Matt Cahill
Class of 2010
Amherst, New Hampshire
Conservation Ecology

Internship: United States Forest Service, Sante Fe National Forest
Location: Jemez Springs, New Mexico
Position: Fisheries Researcher

Matt Cahill traveled to New Mexico to begin his 3 month summer internship with the USFS. Matt was hired to conduct a stream survey on the Rio Mora. His research included assessing habitat suitability for the native Cutthroat Trout populations. The objective of his research is to determine whether or not the health of the river can stabilize a healthy population of this native species of trout when they are re-introduced to the river ecosystem. Matt’s experience on the Rio Mora was profound.

“ With focus and knowledge and the desire to go look, one can forge their niche in this evermore important field of preserving the world.  I’ve met those committed to fish, streams, trees, cultures, people – all of whom have laid paths to be followed for many days to come.” 

Internship: New Leaf Organics
Location: Bristol, Vermont
Position: Garden and Greenhouse Field Crew

Darby completed her internship in the beautiful valley of Bristol, Vermont. Working side by side with two other staff members and her supervisor, Darby learned all the intricacies of running a market farm. She prepared and planted beds for crops, weeded the beds and harvested the vegetables to be sent off to farmer’s markets, local co-ops, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members. Along with the strenuous work maintaining the fields of vegetables, Darby conducted her own research and planned for an added field of asparagus. She took soil samples, analyzed them, cleared a 13,500 square foot section of field and created a land plan for the next three years.

“This entire internship process has really funneled my interests and shown me the path of my future. There is no career path more rewarding than the one I am currently on.”

Pat Ploof
Class of 2009
Greenbush, Michigan
Outdoor Education and Leadership

Internship: Navajo Trails Adventure Camp
Location: Bicknell, Utah
Position: Staff Support/Trip Leader

Pat spent his summer leading campers ages 8 and 9 on 4-day rock climbing adventure trips in the backcountry of the Utah desert. Building upon his love of rock climbing Pat used this internship as a stepping stone towards his larger goal of becoming a climbing guide. Pat’s enthusiasm for outdoor activities combined with his natural leadership abilities made this internship a perfect match and a meaningful learning experience for him. He gets it.

“It is rewarding helping kids get past the fear of something. I finally realize, when teachers and others say that it is not only about the money, what they mean. I get it now.” 

Hannah McHardy Class of 2010
Seattle, Washington
Conservation Ecology

Internship: Green Footprints
Location: Bow, Washington
Position: Eco-Tutoring Program Developer

Hannah comes to Sterling College with a strong background in grassroots environmental activism. With this passion she sought out an internship that would allow her to continue on this path but also help to educate other young activists. Hannah lived with a community of people where she learned more about how to minimize her ecological footprint. She began working on a non-profit project known as “EcoTutoring”, sponsored by the non-profit organization Green Footprints. Hannah developed this program to help facilitate youth in learning more about environmental and social justice issues in their communities. Through her work with Green Footprints, Hannah hopes to help people understand and reduce their ecological footprint in ways that are easily attainable.