By Liam Mudgett, Communications Intern
Every summer, Stroud™ Water Research Center hires interns to assist with research in different fields. This is the 50th year that the Stroud Center has been able to welcome interns with many different backgrounds, to help develop their skills, and give them memorable experiences in their fields. The interns were each hired by professional scientists that work at the research center already, allowing for real research in real environments. The communications intern Liam Mudgett, was tasked to interview the 2022 summer interns, to share a little bit about them (and himself) here.
Meet Orion Pizzini, entomology intern. He is heading into his fourth year at Penn State studying biology. He grew up learning to love mountain biking and has kept up with the sport to this day. He enjoys rides with his grandfather who also loves mountain biking. If you get lucky enough, you might catch him biking around Philly’s Fairhill neighborhood. Pizzini’s favorite thing to do growing up was play “army” in the backyard with his friends, where they would have a Nerf war until the sun went down! On a rainy day, Pizzini enjoys playing video games like “Elden Ring” and “Dark Souls.”
Meet Will Rochon, entomology intern. He just finished his third year at West Chester University and is excited to head into his senior year. Rochon’s favorite thing to do while growing up was fishing with his family and friends. Other than going on hikes and nature walks, Rochon enjoys kickboxing, judo, and playing volleyball in his free time. His favorite thing to do on a rainy day is hang out with his cats and play video games.
Meet Miranda Davies, entomology intern. She is heading into her fourth year at West Chester University studying ecology and conservation. Having a passion for everything animal related and the outdoors, Davies knew this internship would be a perfect match. Her favorite thing to do on rainy days is watch rom-coms and other favorite movies.
Meet Ava Gray, entomology intern. She just finished her first year at the University of Florida, majoring in wildlife ecology and conservation. Gray has known about the Stroud Center since she went on a school field trip in elementary school, and like her father, found a love for entomology. Growing up, Gray always enjoyed hiking and spending outdoor time with her family. Now, when the weather’s right, she enjoys boating with her family and water skiing. Her favorite rainy day activity is crochet. She has even learned to make small articles of clothing for herself and hopes to find time to work on bigger projects in the future.
Meet Matt Coulter, entomology intern. He just finished his first year at the University of Vermont majoring in environmental studies and is excited to meet other people interested in the same field of work as he is at the Stroud Center. Coulter enjoys fishing and is even in two different clubs that involve fishing at UVM. His favorite thing to do growing up was to turn over rocks, or inspect tree bark and sticks for any insect he could find, and take pictures of them. Coulter also liked to play pranks on his friends and family with whatever creepy crawlies he could find at the time! On a rainy day, Coulter likes to watch TV, read comics, or work on random side projects when he has time.
Meet Brendan Jenkins, entomology intern. He is going into his fourth year at West Chester University majoring in ecology and conservation. Other than his commute from Phoenixville, Jenkins hasn’t traveled much at all, which he hopes to do in the future. On a rainy day, he enjoys a friendly game of backgammon with whoever’s up for the challenge!
Meet Finn Warren, entomology intern. He is currently going into his fourth year at Gettysburg College majoring in environmental studies and Earth system sciences. Warren studied abroad in Spain for a year where he was able to learn how to speak Spanish pretty well. Growing up, Warren’s favorite thing to do was play with his brother in the woods in his backyard. His favorite thing to do on a rainy day is listen to audiobooks and play video games like “Super Smash Bros.”
Meet Luke Talham, entomology intern. He is currently going into his third year at the University of Tampa studying marine science. Talham enjoys scuba diving in Florida, but growing up he enjoyed playing soccer. His favorite rainy day activity is woodworking. He even built his dad a little wood piece for Father’s Day!
Meet Spiro Schramm, entomology intern. He is currently going into his fourth year at the University of Delaware, where he is studying insect ecology and conservation. He first heard about the Stroud Center when he went on a field trip as a college student. He really liked the environment, as well as all that the Stroud Center had done for the community, so he decided to apply for the summer entomology internship. Schramm is proud to be a brother of Alpha Gamma Rho, and he finds WWII facts very intriguing. Growing up, Schramm enjoyed playing in streams and playing “Minecraft.” His favorite rainy day activities are watching TV and hanging out with his girlfriend.
Meet Ellie Kissin, information services intern. She just finished her undergraduate degree at Boston University in mathematics with a concentration in statistics. She is now headed into a master’s program at West Chester University. Kissin was West Chester University’s top pick for the Stroud Center’s IS internship, an opportunity she is enjoying so much that she wishes it was longer than just the summer. Kissin enjoys sewing in her free time, and she even sewed her own prom dress in high school. Her favorite rainy day activity is cooking.
Meet Cooper Reilly, ecosystems ecology intern. He is currently going into his third year at the University of Delaware, where he is studying environmental science. One fun fact about Reilly is that he took a three-week hike in the Adirondacks his freshman year of high school for leadership school. His favorite rainy day activity is working out.
Meet Jacquie Carroll, ecosystems ecology intern. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island for wildlife conservation. You may recognize Carroll, as she has interned at the Stroud Center during previous summers. A fun fact about Carroll is that her favorite animal is a panda. Her favorite rainy day activity is watching New Girl with her dog.
Meet Liam Mudgett, communications intern. He just finished his first year at Clarkson University majoring in communications, media, and design. Mudgett grew up a curious child, always wanting to know how things work. He also grew up skiing and playing video games. Mudgett enjoys snowboarding as well as playing rugby. One fun fact about Mudgett is that he likes to go on family boat rides where he water skis. Mudgett’s favorite rainy day activities are listening to music and playing video games with his friends.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for an internship, keep an eye on our Jobs page. The summer internship application period generally opens in January and closes in March.
