We are so excited to announce our 2025 interns for the Climate Resilience Network! These interns will spend the summer working alongside scientists and other professionals to study impacts of climate change, develop solutions, and create materials that educate Marylanders about our state’s ecology. Look forward to their posters demonstrating their research methods, results, and interpretations of those results, which will be available at the end of the summer.
Meet Sam
Sam Brown is a senior studying Geology. She is working with Dr. Karen Prestegaard to study how changing water levels in the Chesapeake Bay watershed impact flood risks and the morphology of estuaries. She also hopes to gain a deeper understanding of surface watershed processes and how to monitor them in the field.
Some of Sam’s research interests include geomorphology, hydrology, and the geochemistry of natural waters. Sam likes kayaking, birding, and playing the guitar.
Meet Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sanford is a sophomore studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. They are working with mentor Jennifer Collins to develop a card game about environmental issues in Maryland for secondary students. Elizabeth hopes to grow as a designer, design a game that is visually appealing and can be used effectively as a teaching resource.
Elizabeth’s research interests include climate and air quality research and advocacy, planetary science, and severe weather. They also like to draw and sing, and is learning how to play the guitar.
Meet Maria
Maria Stepanyan is a sophomore studying Public Health Science and Business Management. She is working with mentor Michael Maddox and hopes to hone her data analysis and research skills while making an impact on the communities she serves.
Some of Maria’s research interests include global health, health impacts of climate change on underserved communities, and health education. She also likes to sing, read, and hike.
Meet Donovan
Donovan Fry is a sophomore studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. He is working with Dr. James Hyde to collect weather data from Mesonet’s more than 20 sites installed throughout Maryland. Donovan also hopes to gain hands-on experience in the meteorology workforce.
Some of Donovan’s research interests include predictability and model accuracy of severe weather patterns; verification and public perception of SPC convective outlooks; and the impact of radar holes on severe weather warning accuracies.
Meet Bethlehem
Bethlehem Tadesse is a senior studying Chemistry. She is working with Dr. Farquhar to study methane production in water. Bethlehem hopes to apply the knowledge she gained in her classes to her work in the research lab.
Bethlehem’s research interests are methane production in water and its impact on society. She also likes to read, play tennis, and watch TV. She is a CMNS mentor and is a member of ACS and People4Tigray student organizations.
Meet Jake
Jake Kaufman is a sophomore studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. He is working with mentor Jennifer Collins to develop a card game about environmental issues in Maryland for secondary students. Jake hopes to expand his horizons to become a more well-rounded person and make a positive impact advocating for an important cause he is passionate about.
Jake’s research interests include coastal resilience, desert climates, severe weather, hurricanes, and monsoons. He likes hiking/enjoying nature and watching movies.
Meet Mary
Mary Harbison is a senior studying Chemistry at Skidmore College. She is working with Dr. James Farquhar to develop practical analysis and fieldwork techniques to enhance understanding of how chemical principles apply to geological systems.
Some of Mary’s research interests include environmental chemistry and geochemistry. She also likes to figure skate, read, and bake.
