Challenging, Fulfilling and Focused on Making a Difference
Max Carfrey '27 (left) sets up cameras in a cow barn to observe bovine behavior. Molly Butts '27 (right) cares for wildlife at a conservation center.
Students complete high-skill internships in conservation, sustainability
Students passionate about conservation, resource management and sustainable development and natural resources explored meaningful career paths through summer 2025 internships. They say the skills, experiences and connections they gained helped them begin a new academic year with a deeper understanding of possible paths ahead and a renewed confidence.
On campus, students worked as research and traditional interns within academic and technology departments, the Center for Global Study & Engagement, the Center for Sustainability Education and the College Farm.
At the farm, Max Carfrey ’26 (environmental studies) conducted student-faculty research on air quality in a naturally ventilated barn and the behaviors of cows who are housed there. Working alongside Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Wande Benka-Coker, he set up CCTV cameras, viewed footage, coded cow behaviors and used software to analyze the data.
“Our goal was to look for trends among aggressive and passive behaviors associated with periods of higher levels of pollutants,” says Carfrey, who plans to co-present findings at a conference in October. “It was challenging and fulfilling, and it cemented my passion for work in the environmental field.”
Eva Hanlin ’27 (environmental studies, political science) combined lessons learned in both of her majors as a food-safety intern at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Other off-campus internships included an environmental-policy internship at Airbus Defense and Space, an environmental-services summer position at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and a renewables and a natural-resources internship at Rosewood Tower Consulting.
Molly Butts ’27 (biology) put her life-science knowledge to work in an internship that combined her interests in biology and in protecting the natural world. As a summer intern at the New England Wildlife Center, Butts cared for critters that are part of the center’s educational programs. She also provided care for young and orphaned wildlife and animals being tested for avian flu, attended veterinary appointments, and observed animal surgeries.
Butts especially enjoyed discussing future possibilities with professionals and fellow interns who share her passion for animal rehabilitation. Asked for advice for fellow students considering internships, she says it’s important to put oneself out there.
“It can be nerve-racking starting an internship, but putting your whole self into it is so rewarding,” says Butts. “Even if you find out that the work you’re doing isn’t something you want to continue, the knowledge you will gain is very valuable.”
For Katelyn Pequeno ’27 (environmental science, law & policy), a watershed-protection internship at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey, Mich., was part of an ongoing journey of discovery and support that began during her first semester.
“At Dickinson, I’m encouraged to not only explore areas that I am interested in but also areas I had never thought of before,” Pequeno says. “It’s broadened my education … and it’s allowed me to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world around me.”
Check out more internship news and learn more about Dickinson's Center for Career Development.
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Published October 6, 2025