In March of 2022, I was given the opportunity to intern at Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) by assisting with the Stream Monitoring Program. Being part of this program makes a difference in helping to protect the drinking water of over one million New Jerseyans. Emily Mayer, RHA’s Watershed Scientist and program manager, continues to show me the basic skills I need to pursue my future career. I assist with preparation work for the field season, data collection, running lab tests, and other new projects like the Headwaters Sentinel Climate Stations. The Climate Station project focuses on the impacts of climate change, specifically within our freshwater systems and watersheds, which is a need for future advisement of climate resilience and adaptation planning.

As an aspiring Marine Biologist, I continue to gain experience through this internship and work with other accomplished scientists in water science. I hope to continue to build towards achieving my career-driven goals in support of my passion for marine science. I have always gravitated towards learning how to conserve our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams. This internship will take me a step in the right direction, and I am incredibly excited to gain great experience. I am earning my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Centenary University and will graduate in May 2022. While at Centenary University, I am dedicated to student involvement activities such as being a member of the Student Government, a student-athlete, a member of EOP, and vice president of the Latinx club.