Internship with Wetlands Watch

Wetlands Watch, located in Norfolk, VA, is a nonprofit protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems through policy advocacy, climate resilience planning, and nature-based solutions for flooding and sea-level rise.
As a Wetlands Watch Policy Intern, I researched Virginia wetland policies (mitigation banking, marsh migration, no net loss), tracked policy updates, interviewed policymakers/organizations, wrote policy memos, and summarized case studies.
I was expected to conduct in-depth policy analysis, maintain accurate policy tracking, produce concise written deliverables, and communicate findings clearly.
My major project was composing a policy memo on flood mitigation strategies and presenting it at the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine program, contributing to statewide policy discussions.
Onboarding included clear role expectations; training provided relevant policy context; communication was collaborative and supportive across the team
A Mellon Foundation award has been very beneficial for helping me with my internship and reaching my career goals.

Project Overview

For my major internship project, I developed a policy memo on flood resilience in Norfolk’s Tidewater region, focusing on the lack of federal Coastal Storm Risk Management protections for historically marginalized, low-income, and communities of color. The memo urged Delegate Hernandez to support legislation modeled after HB 1949 and HJR 434 to explore nature-based, non-structural flood protection solutions and create a community-driven resilience planning process, with potential bipartisan backing from Delegates Michael Feggans and Jackie Glass.

My role included analyzing gaps in existing policies and previous actions by reviewing relevant bills, policy recommendations, and Norfolk City Council sessions for project updates, as well as speaking with state officials’ offices. This process required gathering information from varied sources, synthesizing findings, and framing them for policymakers. Through this, I learned how to format and address a policy memo, the distinctions between policy and academic writing, and the importance of seeking information beyond online resources to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Experience Reflection and Connection to Past.

During my internship, I discovered several potential career paths that align with my background and interests. One option is working for a nonprofit organization, where I could apply my skills to advance environmental and policy initiatives. Through networking, I connected with groups such as the Elizabeth River Project, which closely match my career goals.

I also had valuable conversations with other students from different disciplines in the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM) UPP program. I gained insight into how they aim to connect policy with their scientific expertise. Additionally, I engaged with various governmental organizations and entities, learning how their missions and work intersect with my interests in science and engineering policy. These experiences expanded my understanding of the range of roles where I could integrate my interdisciplinary background with policy advocacy

Furthermore, during my experience, I significantly enhanced my technical writing skills through the various assignments I completed. A major growth area was learning how to write in a different style for policy memo, something I had not done before as an undergraduate. This experience helped me better understand how to tailor writing for a specific audience, such as state delegates, by focusing on clarity, conciseness, and actionable recommendations. If I pursue a career in science and engineering policy, the skills I developed through my participation in the UPP program with the VASEM will be invaluable. My interdisciplinary background, combined with the ability to communicate complex policy recommendations to delegates, positions me to bridge technical expertise with legislative needs—an essential skill for advancing effective, evidence-based policy.

During my time as a volunteer, I was exposed to how technology and policy intersect with human culture and behavior. One key example came from my Intro to Engineering Information Literacy course, where I learned the importance of creating technology that is socially conscious, responsible, and inclusive. For our project, my team analyzed a past technology that lacked equity—in our case, the traditional centrifuge. We found that conventional designs were inaccessible in developing countries due to high cost, large size, heavy energy demands, and non-reusable materials. In response, we created a redesign that was environmentally friendly, lightweight, easy to assemble, and affordable.

This perspective was further shaped by my Environmental Ethics course, where I studied environmental justice and read works by authors like Robert Bullard. I learned how low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately located near landfills, chemical plants, and other hazards. This knowledge that deepened my understanding of how engineering solutions must address systemic inequities. Acting as a professional in this role means maintaining open, consistent communication, demonstrating reliability, and presenting yourself in a way that reflects the organization’s values. In my internship, I learned the importance of using communication systems like Slack to share updates, ask questions, and ensure everyone stays informed. This openness helped foster collaboration, prevent misunderstandings, and keep projects on track.

Final Thoughts

My experience has been incredibly rewarding. Engaging with other environmental nonprofits, gaining new writing skills, and expanding my knowledge in the policy sector have all been meaningful opportunities. While writing the memo presented it's challenges. Through mentorship, networking with various offices, and conducting interviews, I was able to create a successful policy recommendation to advocate for flood resilience.