Each summer, Stroud Water Research Center welcomes a new group of interns who are eager to begin what may become their life’s work. The 45th summer of our internship program has come and gone but we didn’t want to miss the chance to say thanks to our interns for their hard work!
Profiles and photos by Skylar Zaplitny, Development Intern
Christa Evans
Information Services Intern
Evans is pursuing her master’s degree in applied statistics at West Chester University. After she graduates, she plans to become a statistician. Evans enjoys spending her time reading, running, and kayaking.
Jeffrey Fralick
Entomology Intern
Fralick is a student at Cornell University and studies environmental and sustainability science. He plans to attend graduate school or law school, and he would love to work for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He is very passionate about weather and climate. Fralick was first introduced to the Stroud Center as a fourth-grade student participating in our award-winning stream ecology program.
Adam Gochnauer
Entomology Intern
Gochnauer is a Millersville graduate with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He plans to find a job involving stream water quality, and he hopes to pursue his master’s degree in something similar. Gochnauer enjoys hiking, biking, and playing video games.
Lauren Kennedy
Microbiology Intern
Kennedy is a student at West Chester University and studies marine biology. Her major passion is helping animals, and she would like to do something with conservation in her future. This past spring, Kennedy participated in a shark conservation program in Africa where she swam with sharks and went cage diving with great whites!
Rebecca Laurer
Entomology Intern
At Messiah College, Laurer has a biology and ecology concentration. When Laurer graduates, she is hoping to find a research position in the ecology field. Rebecca reads and plays volleyball in her spare time, and she plans on enjoying a trip to Costa Rica!
Marisa Macchia
Entomology Intern
At Millersville University, Macchia is double majoring in marine and environmental biology. Macchia looks forward to a future travelling the globe, she hopes in the name of research and her career. If Macchia isn’t trying out the newest DIY craft she found on Pinterest, she’s often knitting.
Matthew McGauley
Entomology Intern
Matthew attends Bucknell University and is studying biology. When he graduates, he plans to attend medical school. Matthew was led to the Stroud Center by his mother, a former volunteer. Besides working in the lab, Matthew enjoys training for triathlons!
Sarah Vitale
Entomology Intern
Vitale is majoring in biology while attending West Chester University. Her dream is to be an entomologist, and her passion is taking care of the planet’s water. In her free time, she likes to go buck hunting in nearby fields, sketch, and play the piano.
Regina Whitfield
Entomology Intern
At Albright University, Whitfield studies environmental science. Her dream career would be to become a research entomologist in Central or South America. Whitfield learned about the Stroud Center during her job at the USGS Water Resources of Pennsylvania and is thrilled to be a part of the Entomology Group this summer.
Skylar Zaplitny
Development Intern
Zaplitny is studying communications at West Chester University. She plans on working for a company in the communications area after pursuing a career in the equestrian world. In her free time, she rides horses, plays soccer, and exercises.
