Although all my work is behind a computer screen, I have gotten to meet so many new people during this internship. The DFP coordinators have been encouraging us to network and connect with others, whether it be with FWS employees or other DFP interns. Probably one of the coolest networking opportunities that I have been able to do is conduct informational interviews with different FWS employees. Hearing about all the different jobs there are within the service and the journeys these people experienced is inspiring. Connecting with other interns has also been a big highlight of the DFP. Getting to hear about the variety of projects taking place and sharing ideas as well as frustrations has been very encouraging and reassuring throughout this whole process.
With only a few more weeks until the end of this internship, it is crazy to think about how everything has played out. Although I have not been able to meet everyone in-person or travel as planned, this has been such a great opportunity for me to learn, network, and meet new people. Despite the distance between all of us, it is awesome how we can still stay connected and share our passion for wildlife, conservation, and science.
A Quick Project Update:
I have finished the first drafts of the Rapid Species Status Assessments for both the MPB and LVBP. I have put both documents into a PowerPoint format and have also created some occurrence maps for both species using Geographic Informational System software. The week of July 20, 2020, I helped the FWS's Sacramento Regional office At-Risk Species Team facilitate two four-hour-long meetings and presented these PowerPoints. It was nerve-racking speaking in front of scientific experts and land managers, but it was such an amazing experience. I have another presentation coming up the week of the 27th, where I will present my project along with other DFPs who also have pollinator focused projects, to the FWS’s Pollinator Advisory Team.
Until next time (my last blog post), remember to stay safe and bee kind,
Lea Crisostomo
Photo: My daily video call with my supervisor Kat Powelson and fellow Sacramento Regional Office DFP At-Risk Species intern Nina Tortosa.
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service - DFP
Location: Sacramento Regional Office