Mosaics in Science

03/12/2024

Meet Kta’n Weeden, a Mosaics in Science intern, who spent his summer at Cape Cod National Seashore as a Biology Assistant!

During his summer, Kta’n enjoyed seeing the different ecosystems in Cape Cod, especially surveying eelgrass and marine wildlife. Being a local, it was important for him, his tribe, and the people who live in Cape Cod to be restoring the ecosystem, and it was exciting because he grew up loving the ocean!

📸: Kta’n Weeden working in Cape Cod for the National Park Service. (1)
📸: Eel Grass and Cape Cod Bay. (2)
Read about his adventure here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/2024/06/ktan-weeden-aquatic-ecologist-intern-introduction/

11/11/2024

Meet Simon Aceto, an interpretive assistant with Mosaics in Science, completing his internship at Mt. Rainier! His internship at Mt. Rainer has been nothing short of an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, learning, and building connections.

The highlight of his experience has been engaging with visitors and being able to have a positive impact on their experience at the park.

Make sure to read all about his experience here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/saceto/

📸: Simon hiking Deadhorse Creek Trail. (1)
📸: Simon next to Mt. Rainier. (2)
📸: Breathtaking view of Myrtle Falls. (3)

05/11/2024

Allison Munayila-Bohorquez, a Mosaics in Science intern, completed her summer program at Mount Rainier National Park!

One of the highlights of her internship was taking an overnight expedition that unveiled views of Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens. While the views were great they were not the only thing that was exciting for Allison. As a Biology Assistant, she was in awe of the flora and fauna of the park as well.

📸: Allison on the Skyline Trail to Panama Point. (1)
📸: A hike well worth the view at the K**b. (2)
📸: Beautiful views of Lake George. (3)
Read about Allison’s summer here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/amunaylla/

28/10/2024

Meet Gabriella Silva, a Biology Assistant at Yosemite National Park, and an intern with Environment for the Americas.
During her internship, she has been grateful to be a part of the largest restoration in Yosemite’s history! One of the highlights from her program has been participating on the Turtle Crew, a group that clears the area before machinery is brought onto the field.
With interns like Gabriella, we can ensure that the wildlife of National Parks are safe, and work towards a better future!
Catchup with Gabriella's journey here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/gsilva/

📸: Gabriella working as a member of the Turtle Crew. (1)
📸: Gabriella during her visit to Toad Island. (2)
📸: 3 turtles Gabriella removed from danger. (3)

22/10/2024

Catchup with Evan Cerna, a Mosaics in Science intern who recently finished his internship as a paleontology assistant at Waco Mammoth National Monument (WMNM).

Throughout the summer, Evan found fossils, educated children, and learned valuable skills that he will take into his career. The highlight of his program was participating in STEMfest, and carrying around massive replica bones with the sole purpose of getting people interested in his site and fossils. He had fun talking about a subject he was passionate about, and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.



📸: Evan behind the WMNM booth with a fossil replica. (1)
📸: Evan teaching a kid about dinosaurs. (2)
📸: Evan showing some kids a camel fossil. (3)
Read about Evan’s summer here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/ecerna/

16/10/2024

Amanda Hernandez, a Natural Resource Assistant, has been working in Death Valley National Park with Environment for the Americas!

So far, the highlight of her adventure has been participating in aquatic surveys, and protecting endangered species. She stated that “Death Valley is flourishing with life, and I am so honored I get the privilege to enjoy it!”

Keep up with Amanda's journey here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/amandahernandez/

📸: Amanda’s first day in Death Valley. (1)
📸: Amanda standing next to a Joshua Tree. (2)
📸: The Devil’s Hole Pupfish. (3)

09/10/2024

Meet Rachel Jalbert (she/they), a Mosaics in Science intern who recently finished her program at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

One of Rachel's most impressive accomplishments was assisting with tabling at the Akron pride event. She engaged the public with a conservancy table where the theme was “Nature is Queer.” This event serves as a great example of how parks can do outreach with people outside the park, and make everyone feel welcomed.

Read about Rachel’s entire summer here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/rjalbert/

📸: Ray Jalbert taking morphometrics of male bobolink. (1)
📸: Ray Jalbert tabling at the Akron pride event. (2)
📸: Red-wing blackbird fledgling in banders grip. (3)

08/10/2024

Catchup with Anita Garg, a Biology Assistant at !

Recently, Anita enjoyed a hike on the Ireland Creek Trail. The ascent was tough, especially with the altitude and research gear, but the spectacular scenery at the lake made the climb well worth it.

Anita marveled at Yosemite’s beauty and observed plant and animal species, blending adventure with discovery. The hike was a perfect mix of challenge and reward, reinforcing her passion for nature and biology.

Make sure to stay tuned for more of her adventures here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/author/agarg/

27/09/2024

Catch up with Alexis Rodriguez, a Biology Assistant Intern at Congaree National Park! As her summer comes to a close, Alexis reflects on an unforgettable season filled with hard work, learning, and growth.
The days spent conducting surveys and research, although challenging, were incredibly rewarding. The highlight of her summer was finding joy in seeing the faces of her visitors light up when she told them facts they didn’t know or how as an individual they can help restore natural places.
As her time at Congaree National Park winds down, Alexis feels a deep sense of accomplishment and excitement for what’s next. The experience solidified her love for environmental science, and she’s eager to continue her journey in conservation.
📸: Alexis learning insect pinning.
📸: Alexis handing out flashlights for the firefly viewing experience.

25/09/2024

Evan Cerna, a Mosaics in Science intern, spent his summer at Waco Mammoth National Monument (WMNM) as a paleontology assistant! During his internship, Evan was working with WMNM fossils inside a dig site and learned how to be comfortable with the objects he idolized as a kid.

The highlight of the internship for Evan was gaining invaluable experience in his dream field of fossil preservation and paleontological research. He is now excited to start a new journey in graduate school, and will pursue a future in working on dinosaurs. He may even pursue more roles with the National Park Service!
📸: Evan holding a fossil at Waco Mammoth National Monument
📸: Evan uncovering fossils in the site’s Dig Shelter
Read more about it here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/2024/08/extinction/

16/09/2024

Sophia Britto, a Mosaics in Science intern, spent her summer exploring the deep history and natural beauty of Glacier National Park. Sophia discovered the science and rich cultural heritage that make national parks so much more than just tourist destinations.

One of the highlights of her time at Glacier was hearing creation stories from the Kootenai and Blackfoot nations, which offered her a profound perspective on the timeless significance of this land. Her journey was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in preserving these natural treasures.

Read more here: https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/2024/08/hands-on-experiences/

📸: A picture of Sophia in front of Grinnell Glacier!
📸: Grinnell Lake seen on the way up to Grinnell Glacier

10/09/2024