Internships

Natasha Montiel ’22

Major

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Project Title

Site Analysis of New Jersey Stream Health

The Watershed Institute aims to protect local streams through their StreamWatch program. StreamWatch relies on trained volunteers who collect data at various stream sites around New Jersey, which are then analyzed by interns and scientists at the Watershed. Under the guidance of my mentors, I organized years of chemical and biological data and input-relevant information into Access databases. I then assisted with the creation of “report cards” that allow for the high volume of data from each site to be communicated in a succinct and understandable manner. Finally, I developed a time series for important measurements from each site that showed how stream health has evolved during the past decade. Through this internship, I learned that there are many different indicators that scientists can look at to determine the health of streams. While looking at the data for these different indicators, I was able to develop better data analysis skills, as well as proficiency with Access databases. Moreover, my work with the Watershed confirmed my desire to work with an environmental nonprofit organization.