Past station interns | College of Biological Sciences

Cassidy Berg, 2026

Where are they now?

Currently an undergraduate student at UMN-Twin Cities majoring in Forest and Natural Resource Management and minoring in Geographic Information Systems

Testimonial

My time at Itasca was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience of living, learning, and working in a place where diverse fields of study meet and engage together in meaningful research and discovery. It allowed me to learn hands-on field skills out in the wilderness around the State Park while also connecting me with researchers, professors, other students, visitors to the park, and professionals in natural resource fields. Being able to make these connections and broaden my skill set has provided me with an invaluable experience.

Ian Coffman, 2024

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from UMN-Twin Cities

Where are they now?

Working at the Metropolitan Council as a Water Resources Technician

Testimonial

My summer as an intern at Itasca was an incredibly rewarding experience where I was able to enjoy living in a gorgeous state park and gain experience in a wide variety of natural resources fields. This time, exploring different fields, interacting with researchers, and gaining experience was instrumental in deciding what I wanted to do to start my post-grad career.

Lou Hoff, 2023

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Plant and Microbial Biology from UMN-Twin Cities

Where are they now?

Master's student in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia, studying the long-term effects of disturbance on soil

Testimonial

My time at Itasca gave me the confidence I needed to say yes to many of the things I have done post-graduation. Being exposed to so many different kinds of research (and different types of researchers!) helped me realize how broad the world of science is and how I can fit into it.

Madelyn Cloutier, 2022

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from UMN-Twin Cities

Where are they now?

Completed the Graduate Naturalist Training Program at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and working as a seasonal tour guide at Soudan Underground Mine State Park and Wind Cave National Park

Testimonial

At IBSL, I learned practical skills right along with broader takeaways like seeing how working outdoors can go hand in hand with research, science communication, education, and community. My time at the station had a direct influence on my path moving forward, and the experiences and connections I gained while there were truly invaluable.

Cole Thompson, 2021

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from UMN-Twin Cities

Where are they now?

Working as a consulting arborist with The Davey Tree Expert Company out of the South Minneapolis office to help clients maintain the health of their trees and shrubs throughout their landscape and in the urban environment.

Testimonial

The opportunity to intern at IBSL was my first introduction to Minnesota's Northwoods and fostered my passion for forestry, which would eventually lead me to begin my career as an arborist. IBSL exposed me to a diverse field of study, such as hydrology, forest ecology and animal behavior, among others, for which I am thankful for getting me started. For students looking to chart their course in an environmental field and build a network with students with a shared enthusiasm for our world, IBSL is the best starting point you can get.

Benton Fry, 2019

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from UMN-Twin Cities

Where are they now?

Finishing a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Texas A&M University, studying niche partitioning of sympatric peacock bass species in Guyana

Testimonial

Being the IBSL summer intern was my first real introduction to the scientific community. I was exposed to the diversity of field biology subjects that inspired me to pursue a career as an ecologist. It was a great place to get hands-on experience while also building a network that jump-started the path I am on today.

Lydia Winkler, 2018

UMN degree(s) earned

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from UMN-Morris

Where are they now?

Working as the Operations Associate at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Testimonial

As an IBSL intern, I enjoyed the tight-knit community and refined what I wanted my career to look like. The wide variety of work and leisure opportunities kept me engaged all summer and helped me discover the kind of work environment where I thrive. It led me down the path to my current position at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve, where I support field researchers through an operations position, which is an ideal work environment for me.