Meet INHF's Summer 2023 Office Interns
Posted on June 12, 2023 in Blog
Please join INHF in welcoming the newest additions to the office!
Greta Solbrig joins Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation's communications team this summer to further her aspirations in both scientific and creative writing.
Greta will be a senior at St. Ambrose University, studying biology, environmental studies and global business. Finding passion for environmental advocacy at a young age, she sees the importance of effective environmental communication in both academia and industry. She hopes this internship will help develop these communication skills and propel her into a career of conservation, whether that be through scientific research or further work through non-profit organizations.
“While my educational background emphasizes scientific pieces, I have a strong affinity for the creativity in various media, primarily writing,” said Greta. “Experiencing an aspect of the environment and then being able to describe it in such a way that evokes emotion in the reader is such an amazing experience.”
Greta has a background in scientific research through a summer undergraduate program at Tufts University where she assisted in the study of temperature stress and effect on honeybee brood. She is the President of the St. Ambrose University environmental club, advocate for environmental issues within the Ambrosians for Peace and Justice leadership team and a member of the St. Ambrose campus sustainability committee.
“I am so grateful to the communications team for allowing me to play a role in their work and giving me the opportunity to learn from people who are actively safeguarding biodiversity for generations to come!” Contact Greta at gsolbrig@inhf.org.
Lily is joining INHF this summer as the Conservation Programs Intern. In her role, she will write grants to help secure funding for conservation projects, such as prairie preservation and trail building across the state of Iowa.
“This summer, I am excited to help Iowa communities build or develop trails that are safe and accessible for everyone. I'm also excited to connect with other people who are passionate about conservation and learn more about native plants and the work that goes into conserving them.”
Lily is from Pella, Iowa, and is a junior at Iowa State University, studying biology and horticulture. She has experience in these fields through her previous work with Reiman Gardens and Iowa State University Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Communications.
“Having grown up a short walk away from Lake Red Rock and the beautiful parks and trails that surround it, I know just how essential and formative accessible outdoor spaces can be. My interest in nature and biology comes from spending a lot of time outside as a young person, and I love what I do with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation because it gives me the opportunity to help provide that same experience for others.”
Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, Lily plans to pursue graduate school. Her interests are primarily centered in plant and ecosystem research, and she is interested in work regarding both research and communications. Contact Lily at
lpumphrey@inhf.org.
Madeline Shumaker, who began in the Spring as INHF's graphic design intern, has also stayed on to work through the summer. Learn more about INHF’s internship opportunities here.