Research Aide internship. by Ashlee Streete
May 13, 2026
Open gallery
From February 2nd to May 13th, I worked with Dr.Jackson as a Research Aide. I worked on several different projects, from the Native Plant Garden to the new Commons Experimental Forest. I have also helped to finalize data collected by previous interns working in the Blind Brook Restoration area. The highlight of my internship was when I worked with Community Reforestation interns on the community reforestation project. We grew plants for the nursery, cut vines in Commons forest, and tended to the Native Plant Garden. Unfortunately, I didn’t go out to the project site with them very much, but I made many resources they used to document the area. These projects helped me to build my skills in ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Pro, and Microsoft Excel. I also gained experience developing tabling activities, contributing to working groups, and attending conferences and webinars. I even got to drive the gator! Just 2 years ago, I did my first-ever internship as an Invasive Species intern, with little to no experience going in. I felt that I wouldn’t be able to contribute much to the Purchase Community. Now that time has passed, I know my younger self would be in disbelief with all the things I’ve done. I can now say that my past self had nothing to worry about. This has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime!