Shaping Our Next
Generation’s Leaders

Gigi is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sustainability at San Diego State University. During her internship, she will gain professional experience by facilitating and supporting learning engagements in school- and nature-based settings, inspiring curiosity, enhancing inquiry skills, connecting student and public participants with nature, and empowering them to take action to care for their environmental communities.

Evie earned a degree in Biology from Hillsdale College in Michigan.

During this integrated internship, Evie will participate in a three-part continuous learning program that provides hands-on experience across Land Stewardship, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration.

During this internship, she will develop foundational skills in modern land management by completing specialized Esri GIS training, conducting annual compliance fieldwork, and mastering photo monitoring across protected properties.

She will also learn rigorous field protocols by monitoring six distinct locations throughout the San Elijo Lagoon. Here, they gain technical proficiency in calibrating, retrieving, and analyzing data from advanced computational continuous monitoring datasondes.

Evie will also explore the complete lifecycle of ecological recovery through hands-on native plant nursery operations, learning everything from seed collection to propagation alongside invasive species control frameworks.

Beyond the field and lab, participants act as Nature Collective ambassadors, learning to manage public restoration events and mobilize community volunteers.

Evie will finish the program with a holistic, cross-disciplinary understanding of modern environmental stewardship and nonprofit conservation strategy.

Ricardo recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from California State University San Marcos. During his internship, he is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Ricardo is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution from the University of California, San Diego.

During this integrated internship, Jason will participate in a three-part continuous learning program that provides hands-on experience across Land Stewardship, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration.

During this internship, he will develop foundational skills in modern land management by completing specialized Esri GIS training, conducting annual compliance fieldwork, and mastering photo monitoring across protected properties.

He will also learn rigorous field protocols by monitoring six distinct locations throughout the San Elijo Lagoon. Here, they gain technical proficiency in calibrating, retrieving, and analyzing data from advanced computational continuous monitoring datasondes.

Jason will also explore the full lifecycle of ecological recovery through hands-on native plant nursery operations, learning everything from seed collection to propagation alongside invasive-species control frameworks.

Beyond the field and lab, participants act as Nature Collective ambassadors, learning to manage public restoration events and mobilize community volunteers.

Jason will finish the program with a holistic, cross-disciplinary understanding of modern environmental stewardship and nonprofit conservation strategy.

Mariela recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of Hawaii. During her internship, she is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Mariela is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Peter is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from San Diego State University.

During this integrated internship, Peter will participate in a three-part continuous learning program that provides hands-on experience across Land Stewardship, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration.

During this internship, he will develop foundational skills in modern land management by completing specialized Esri GIS training, conducting annual compliance fieldwork, and mastering photo monitoring across protected properties.

He will also learn rigorous field protocols by monitoring six distinct locations throughout the San Elijo Lagoon. Here, they gain technical proficiency in calibrating, retrieving, and analyzing data from advanced computational continuous monitoring datasondes.

Peter will also explore the complete lifecycle of ecological recovery through hands-on native plant nursery operations, learning everything from seed collection to propagation alongside invasive species control frameworks.

Beyond the field and lab, participants act as Nature Collective ambassadors, learning to manage public restoration events and mobilize community volunteers.

Peter will finish the program with a holistic, cross-disciplinary understanding of modern environmental stewardship and nonprofit conservation strategy.

Hadley is attending the University of California, Berkeley,  in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Earth Science. She is in the field with Nature Collective mentors who lead Hadley in best practices for conducting community habitat restoration.

Ariana (Ari) recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and in Psychology from Arizona State University, Tempe.  During her internship, she is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Ari is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Lauren recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Science from Boston University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Unity Environmental University in New Gloucester, Maine. During her internship, she is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Lauren is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Michael is pursuing an Environmental Studies degree at San Diego State University. During his internship, he will gain professional experience by facilitating and supporting learning engagements in school- and nature-based settings, inspiring curiosity, enhancing inquiry skills, connecting student and public participants with nature, and empowering them to take action to care for their environmental communities.

Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications at the University of Colorado.

During this dynamic, two-part internship with Nature Collective, Sarah is developing a robust, multifaceted skill set that bridges environmental advocacy and strategic storytelling.

In the Conservation Education & Outreach phase, she gains hands-on professional experience facilitating school- and nature-based learning. She learns to inspire curiosity, enhance inquiry skills, and connect diverse members of the public with nature, ultimately empowering communities to take environmental action.

Transitioning into Public Relations & Communications, she steps into the role of a climate-conscious storyteller supporting the Philanthropy department. Here, she builds career-readiness skills by collaborating with the Executive Director and PR professionals to amplify organizational impact and inspire donors. The intern is mastering media relations, tracking industry trends, and learning to pitch compelling hooks to local outlets. Furthermore, she gains practical experience in digital content creation by developing e-newsletters, managing social media plans, and organizing historical materials for the upcoming 40th anniversary. Across both segments, she actively tracks and assesses outreach events while representing the organization in the community.

Ultimately, this comprehensive experience equips her with the tools to foster safe, equitable environments while championing diversity, public relations, and environmental journalism.

Lizzie recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz. During her summer internship Lizzie will be learning about GIS data collection and reporting, monitoring properties, and fieldwork tasks. Lizzie will also have the opportunity to assist with annual conservation compliance monitoring and reporting, attend trainings, and use Esri modules and protocols for GIS projects. Later, as an integrated intern, Lizzie will also experience water quality and habitat restoration internships.

