National Intern Day-2020

​Happy National Intern Day! Today we would like to take a minute to appreciate all our exceptional interns and service members. Our internship program is divided into two sections: our partnership with AmeriCorps via Arizona Serve, and our partnership with The Corps Network and The Arizona Bureau of Land Management.
 
We currently have two service members with Arizona Serve: our AmeriCorps VISTA Abby Ruby and our AmeriCorps State Member Jessica Certain. These amazing young ladies work hard everyday in our GEM for STEM Program. From making science experiment videos to share with students worldwide, to reaching out to our community through school activities and programs, these ladies never stop striving to bring STEM to everyone! Thank you, Abby and Jessica!

​Our group of interns through our partnership with The Corps Network and The Arizona Bureau of Land Management, consists of a group of six hardworking individuals from across the States.  These conservation interns work on a variety of science-based projects under the mentorship of BLM Staff Scientists in and around Arizona.

​Working out of the Hassayampa Field Office is Zac White and Jordan Bracy, working as Range Technician Assistants. Zac was born and raised in Arizona and spent most of his childhood outside. He was a Boy Scout and felt lucky to have the opportunity to go and explore the state by camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming in beautiful parks and trails. This time outside gave him an appreciation for the natural world and piqued his interest in having a career studying and protecting it. Zac began his college education at Arizona State University as a 1st generation college student. At ASU he floated between majors in Biochemistry, Biology and Sustainability until he found his calling in Ecology. Taking classes in each of these STEM majors broadened his horizons on understanding nature, how we interact with it and how we can help protect it. He hopes to turn his love of nature into a career protecting it. 

​Jordan was born in Safford, Arizona and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated at Northern Arizona University in the fall of 2020 earning his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a minor in Anthropology. He has an interest in both indoor and outdoor activities. For his preferred indoor activities, he enjoys watching shows, putting together puzzles, and bonding with family. His favorite outdoor activities include going on walks either in the city or on trails, going fishing, and recently he has decided to take up gardening. Jordan think STEM education is important because teaching people of all ages the importance of different sciences allows for an inter-disciplined population that both respects and desires to participate in STEM-based activities. Thank you, Zac and Jordan!

​Working out of the Lower Sonoran Field Office, we have Michael Branham and Jackson Lodermeier, both are working as Range Technician Assistants. Michael is a 31 year old Arizona native. He likes to spend his free time outside. His favorite outdoor activities are fishing, exploring, gold panning/mineral hunting, and camping. He values STEM education because it gives him the educational background he needs to make sense of what he finds and sees in the wilderness. It has also instilled in him, the value and importance of it’s preservation and management.
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Jackson made the trek from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he was born and raised. He grew up fishing, camping, and enjoying what the Great Lakes region has to offer. This led to his excitement for the outdoors and prompted him to begin studying Geography. Jackson is now a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison finishing his B.S. in Cartography and GIS. He is grateful for the support and education from his STEM teachers and professors because he now sees the value these subjects carry in a pursuit for a brighter future. Thank you, Michael and Jackson!

Working out of the Phoenix District Office, we have Mariah McGhee and Jack Ford, working as Maintenance Interns. Mariah is from Kansas City, Missouri. She recently graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a BS in Natural Resource Management with an emphasis on Forestry and a minor in Soils. She is the oldest of 4 and grew up in the city! Mariah enjoys a variety of activities that require her to be outside. These activities are hiking, exploring new places, shopping for succulents, and believe it or not mowing the lawn (a Midwest task)! She also competes in Crossfit competitions and it is a big part of her life.
 
Jack is a hard-working guy who enjoys the outdoors. He grew up in Gilbert, Arizona but he spent a lot of time in the North due to his parents’ love of camping. Jack feels that conservation and STEM are important because we only have one earth and cannot just press the undo button. Thank you, Mariah and Jack!

​Internships are beneficial because they help develop professional aptitude, strengthen personal character, and provide a greater door to opportunity. Here at GEM Environmental we value our interns and enjoy offering the opportunity for these experiences and growth. 
For more information visit the links below.
 
http://arizonaserve.org
https://www.gemenvironmental.org