{"id":69076,"date":"2026-05-27T14:56:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T14:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/?p=69076"},"modified":"2026-05-27T15:01:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T15:01:59","slug":"meet-emily-branch-our-summer-aces-intern","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/meet-emily-branch-our-summer-aces-intern\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Emily Branch, Our Summer Aces Intern"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Tell us about your background and how you came to work with the WRC.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

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\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a young age<\/span>. At the beginning of my sophomore year at Auburn, I started working in Dr. Alan Wilson\u2019s 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\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Zvonar<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and Sydney Zinner!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/Media-6.jpg” title_text=”A2E68831-BF92-4DE3-846B-9289E788C5B82022-11-28_16-09-28_657″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Emily assists AWW staff member, Carolina Ruiz, with planning for the 2026 Alabama Water Resources Conference.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
What water resources related projects have you worked on that you’ve found most exciting?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Last summer, I was able to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>directly help\u00a0<\/span><\/span>with a project in the Wilson Lab<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>where I\u00a0<\/span><\/span>assisted<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>with weekly field work to collect water\u00a0<\/span><\/span>samples and data<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>then analyzed<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the data in the lab, and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>finally helped<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>edit the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>research paper<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a co-author<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Taking part\u00a0<\/span><\/span>in that entire process\u00a0<\/span><\/span>gave light\u00a0<\/span><\/span>as\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to how much work goes\u00a0<\/span><\/span>into\u00a0<\/span><\/span>studying water<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and showed me just\u00a0<\/span><\/span>how complex water chemistry can be<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/emily_fieldwork-scaled.jpg” title_text=”emily_fieldwork” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Emily completes field work in Tuskegee during an ecology class.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/blockquote>\n

\u00a0I also interned at the Alabama Nature Center last summer, which is part of the Alabama Wildlife Federation<\/span>, and facilitated science education and outreach to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>teach<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>children about animals and ecosystems of Alabama<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Using ambassador animals such as salamanders, turtles, or alligators\u00a0<\/span><\/span>was<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>an amazing way to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>introduce<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>why<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>our aquatic habitats\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and their water quality\u00a0<\/span><\/span>need to be protected<\/span>. I love seeing a look of wonder and interest\u00a0<\/span><\/span>develop<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in kids\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and hope that by introducing these\u00a0<\/span><\/span>important issues<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to them at\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a young age<\/span>, they will\u00a0<\/span><\/span>develop an interest in environmental stewardship.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/emily_spottedsalamander-scaled.jpg” title_text=”emily_spottedsalamander” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

\u00a0A spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) found in Tuskegee by Emily’s ecology class.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
What do you hope to accomplish this summer?<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/blockquote>\n

This summer, I hope\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>expand my knowledge of bacterial, biological, and chemical testing of water through new methods<\/span>. I plan to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>assist<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in a side-by-side comparison project\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>determine<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>if a new method of sampling\u00a0<\/span><\/span>with buckets\u00a0<\/span><\/span>has any\u00a0<\/span><\/span>effect<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>on the results of water testing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>compared to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>the traditional <\/span>sampling<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>method<\/span>. Additionally,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I am planning a science communication project <\/span>highlighting Alabama\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><\/span>biodiversity. Through this project, I plan\u00a0<\/span><\/span>on making<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>infographics that the WRC can use to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>educate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>others about\u00a0<\/span><\/span>endemic species and watersheds<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in Alabama<\/span> and<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>increase the public’s\u00a0<\/span><\/span>awareness about Alabama\u2019s biodiversity<\/span>. Additionally, I a<\/span>m looking forward to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>representing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>WRC through the different outreach events that are taking place this summer, from workshops<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to educational\u00a0<\/span><\/span>trainings<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Finally, I am helping plan and execute the AWW annual meeting in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>June, as<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>well as the Auburn Water Resources Conference taking place in September<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-75px|||” custom_padding=”1px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”32px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/emily_hellgramite-scaled.jpg” title_text=”emily_hellgramite” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

\n
Emily shows off a hellgrammite found in Auburn during an Invertebrate Biodiversity class.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
What advice do you have for other students working in fields related to natural resources?<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/blockquote>\n

Take initiative\u00a0<\/span><\/span>for<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>your learning and say yes to every opportunity t<\/span>hat<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>comes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>along because you never know what it may lead to!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The more experiences you have, the more you\u00a0<\/span><\/span>can<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>figure out what you like and dislike doing<\/span>. For example,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>through my\u00a0<\/span><\/span>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<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>doing analyses<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Through past internships, I have also learned that I love educating people about Alabama<\/span>\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><\/span>biodiversity and abundant natural resources<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Do you have any planned next steps after this internship?<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/blockquote>\n

I am graduating in December of this year, so my\u00a0<\/span><\/span>plan is to start applying for jobs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as I\u00a0<\/span><\/span>finish up<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>my degree<\/span>. I would love\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to work somewhere where I can work with water resources<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and have a meaningful impact\u00a0<\/span><\/span>protecting Alabama\u2019s natural resources<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since coming to Auburn?<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/blockquote>\n

I think the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>first part of the Auburn creed<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>sums up\u00a0<\/span><\/span>what I have learned<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>from the past three years at Auburn. It reads, \u201c<\/span>I believe that this<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>work,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>hard work<\/span>. I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work\u00a0<\/span><\/span>skillfully.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I have learned that\u00a0<\/span><\/span>actively applying myself in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>my classes as well as wor<\/span>k\u00a0<\/span><\/span>has opened so many doors<\/span>, both personally and professionally. I<\/span>t\u00a0<\/span><\/span>is okay to do things outside of your comfort zone<\/span>;\u00a0<\/span><\/span>doing those things will let you grow as a person<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The most important lesson I have learned<\/span>, arguably, is<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to have fun<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and make connections<\/span>!\u00a0<\/span><\/span>If you intentionally put effort into ma<\/span>king classes and work fun, you will learn so much more than\u00a0<\/span><\/span>just showing up and giving 50%.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/auwrc” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https:\/\/twitter.com\/AuburnWater” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/auburnwater\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":69079,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[142,101,179,180],"class_list":["post-69076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrc-blog","tag-alabama-water-watch","tag-outreach","tag-wrc-blog","tag-wrc-student-spotlights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69076","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69076"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69076\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69091,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69076\/revisions\/69091"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69076"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69076"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69076"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}