This summer Sound Rivers welcomed Katie McQuillan, an Environmental Science major at UNC Chapel Hill, to the Lower Neuse and Duncan Anderson, an Environmental Technology and Management Major at NC State, to the Tar-Pamlico as Water Quality Interns. For three months they coordinated our Swim Guide program, mapped sewage system overflows in the state, kept watch of sediment runoff from local construction sites, and helped communicate with landowners for our dam removal program.

We truly enjoyed working with both Katie and Duncan! Here’s what they had to say about working with us:

Duncan:

“Working with Sound Rivers gave me a fantastic opportunity to better understand one of our state’s most valued estuaries and the communities that rely on it day in and day out. I’ve been able to meet so many residents of the area through our volunteers, and a strong understanding of current issues facing the coastal environment in North Carolina.”

Katie:

“My favorite part of this internship was that every day was different and exciting. Since most Swim Guide work was focused towards the end of the week, I had time to work on other projects as well and see a more comprehensive picture of Sound Rivers’ work. This also allowed me to build on other skills such as GIS, data management, and grant writing. In addition, as the Swim Guide intern I was given actual responsibility and freedom to manage my part of the program, which made me learn faster and take more away from the experience.”

Check out their Behind the Scenes video to learn more about the Swim Guide program they helped launch!