Tell us about your background and how you came to work with the WRC.
I am entering my senior year at Auburn University, majoring in Organismal Biology: Conservation and Biodiversity. Growing up, my mom worked with water, studying daphnia (small planktonic crustaceans, sometimes called water fleas), so my love of water resources started at a young age. At the beginning of my sophomore year at Auburn, I started working in Dr. Alan Wilson’s lab where they study harmful algal blooms, aquatic ecology, water quality, limnology, and drinking water. The experiences and knowledge that I have gained through this lab have shown me that I love working with aquatic systems. When I learned about Alabama Water Watch through Dr. Bill Deutsch during a class project, I knew I wanted to apply to the Extension internship and expressed my interest in the Water Resource Center (WRC). I am so excited to see what all this summer brings as I work with all the WRC staff and my mentors, Amy Zvonar and Sydney Zinner!
What water resources related projects have you worked on that you’ve found most exciting?
Last summer, I was able to directly help with a project in the Wilson Lab where I assisted with weekly field work to collect water samples and data, then analyzed the data in the lab, and finally helped edit the research paper as a co-author. Taking part in that entire process gave light as to how much work goes into studying water and showed me just how complex water chemistry can be.
I also interned at the Alabama Nature Center last summer, which is part of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and facilitated science education and outreach to teach children about animals and ecosystems of Alabama. Using ambassador animals such as salamanders, turtles, or alligators was an amazing way to introduce why our aquatic habitats and their water quality need to be protected. I love seeing a look of wonder and interest develop in kids and hope that by introducing these important issues to them at a young age, they will develop an interest in environmental stewardship.
What do you hope to accomplish this summer?
This summer, I hope to expand my knowledge of bacterial, biological, and chemical testing of water through new methods. I plan to assist in a side-by-side comparison project to determine if a new method of sampling with buckets has any effect on the results of water testing compared to the traditional sampling method. Additionally, I am planning a science communication project highlighting Alabama’s biodiversity. Through this project, I plan on making infographics that the WRC can use to educate others about endemic species and watersheds in Alabama and increase the public’s awareness about Alabama’s biodiversity. Additionally, I am looking forward to representing WRC through the different outreach events that are taking place this summer, from workshops to educational trainings. Finally, I am helping plan and execute the AWW annual meeting in June, as well as the Auburn Water Resources Conference taking place in September.
What advice do you have for other students working in fields related to natural resources?
Take initiative for your learning and say yes to every opportunity that comes along because you never know what it may lead to! The more experiences you have, the more you can figure out what you like and dislike doing. For example, through my job as an undergraduate researcher in the Wilson Lab, I have learned that I love to be outside in the field as well as in the lab doing analyses. Through past internships, I have also learned that I love educating people about Alabama’s biodiversity and abundant natural resources.
Do you have any planned next steps after this internship?
I am graduating in December of this year, so my plan is to start applying for jobs as I finish up my degree. I would love to work somewhere where I can work with water resources and have a meaningful impact protecting Alabama’s natural resources.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since coming to Auburn?
I think the first part of the Auburn creed sums up what I have learned from the past three years at Auburn. It reads, “I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.” I have learned that actively applying myself in my classes as well as work has opened so many doors, both personally and professionally. It is okay to do things outside of your comfort zone; doing those things will let you grow as a person. The most important lesson I have learned, arguably, is to have fun and make connections! If you intentionally put effort into making classes and work fun, you will learn so much more than just showing up and giving 50%.