Jacob Henretta 27 is putting his ecology major to work in the field of engineering through a summer internship with an architecture, engineering and consulting firm.
In his role at Larson Design Group, Henretta transposes field notes into formal data sheets to be processed and assessed and also assists in wetland delineations, site visits and geographical information systems efforts. The position duties primarily focus on GIS, a topic that sparked Henrettas interest when he took a class on the subject.
My classes in environmental science have given me skills to assess the environment in ways that can help limit human impacts while studying ecology has given me the perspective of the organisms, Henretta reflected. Doing a wetland delineation in an area where a pipeline is planned helps not only the company, but also any organisms that might call that wetland their home.
Skills from classes in GIS, soil science, geology and ecosystems helped Henretta apply his academic knowledge to a hands-on experience.
I have learned how to communicate in effective ways with those around me and especially with those I look up to, Henretta said. There are projects and labs in which I had to collaborate with peers and there were also times when I had to figure things out myself. This helped to develop a drive in me that, combined with the knowledge I have, will help me succeed in my current internship as well as my future career.
The Punxsutawney native learned about the geo-environmental internship from Ann Czeponis, director of environmental education and internships at 做厙TV.
