside of the water. It was my first time seeing them in the wild, and it made my week!"
What does a typical day look like during your internship?
"Typically, my day starts very early in the morning, around 5:00 or 5:30 AM, with my commute to the UNC Wilmington Center for Marine Science. Once there, we will take a boat ride over to Masonboro Island, which is the location for a majority of the field work I have taken part in this summer. While there, I take part in sea turtle nest monitoring, where we will walk the entirety of Masonboro Island, which is roughly 9-10 miles. During this walk, we take egg samples and conduct predator management on sea turtle nests. This can take anywhere from 4-7 hours and has been one of the best learning experiences I have had this summer."
Would you recommend this internship to others?
Sammy: Definitely! It was truly inspiring to work alongside such a passionate and innovative group of people who care about sustainability and conservation as much as I do. I have had so many opportunities to learn and refine my knowledge and skills that I would never have gained in a classroom or lab. If you are thinking about a career in any natural science, this internship is 100% for you.
Nora: Yes absolutely, apply! If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience that gives you a feel for research, management, public engagement, and field work, this internship is an incredible opportunity. You’ll spend plenty of time outside getting your hands dirty, but you’ll also get to learn from the amazing reserve staff and take part in their outreach activities, like public hikes and educational events. It’s the perfect mix of learning, doing, and connecting.
Linden: Yes! This internship has been such a great way to learn more about the marine science field as well as getting experience in a professional environment to prepare for my future career.
Annie: I would recommend this internship to others, especially those who are motivated, passionate about the environment, and love working in the field. It offers a mix of hands-on experiences and learning opportunities. You get to be part of meaningful projects, spend time outdoors in some one-of-a-kind environments, and learn from individuals who love what they do.
Landon: I would absolutely recommend this internship to others interested in a career in marine biology or environmental sciences, especially those interested in doing field work. The skills I have gained this summer and the connections with the great people who work in this organization are ones that I will cherish and use as I continue my career in this field.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
Sammy: My advice for future interns is to take time to live in the moment because it will be over in the blink of an eye. Look around at the beauty around you. Take note of the work you are doing and how important your work is to society, and be thankful for the ability to learn and work.
Nora: My advice? Stay curious. Ask questions, even the ones that feel small or obvious. Work hard, play hard, and don’t shy away from the messy or unfamiliar. Those are often the best learning moments. This is such a supportive space to grow, so take advantage of it. I’m leaving the Reserve with so much more knowledge and confidence than I came in with.
Linden: Surprisingly, a whole summer can go by so fast! Take in every minute and learn as much as you can!
Annie: My advice for future interns would be to get involved in as much as you can. Take advantage of the opportunities, have initiative, and ask questions because you have experts all around you.
Landon: Enjoy your time taking part in all of the fun opportunities and experiences with the Reserve! The summer flies by extremely quickly, and before you know it, you'll be back at school. Take time to pause, learn, and enjoy all of the fun that working outside and in conservation has to offer.