Three University of Georgia Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars are interning this spring with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant as part of their yearlong commitment to service-learning initiatives. The Student Scholars program, run by the Office of Service-Learning, engages undergraduate students with PSO’s mission to improve communities and the daily lives of Georgians. The program provides service opportunities for students to further their career and educational goals and creates a community of students who understand the role of university outreach and engagement.
Katie Sanders, a biological sciences major from Watkinsville, Ga., says she serves because she enjoys having an active role in helping communities become better places to live. After graduation, she plans to work before pursuing a graduate degree in conservation ecology or environmental conservation. Through this internship, she hopes contribute to research focused on environmental health.
Ashley Wilson, a biology major from Snellville, Ga., wants to conduct research that is beneficial to coastal communities. In particular, she is interested in conservation research for freshwater mussels. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in marine or stream research, preferably in Georgia.
Parker Bray, a journalism and geography major from Columbus, Ga., says he hopes that his interest and skill in writing, coding and geographic information systems will allow him to engage in service across many disciplines. He says environmental law or community development may be in his future. He says he believes in being a small cog in a larger machine to make positive impacts.
Paul Brooks, associate vice president of UGA Public Service and Outreach, and several PSO Student Scholars enjoy shucking and eating fresh oysters.