As part of the UC Riverside Natural Reserves Inclusivity Internship program, undergraduate students from campuses across Southern California celebrated the conclusion of their summer internship experience with the UCR Natural Reserves on August 16.

The 10-week summer internship program paired undergraduate students from UC Riverside, Cal Poly Pomona, Citrus College, Cal State Fullerton and Mt. San Jacinto College with faculty and staff mentors from the UCR Natural Reserves. The program introduced undergraduates from a diversity of student identities, backgrounds, career interests, majors, and perspectives to many possible areas of study and careers in natural areas while building a supportive mentoring network.

“Not only do our students gain valuable research skills, and an understanding of important ongoing research, but they are also exposed to other possible careers in the conservation of natural areas,” said Kimberly Hammond, Director of the UCR Natural Reserves.

Students who participated in the internship program shared their research experiences at the NRS Inclusivity Internship celebration.

When Nahir Santiago Colon was accepted to the internship program, she questioned whether this was the right program for her. “I was hit with major imposter syndrome. I felt that I didn’t deserve it, that I was underqualified, and other people deserved it more than me. But I had amazing people who encouraged me to take a chance—and I’m glad that I did!”

After her experience, Nahir changed her major from business administration to biology and plans to pursue research. “Without this opportunity, I wouldn't have been able to discover that I could be part of a research project that could make a difference.”

Since the inception of the UCR Natural Reserve Inclusivity Internship program four years ago, students have gone on to do research in academia and careers in state and federal agencies such as the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and many others.

“This internship gave me an idea of what I want to do in the future—I am going to look into Master's programs and start applying,” shared Diego Castaneda, a student from Cal Poly Pomona. “Because of this program, I am encouraged to further my studies and expand my interest in a field that I really enjoy.”

The UC Riverside Natural Reserve Inclusivity Internship program would not be possible without the generous support of donors who help provide undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to explore natural areas.

“This was my first time stepping into this field,” said Elizabeth Alfaro, a student from Citrus College. “No one from my family went to college or graduated from high school. I am trying to figure this out and am grateful to be part of this program.”

For more information about the UC Riverside Natural Reserve Inclusivity Internship program or to help support the program, please visit the UCR Natural Reserves.