Summer Internship Program: Virginia Seafood AREC

Primary Program Area Focus: ANR

1. Describe your plans for this internship.  (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)

This coastal resilience internship will offer service-learning experiences, field work, and GIS research opportunities. Interns will explore different career path options revolving around coastal agriculture and natural resources. The intern will work collaboratively to create community centered outreach products such as GIS maps and infographics and digital and physical outreach.  Interns can expect to support actives projects at the VT Coastal Collaborator such as global work with Compassion International, NASA Coastal Data, Tribal Engagement, Resilience Restoration Projects and conservation work with the Corolla Wild Horse Foundation. Students will visit an aquaculture facility to learn about our private sector, producers, and agricultural and natural resources organizations.

2.  Describe the knowledge / skills you expect the intern to gain from this experience.The intern will work closely with the 4-H Agent, Extension staff, and Community Partners to gain knowledge/skills in:

The intern will have a greater understanding about climate and coastal resilience. They will gain an understanding of indigenous tribal communities and their resilience needs. They will gain understanding of the impacts of sea level rise in coastal zones. They will enhance their data discovery, data analysis, and technical skills through use of GIS and graphic design software. Interns will learn grant writing skills. They will learn professional etiquette and networking skills.

3.  How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?

The intern will primarily be supporting the work of the Coastal Resilience Extension Specialist at the Coastal Collaborator Center in Hampton, Virginia. The intern will have opportunities to coordinate with local (City of Hampton) Extension and Master Garden programs. They will be exposed to the RIVERE Center in Fredericksburg to support work with Water Quality & Community Development. Additionally, they will be engaged with aquaculture, food safety, and other extension programs at the VA Seafood AREC.