Name: Sylvie Downin

Pronouns: She/her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2023

Major: Geography & Environmental Systems 

Current Class Level: Junior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): US Geological Survey through Virtual Student Federal Service 

Title of position: Student Intern

For the 2023-24 school year I am interning with the US Geological Survey through Virtual Student Federal Service.  I have been researching the ecology and geography of National Parks to be shown on the USGS website.  I just recently finished my first write-up on New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and am now beginning Catoctin Mountain Park.  Since the internship is completely virtual, I check in with a mentor every week, who guides me through the writing and research process. 

I had heard about VSFS through social media and applied over the summer to one of their internships.  There were so many to choose from-lots of opportunities! 

LinkedIn or other social media

I get to research the places I want to travel to and obtain college credit at the same time. 

I hope to educate folks on the little parts of National Parks that go unnoticed, like flora, fauna, rocks, minerals, etc. 

A virtual internship gives you great experiences while still allowing you to focus mainly on your school work.  Do not overlook a virtual internship just because it’s virtual.

I enjoy getting to work independently to produce information for the public.  Educating the public on the importance of our environment is vital.