Isabel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Issues at the University of California, Berkley, Rausser College of Natural Resources. During her internship she will be learning how to host outreach events and engage with the community at Nature Collective events and volunteer opportunities.

Andrew earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Culture & the Environment at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is in the field with Nature Collective mentors who lead Andrew in best practices for conducting community habitat restoration.

Phillip is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management at the University of California Davis. He is in the field with Nature Collective mentors who lead Phillip in best practices for conducting community habitat restoration.

Kelsey is a current Cal Poly Humbolt wildlife student. During her internship she is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Kelsey is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Bella is currently a student research assistant in the Biology + Chemistry Department at Cal State University Monterey. During her internship she is learning to conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Bella is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data.

Daniel is pursuing a Geodesign and Architecture degree at the University of Southern California Los Angeles.  During his internship Daniel will be learning about GIS data collection and reporting, monitoring properties, and fieldwork tasks. Daniel will also have the opportunity to assist with annual conservation compliance monitoring and reporting, attend trainings, and use Esri modules and protocols for GIS projects.

Emma is working toward a Masters in Education with emphasis in Environmental Education, recently graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is excited to support the Volunteer + Outreach Programs and engage with the community at Nature Collective events and volunteer opportunities.

Olivia is working toward a Bachelor’s in Sustainability with a minor in Physical Geography at San Diego State University. She is excited to support the Water Quality Program and conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Olivia is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and continuously monitor sonde data. As an integrated intern, Olivia will also complete the community habitat restoration and volunteer program internships over the year.

Jordan recently earned a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Science and Mathematics Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is excited to support the Water Quality Program and conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Jordan is learning to collect and assess data, calibrate lagoon-based Sondes, and monitor sonde data continuously.

Myco recently earned a BA in Environment & Sustainability with a concentration in Environmental Justice from Cornell University. They are on the ground with Nature Collective mentors who lead Myco in best practices for conducting community habitat restoration.

Chanelle recently earned a BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is excited to support the Water Quality Program and conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Chanelle will be able to assist with data collection and assessment, conduct calibrations of lagoon-based Sondes, and maintain continuous monitoring of sonde data.

Ali is pursuing a BS in Environmental Science from Clark University in Massachusetts. She is a recent graduate of La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. She is excited to support the Lands Stewardship Program, which focuses on GIS data collection and reporting, monitoring properties, and fieldwork tasks. Ali will also have the opportunity to assist with annual conservation compliance monitoring and reporting, attend trainings, and use Esri modules and protocols for GIS projects.

Thomas is pursuing an Ecology Evolution and Biodiversity degree at the University of California Davis.  He recently graduated from Mesa Community College and Kearny High School in San Diego.  He is excited to support the Lands Stewardship Program, which focuses on GIS data collection and reporting, monitoring properties, and fieldwork tasks. Thomas will also have the opportunity to assist with annual conservation compliance monitoring and reporting, attend trainings, and use Esri modules and protocols for GIS projects.

Lizzy recently graduated from San Dieguito High School Academy in North County, San Diego. She aspires to be an environmental scientist. She is excited to support the Water Quality Program and conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Lizzy will have the opportunity to assist with data collection and assessment, conduct calibrations of lagoon-based Sondes, and maintain continuous monitoring of sonde data.

Caroline recently earned a BA in Environmental Science from the University of California Santa Barbara. She is excited to support the Water Quality Program and conduct water quality monitoring at six locations in the San Elijo Lagoon. In addition, Caroline will have the opportunity to assist with data collection and assessment, conduct calibrations of lagoon-based Sondes, and maintain continuous monitoring of sonde data.

Emma is pursuing a BS in San Diego Marine Biology from the University of California, San Diego. As an integrated intern, Emma is on the ground with Nature Collective mentors who teach best practices for conducting community habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, leading volunteer community events, and more.

Matt recently earned a BA in Visual Communications from the University of Arizona Tuscon. He’s on the ground with Nature Collective mentors who lead Matt in best practices for conducting community habitat restoration.

Nick recently earned a BS in Environmental Geographic Analysis from Towson University. He’s on the ground with Nature Collective mentors who are leading Nick in best practices in conducting water quality.

Steffany is currently studying for a BS in Environmental Systems/Ecology, Behavior and Evolution from the University of California, San Diego. She looks forward to learning about the native flora and fauna in San Elijo Lagoon while completing her Integrated Internship.

Brett has a BA in Environmental Science from Willamette University, Oregon. He is excited to support the Volunteer Program and engage with the community at Nature Collective events and volunteer opportunities.

Serena currently pursuing a BA in Environmental Studies and Spanish Cultural Studies from Tufts University, Massachusetts. She will be on the ground with Nature Collective mentors learning best practices in conducting community habitat restoration.

Kelly holds an MS in Conservation Biology from the University of West Alabama. She will be helping monitor Nature Collective’s lands while focusing on invasive vegetation control and habitat restoration.

Raylene is currently working towards a degree in Biology and is excited about the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience through the water quality internship program.

Finn is currently pursuing a BS in Environmental Systems/Ecology, Behavior and Evolution from the University of California, San Diego. He’s on the ground with Nature Collective mentors who are leading Finn in best practices in conducting community habitat restoration.

Micaela is currently working towards a BS in Environmental Systems/Policy at the University of California, San Diego. She looks forward to supporting the Volunteer Program by engaging with the community at Nature Collective events and volunteer opportunities.

Lili holds a BS in Environmental Management and Protection from California Polytechnic State University. She is excited to use his knowledge of the natural world to drive a passion for nature through community outreach