NRF’s Diversity in Conservation Internship (DICI) program makes learning about and gaining experience in conservation more accessible. How would I know? Well, I was fortunate to be a part of it in 2024. Now, I’m working for NRF again as a communications intern this summer. Before I introduce you to the 2026 DICI cohort, here’s what I experienced in the program and how it benefitted me.
Meeting the organizations
My name is Jamie Kollman, and my DICI internship paired me with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). My internship was specifically in wildlife management, which at first I knew nothing about. I interned at the DNR office on St Paul Ave in Milwaukee. There, I met regularly with DNR Wildlife Educator Jessica Knackert, who I am still in touch with today.
We spent the first few days of the internship at Kemp Natural Resources Station in Oneida County, Wisconsin. The cohort spent the extended weekend learning about each other and our internship placements, NRF, and Wisconsin’s history of conservation. We even received a lesson on how to build a fire with no matches!
The 2024 DICI cohort at Kemp Station, moments before exploring the bog in the correct way… barefoot. Photo by Emma Schatz.
After that, every week looked different. I spent most of the summer driving to different field locations in southeastern Wisconsin to learn about and participate in various conservation programs carried out by the DNR. In the process, I met several biologists, wildlife technicians, educators, and other DNR staff. Everyone was very friendly and patient with my many questions. Of course, I brought my camera along with me, too.
Jamie with her camera at Richard Bong State Recreation Area at sunset, before an evening of bird banding. Photo by Jaeden Carrasquillo.
A hands-on experience
The “wildlife management” part showed itself most obviously when it came to bird banding. I had no prior experience in banding and did not really know what it meant. I was given a pair of waders… “For your protection,” I was told. Then, I was handed a big piece of fabric screen and told to stay quiet. The goose wrangling was beginning. It started with corralling the birds into a confined area, where a biologist would join them. Somehow, I was trusted to handle the geese and carry them football-style between biologists and release them.
Canada Geese, corralled into a makeshift pen, anxiously awaiting their fate (banding). Photo by Jamie Kollman.
In addition to bird banding, I also worked on invasive species management via herbicide application, chainsaw operation, aquatic plant and bird surveys, environmental education, and outreach. Throughout the internship, I was offered many opportunities to meet people involved in different environmental projects, both inside and outside of the DNR. I was able to board the UW-Milwaukee research vessel, the Neeskay, with another DICI member, Alana Fisher, and Lamont Smith of The Nature Conservancy. Here, we learned how researchers collect water samples and use remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to look at quagga mussels on shipwrecks in Lake Michigan. Additionally, I met with a DNR Communications Specialist and an Organic Waste Management Specialist to discuss what their jobs are like and the challenges they face, because I am particularly interested in sustainability and communications.
What I learned
Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from the internship is that curiosity is a strength of mine. If you’re curious about something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Being curious about marine conservation research got me onto a boat looking at shipwrecks. Being curious about crane conservation got me into a local government meeting about wildlife management laws. Being curious about environmental education allowed me to write my own class about waste diversion and work with children.
Aboard UW-Milwaukee’s research vessel, The Neeskay, The Nature Conservancy staff and UW-Milwaukee ROV operator observe a shipwreck at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Photo by Jamie Kollman.
The DICI experience also included lessons by NRF staff in professionalism and networking. They introduced us to different kinds of conservation work and how they are all connected. Even as someone who had already worked a little in conservation, I still felt like I left this internship with a stronger sense of what I wanted to contribute to the world of conservation. And, I felt more confident in my skills. I am most grateful for the connections this opportunity led me to, as they continue to benefit me to this day.
Now that I have a more focused lens for sharing conservation stories, I am excited to get started in my new role as a communications intern with NRF. I look forward to writing, photographing, and filming more stories and showcasing the importance of conservation and the accessibility to these experiences.
Written by Jamie Kollman, communications intern
Meet this year’s interns!
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s Diversity in Conservation Internship Program provides meaningful, paid experiences for undergraduates interested in careers in natural resource conservation. The goals of this cohort-based program are to introduce students to the field of conservation and its career pathways, and to help strengthen the knowledge and skills of program participants to meet the need for diverse professionals in Wisconsin’s conservation field.
This year we are hosting ten interns, who are paired with Wisconsin conservation organizations for internship experiences. Additionally, interns receive weekly programming and attend field trips to connect them to Wisconsin’s natural resources and future career opportunities in conservation.
Let’s meet the 2026 Diversity in Conservation Internship cohort!
Oscar Cheng (she/he) is going into their senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an environmental science and computer science major. Growing up in the suburbs of New York and now living in rural Missouri, they have always admired nature and wildlife. Specifically, they are interested in the conservation of forests and the soil underneath. Oscar’s bucket list includes taking up as many hobbies as possible, exploring every national park and forest, listening to every music genre, and travelling the world. Additionally, he spends his free time road tripping, hiking, skateboarding, collaging, and hosting a radio show. They are excited to further get their foot in the door in conservation, deepen their understanding, and learn new ways to improve the science. This summer, they look forward to working with the UW-Arboretum and meeting many like-minded people.
