his internship connected deeply with my major in environmental science, particularly in the areas of ecology, data analysis, and spatial mapping. The project focused on urban bird population occupancy in green spaces, a topic that aligns with my studies in ecology and my interest in understanding how organisms interact with the built environment. Diving into the factors that influence bird distributions in urban ecosystems, I was able to apply my previous coursework in biology and environmental analysis to conceptualize the influence of population density and prospective land use. Additionally, while working on the project, I collaborated with experts in entomology and vertebrae, which allowed me to learn about the characteristics of these unique organisms in Australia. Additionally, by analyzing iNaturalist data and applying spatial analysis tools like ArcGIS, I was able to merge my academic knowledge of ecosystems with practical skills in geospatial mapping and data management. Using the knowledge I had gained in Introduction to GIS, I was able to successfully use the tool and build upon my understanding of the software. The confidence and skills I built during this project have advanced my ability to interpret complex maps and improved my ability to develop maps. Developing my understanding of urban ecology's influence on biodiversity will aid me in my studies as I continue to explore my interest in how humans shape and influence biodiversity to define the nature of ecological systems and further find workable solutions for their protection and management.
This internship connected deeply with my major, and the project topic aligns with my studies in ecology and my interest in understanding how organisms interact with the built environment. I was able to apply previous coursework in biology and environmental analysis to conceptualize the influence of population density and prospective land use. While working on the project, I collaborated with experts in entomology, and I was able to merge my academic knowledge of ecosystems with practical skills of geospatial mapping and data management. The confidence and skills have advanced my ability to interpret complex maps and my understanding of urban ecology's influence on biodiversity, which will aid my studies as I continue to explore my interest in how humans shape and influence biodiversity.