Welcome aboard- Jackson Lodermeier

​GEM Environmental is excited to welcome one of our new members to the team! Jackson Lodermeier is one of our Youth Conservation Interns working as a Range Technician Assistant in cooperation with the BLM at the Lower Sonoran Field Office.
 
This summer 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. Welcome to the team Jackson!

How did you hear about this service opportunity?
This internship came to my attention after searching for GIS experience with conservation. Having worked with a non-profit in the past, I was eager to learn about GEM Environmental and its commitment to engaging STEM students with opportunities to work with agencies.
 
What do you plan to accomplish during your service term with GEM?
During my time with GEM and the BLM, I plan to get acquainted with the process of federal agency work, exercise skills I have taken away from my education, and learn new ones alongside like-minded peers.
 
What are your career goals?
In the short term, I plan to gain experience using GIS within public lands, land management, and/or resource management. In a broader scope, I strive to become an expert and a leadership figure in my field.
 
Do you plan to continue your education? If so, what programs or school are you looking into and what is the highest degree you plan to earn?
This fall, I will complete my undergraduate degree and begin my career thereafter. I will, however, keep the possibility of a graduate program open if research or specialization in the future interests me.
 
Have you had any other internship or service opportunities before this? If so, how do you believe internships have benefited you so far?
Last year, I joined the Arizona Conservation Corps for a 6-month AmeriCorps service term. Here I served on a trail crew, a disaster relief effort, and led ten local youth for the Petrified Forest National Park's youth conservation crew. Through this experience, I learned how to follow, how to lead, and how to survive long days in the Arizona sun. Getting to work alongside the BLM, Forest Service, and National Park Service was a memorable introduction to the different opportunities available to work in public lands.

To learn more about Jackson check out his profile:
http://jlodermeier.github.io/