Name: Ines Uwase
Class Year: 2020
Major: Environmental Studies
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda

Internship Organization: Darby Creek Valley Association
Job Title: Data Management Intern
Location: Philadelphia (They do not have an office so I work on campus.)

What’s happening at your internship?

I work from campus or anywhere else that’s convenient since DCVA does not have an office. I work with the director, Susan Miller, to enter the required data to manage the organization and plan fundraising. I also carry out research about the species the organization helps to protect and design charts to visualize the information for the general public. I also had the wonderful opportunity to shadow professionals at the Stroud Water Research Center.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship to work for an organization that serves a purpose that I strongly believe in. DCVA helps protect the watershed in the Eastern Delaware county and I wanted to actively help them achieve their mission, or have the pleasure learning how such an organization operates.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of this internship has been shadowing the Stroud Water Research Center and learning an immense deal from Matt, who graciously let us shadow him. I had the opportunity to work hands on and learn to examine the water quality, calculate water velocity, etc. This opportunity also gave me an idea of what exactly I want to do in this field.

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect?

I started this internship with the idea that I would only learn about environment-related work; however, I have also learned how to work in a different work environment and employer. Working on campus has taught me how to be disciplined and follow a strict schedule to get work done.