The UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences encourages students to get industry experience by completing internships. On National Intern Day, we are celebrating our students who are interning or have completed their summer internships! 

Lee Gallivan

CALS junior Lee Gallivan has spent the past few months as a Crocodilian research intern with Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)!  

Gallivan, a wildlife ecology and conservation student, has been helping conduct night spotlight surveys for alligators. On these excursions, the FWRI team takes a boat out on a body of water and uses a spotlight to count the number of gators in the area. They use these numbers to suggest hunting quotas for the next year.  

“I am so thankful that this internship has given me the opportunity to get out into the field and secure my passion for research,” said Gallivan. 

 

Tyler Hall

Tyler Hall, an environmental science junior, is interning with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station as a Yale Conservation Scholar! 

Through this program, Hall is conducting research with Yale’s Analytical Chemistry Department. His work focuses on the use of nanoparticles to help plants absorb nutrients, fight diseases, and reduce nutrient runoff. Hall operates lab equipment, synthesizes the nanoparticles, and develops methods to conduct experiments. Hall hopes to use this experience in his future career as a lawyer.  

“Having an understanding of how these instruments work in science will make me a more competitive attorney, ultimately helping the communities I care for,” said Hall.  

 

Ari Siegel

Environmental science senior Ari Siegel is currently an intern for the United States Geological Society!  

After working with a faculty member in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Siegel was nominated by his mentor for this internship. As a research intern, he is working to determine if there is a correlation between hurricanes and fires on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. Siegel is responsible for processing lake sediment samples, modeling climates, and reading historical hurricane reports.  

“It’s been great to learn more about the history of climate and how it’s determined,” said Siegel. “The skills I’ve gained in this internship will allow me to work on climate research in the future.”

 

Phyllis Wah

Phyllis Wah, an animal sciences junior, is interning in Hong Kong at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden! 

Growing up, Wah, an international student, had several field trips to the farm. She reached out to the wildlife rescue center within the farm and secured an internship with them. Wah’s daily responsibilities include administering medicine, cleaning enclosures, and feeding the center’s diverse group of animals.  

“International experiences are so unique, as you immerse yourself in another culture and learn how they approach similar scenarios,” said Wah. “This opportunity has definitely widened my horizons and uplifted my interests in becoming an exotic vet.” 

 

Emma Putnam

Agricultural education and communication junior Emma Putnam interned on Capitol Hill this summer! 

Putnam worked with Congressman David Kustoff’s office and learned about the legislative process. She conducted legislative research, created social media campaigns, and attended hearings.  

“Programs like the VP Promise allow students to feel supported as they work and live in a new city,” said Putnam. “Washington D.C. was amazing, and I am forever thankful for my experience.” 

 

 

Rebecca Lyons

Animal sciences senior Rebecca Lyons participated in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium this summer!  

This internship program is hosted in New Mexico and focuses on cattle and dairy operation management. Lyons was taught by professors from around the country and visited more than 40 dairy farms. She also built relationships with students from around the world.  

“This program bridged that gap and provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience, while also allowing me to network with students, producers, professors, and industry professionals,” said Lyons. “I look forward to calling on my new relationships and knowledge as I navigate graduate school and a career in the industry.” 

 

ABOUT THE UF COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities.