Natural Resources Students Gain Hands-On Career Experience Through Summer Internships

This summer, College of Natural Resources students participated in internships across various industries to gain hands-on experience in their desired career fields — from pulp and paper manufacturing to land management.

Students stepped into roles that helped them gain the competencies, clarity and confidence to pursue meaningful careers that better our planet, communities, industries, economy and the world.

Unpacking the Basics of Pulp and Paper Production

Diem-Mi Nguyen, a second-year student majoring in paper science and engineering, interned at Sappi’s Somerset Mill in central Maine.

Located on 2,500 acres of land, Somerset Mill is an “integrated pulping and papermaking operation” where the company manufactures graphic papers, packaging, label papers and bleached chemical pulp.

Nguyen worked with the mill’s engineers and other employees to conduct maintenance, testing and other services on three paper machines.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to take this internship because it taught me what I like about working in a paper mill and what I don’t like,” Nguyen said.

Empowering Conservation Through Storytelling

Kairavi Gardé, a third-year student majoring in environmental sciences and sociology, interned with the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit that supports scientists, educators, and storytellers who conduct research and lead conservation programs. It is most widely recognized for its iconic flagship magazine, National Geographic.

Gardé served as an alumni engagement intern with the organization’s education and community engagement team. Her primary responsibilities included co-creating impact stories and supporting youth and educator programs.

“Sometimes, I was learning from experienced educators about how their work with the Society had changed their paths and creating immersive StoryMaps with the stories they shared,” Gardé said. “Other times, I was analyzing qualitative data or collecting it through surveys.”

Educating and Inspiring National Park Visitors

Muhammad Ikbal Putera, a second-year Ph.D. candidate studying parks, recreation and tourism management, interned at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park encompasses more than 300,000 acres on the southeastern side of the island of Hawai’i and is home to two active volcanoes: Mauna Loa and Kilauea.

Putera shadowed rangers, led interpretive programs, supported youth education efforts, and deepened his understanding of Hawaiian ecosystems and cultural values. 

“Whether walking across the lava crust of the Kīlauea Iki Trail, interpreting Anchialine Pond ecosystems, or photographing ancient petroglyphs, every day was filled with learning and meaningful engagement,” Putera said.

Leveraging Geospatial Data for Forest Monitoring

Titilayo Tajudeen, a third-year Ph.D. candidate studying geospatial analytics, interned with Weyerhaeuser Company in Centralia, Washington.

Weyerhaeuser Company sustainably grows, harvests and sells trees from its timberland holdings. It also manufactures wood and pulp products.

Tajudeen utilized unmanned aerial vehicles outfitted with sensors to capture geospatial data of the company’s lands, enabling detailed analysis of tree locations and characteristics.

“This combination of field and analytical work provided me with a well-rounded perspective on applying remote sensing technology to real-world environmental challenges,” Tajudeen said.