Kaitlyn Lund (they/she) is going into their fourth year at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying conservation and environmental science, and geography. They grew up in San Diego, California and loved spending time outdoors through participation in Girl Scouts and Scouting America. While in college, they have greatly enjoyed conducting undergraduate research within multiple fields of study. They hope to continue doing conservation research as a career. At UWM, they are an officer of Conservation Club and Mycological Society at UWM. Their favorite mushroom is the cat’s tongue fungi (pseudohydnum gelatinosum)! In their free time, Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, reading, and playing the banjo. Kaitlyn is looking forward to gaining more field work experience and learning about Milwaukee’s diverse wildlife while working with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee this summer!
Kate Lund (she/her) will be a senior this fall, studying biology and environmental studies with a focus on botany and horticulture at Lawrence University. Kate is originally from Hudson, Wisconsin, and enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, reading, playing clarinet, and knitting. Additionally, she loves to visit gardens and parks and has past work experience as a Horticulture Intern for the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. Also, she serves as an Apiary and Orchard director on the Sustainable Lawrence University Garden (SLUG) board. Kate is looking forward to starting her internship with the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory.
Aileena Ilanderage (she/her) is entering her junior year at University of Wisconsin-Madison, double majoring in wildlife ecology and environmental studies. Aileena grew up in Evansville, Wisconsin. She is involved in UW-Madison’s Wildlife Society & Zoological Society. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, exploring new hiking spots with her dogs, and cooking. And, she enjoys spending time with friends & family. She loves to travel and is passionate about endangered species conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. This summer, Aileena is excited to connect and collaborate with fellow interns and conservation professionals. She is also looking forward to applying what she’s learned in the classroom to meaningful ecological projects with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.
Maya Ivanova (she/her) is a rising senior at UW-Madison majoring in environmental science. She was raised on the east side of Madison and spent a lot of time visiting local nature preserves with family. She has gained a deeper appreciation for the surrounding ecology of the Midwest and the ways humans interact with these spaces. During the school year, she volunteers at the Wisconsin Tibetan Language and Culture School and works with patrons at the MERIT Library Public Service Desk. Additionally, she hosts her show at the UW-Madison student radio. Outside of school she loves to write songs, travel, buy plants, bike and go to concerts with friends. She was taught to stay curious and compassionate as she grew up and is very excited to apply these values while learning more about research, habitat restoration and crane conservation through her position at the International Crane Foundation this summer.
Tarynn Lassiter (she/her) is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying ecology and conservation. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, reading manga, and losing at trivia every week. Born in Milwaukee, Tarynn is excited to spend time with Wehr Nature Center this summer. She hopes to learn lots more about Wisconsin’s wildlife. She loves bees but shares an interest for all pollinators. Through this internship, Tarynn hopes to apply concepts learned in class in addition to acquiring new skills.
Alexander Martinez (he/they) is a rising junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He intends to double major in biochemistry and environmental sciences. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alex is interested in conservation, wildlife and zoology. In his free time, Alex enjoys reading, listening to music and drawing. This summer, Alex is excited to work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Milwaukee State Parks and learn about natural recreation, environmental education, and more!
Aaleeyah Padela (she/her) is entering her junior year at UW-Madison majoring in environmental science as well as geology & geophysics. She is also pursuing certificates in geospatial data science, Arabic, and public policy. She currently works as a research assistant in a paleoecology lab on campus. Aaleeyah is from Brookfield, Wisconsin, and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, especially with friends! In her free time, she enjoys drawing, lifting, embroidery, and listening to various subgenres of metal. She’s very passionate about climate activism and education and is excited to learn more about conservation and environmental policy through this internship experience. This summer, Aaleeyah will be working with the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.
Isaac Ruby (they/he) is finishing his junior year at Lawrence University, studying environmental science and ceramics. He’s from Chicago and the Indiana Dunes. Isaac loves his many books and houseplants, singing, cooking, and taking long walks outside, where he stops at every cool plant to take a photo. He’s passionate about meaningful science communication and sustainable urban green space design. Isaac is looking forward to this summer at Holy Wisdom Monastery learning more about prairie restoration and working the garden.
Ellyn Suske-Funk (she/her) is going into her senior year at Lawrence University in Appleton and is pursuing majors in biology and French and francophone studies. She was born and raised in Washburn, Wisconsin and loved growing up near Lake Superior. She enjoys amateur rock climbing, art classes, travel, and spending time with family and friends. Ellyn is a co-founder of the LU Francophone club and is involved with the Lawrence chapter of the Food Recovery Network. She is excited to work with The Nature Conservancy this summer. She is looking forward to learning more about different aspects of conservation work, getting out in the field, and connecting with interns and staff!
Partnerships
This is our sixth year of the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program, and we are incredibly grateful to our many partners, including our academic partners Lawrence University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Our host organizations include Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Wehr Nature Center, The Nature Conservancy – Milwaukee Program, International Crane Foundation, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Milwaukee State Parks.
Donate
You can help provide a meaningful experience for future cohorts of interns in the Diversity in Conservation Internship Program by making a donation to the program online here. Thank you to We Energies Foundation, Schlecht Family Foundation, Fund for Lake Michigan, and NRF’s members for supporting this program.
40 years of conservation
Throughout the Foundation’s 40 years, we have prioritized getting more people into the field of conservation. From 2007-2010, our WisConservation Corps AmeriCorps program trained up-and-coming conservation professionals. The Corps was one of our earliest programs to support young conservationists, providing $900,000 in conservation impact. The program helped many established conservation professionals at the DNR, nonprofits, etc. get their start. Today, we continue to support the next generation of conservationists through programs like our Diversity in Conservation Internship.