UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Caroline Hunter, a senior majoring in environmental resource management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, had the opportunity to grow her knowledge of environmental policy during a summer internship with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Earlier in the academic year, she took two classes: one focused on environmental law, which she said introduced her to the DEP, and the other was focused on the Chesapeake Bay. The classes resonated with her, she said, and she aspired to find an internship that combined both interests.

“I had a personal connection with both subjects and started to look for ways to do that with the DEP,” said Hunter, of Nazareth, who also is minoring in environmental engineering and in watersheds and water resources. “An internship about policy decisions in the Chesapeake Bay area at the DEP was being advertised. It was a perfect match — I was told expressly that my previous education involving the bay was the reason I was offered the role.”

As a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Division scientific and technical intern, Hunter worked in her region on the countywide action grant program to encourage farmers to implement strategies to reduce pollution runoff into the bay.

She described the work that went into ensuring regulations were followed and maintained, including monthly meetings with county leaders to discuss the progress of implementing the policies and projects related to the bay. Her day-to-day work varied, including stream sampling in multiple counties, traveling with forestry groups to collect data on tree plantings and working on the annual data analysis report for the Harrisburg branch.

“It was amazing to work for the state since I was seeing the policy and politics at work, and being around so many people in my division gave me a great learning opportunity,” Hunter said. “I think it is an incredibly valuable experience not just for environmental sciences students, but for any kind of student if they can find the opportunity. It really gives you a great perspective on how it all works.”

Hunter noted that the highlight of the internship occurred when she had the opportunity to join other interns from across all sectors of the Capitol for the summer intern lunch at the governor’s mansion, hosted by Gov. Josh Shapiro and his team.

“I was especially inspired by Gov. Shapiro’s message about the importance of public service and his strong commitment to safeguarding clean water and preserving public lands,” Hunter said. “It was an honor to be part of a group of young professionals passionate about building a better Pennsylvania through government work, policy and leadership.”

Hunter’s internship supervisor, Katie Bates, environmental group manager for the Watershed and Accountability Administration Section within DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management, said Hunter was a joy to work with.

“This was my first year directing as a supervisor, and she brought such curiosity about how the state works in general and how all the pieces fit together,” Bates said. “It was so much fun to reevaluate our program through her eyes and really reemphasized to me how much I love to do what I do.”

Hunter was offered the chance to continue with her internship into the fall. She noted that she is the first fall intern that this branch of the organization has had and that she is excited to be given the opportunity to continue her work.

Looking ahead, Hunter plans to continue applying her knowledge throughout her academic and professional career. She credited the College of Agricultural Sciences for providing her with many opportunities to reach her professional goals, which include focusing on environmental issues through a governmental position.