Name: Emma Alstott

Major: Global Resource Systems and Horticulture

Year: Internship after sophomore year

Hometown/State: Fort Dodge, Iowa

Company/Organization: Iowa State University EARTH Program

Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Location: St. John, United States Virgin Islands

Describe your internship responsibilities:
I worked to help manage a set of 20 different native plant species, plant a variety of red, black, and white mangroves, and conduct a survey and corresponding literature review of insect pests damaging local fruit and vegetable production.

What did you enjoy most about this internship?
I enjoyed visiting farms and talking with people the most.  I felt like I learned the most by talking to new people with different perspectives and ideas. 

How has this experience impacted your future career plans?
My experience helped me confirm that my interests lie in the food crop production of horticulture, rather than the conservation area.  It also helped me confirm that I would like to pursue horticulture and plant pathology research.

What resources did you utilize to obtain this internship?
I utilized the knowledge of my professors and advisors, as well as the CALS Career Services Office.

What advice would you offer to other students seeking similar internships?
I would tell other students to talk to people.  The best opportunities I have found have been discovered by talking to my professors, advisors, mentors, and faculty in resource offices about my interests and goals.  The staff and faculty on campus are filled with knowledge and wisdom that they would love to share.  Take advantage of the people and resources around you.