GEORGIA COUNTY INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Print this Article | Send to Colleague
Before interning with Cobb County, University of New Mexico biology major Anna Wampler had extensive experience with environmental volunteer work to support Georgia's natural landscape. An internship with Cobb County Water System's Stream Monitoring Program was a perfect fit for Wampler, who played a key role in efforts to protect county waterways and aquatic ecosystems. During their internship, Wampler worked alongside county aquatic biologists to support the stream monitoring program. The program aims to ensure the health of local rivers, lakes, and streams. Wampler worked extensively in the field, using advanced equipment to collect key data such as stream flow, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and more. They also analyzed data in the lab and conducted testing for E. coli, nutrient levels, and suspended solids.
 |
Before interning with Cobb County, University of New Mexico biology major Anna Wampler had extensive experience with environmental volunteer work to support Georgia's natural landscape. An internship with Cobb County Water System's Stream Monitoring Program was a perfect fit for Wampler, who played a key role in efforts to protect county waterways and aquatic ecosystems. During their internship, Wampler worked alongside county aquatic biologists to support the stream monitoring program. The program aims to ensure the health of local rivers, lakes, and streams. Wampler worked extensively in the field, using advanced equipment to collect key data such as stream flow, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and more. They also analyzed data in the lab and conducted testing for E. coli, nutrient levels, and suspended solids.
In addition to stream monitoring work, Wampler also took part in habitat assessments and conducted fish samples to assess the health of stream ecosystems. Through electrofishing surveys, Wampler identified a range of native species, including redeye bass, Coosa shiners, and southern brook lampreys.
At the conclusion of their internship, Wampler prepared a presentation on their experience and the results of their studies. Reflecting on their time with the county, Wampler noted, “It was a great experience. I got to learn a lot about local government and the environmental compliance work they do. I met so many great people and learned amazing things from them.”
 |
Nick Stephens took on a unique challenge through his internship with the stormwater department in Henry County. Stephens, an accounting major at Kennesaw State University, pushed himself beyond his major to explore a brand-new field. Mary Hernandez, a stormwater engineer with Henry County, initially planned to recruit an engineering student for the role. But Stephens’ strong math background and curiosity stood out, and Hernandez was quickly impressed with his performance.
Over the summer, Stephens participated firsthand in pond inspections and water samplings at sites across the county, collecting and cataloging key indicators of water cleanliness. He also learned project management skills and helped track projects in the stormwater department. He had the opportunity to shadow project managers, field citizen calls, and observe how other county departments, such as planning and zoning, transportation, and code enforcement, collaborate to solve issues.
One highlight from Stephens’ internship was attending a code enforcement hearing. During the hearing, he gained insight into how local policies are enforced and addressed. In addition to developing technical skills in water sampling, Stephens learned about the broad scope of county government. He brought a fresh perspective to the stormwater department, leaving with new skills and an understanding that his talents can translate across different fields. Though he is committed to his path in accounting, he would consider a career in county government in the future.
 |
Carter Strickland, a mechanical engineering student at Georgia Tech, spent his summer interning in the engineering department in Glynn County. Although Strickland had no prior experience or familiarity with county government operations, he quickly learned the responsibilities and importance of counties, particularly regarding the environment. Strickland worked on a project to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites – properties in the county with environmental contamination.
Glynn County identified 23 brownfield sites at various stages of remediation around the county. During his internship, Strickland worked to evaluate and map each location, determine their contamination status, and explore how they could be repurposed or reused in the future. He used his work over the summer to develop a final research paper that documents the status of the county’s brownfield sites and details his findings. Reflecting on the internship experience, Strickland sees his final report as one of his most significant successes.
Strickland says that his favorite part of the internship was “the freedom and creativity I was able to express in my research, and the ability to gain as much knowledge about government work as I wanted.” In addition to his technical work, he also experienced firsthand how county departments such as engineering, code enforcement, and planning work together to serve residents. Looking toward the future, Strickland knows that he will be able to carry the skills and experience with him through the rest of college and into his career.
To learn more about the GCIP, please visit our website at https://www.accg.org/caf_index.php.
