MADISON CO., N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County (CCEMC) is excited to introduce four undergraduate students who have joined the team for various projects throughout the summer. Through their internships, these students will learn about the role of CCEMC as an educational organization that works to better the prosperity, wellness, and health of the community through support of local agriculture. From different colleges and backgrounds, the interns at Extension bring fresh perspectives and ideas to aid in community outreach and new educational material. Each intern has a project of focus that builds their knowledge and skill sets while supporting the Madison County ag community.
Meghan Marsh is a 4-H intern, earning her way towards a degree in Equine Business Management from Cazenovia College. She plans to graduate in 2021 with a minor in Biology and a certificate in Equine Reproductive Management. On campus, Meghan is on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team and secretary of the Equine Ambassador Club. As her current internship project, Meghan is involved in the “Thinking Outside the Bucket” 4-H educational summer program. Engaging Madison County youth despite the current social safety restrictions, this program provides an opportunity for youth to build skills while inspiring curiosity and adventure.
Jaanvi Sachdeva is a rising senior at Colgate University. She studies International Relations and Environmental Studies, and she is a passionate environmental advocate. Excited to become involved in work at extension, Jaanvi stated that she strongly believes “in the necessity of a sustainable future and the importance of uplifting the community that you are a part of.” On campus, Jaanvi is president of Students for Environmental Action and is involved in discussions and environmental projects with this group. As her internship project, Jaanvi is working on mapping Madison County using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. She will incorporate data about Madison County farms and environmental information, including soil quality, for her Madison County Agriculture Producer and Service Provider Research Project.
As a rising second year student at Northeastern University, Rachel Lines is pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Nutrition. On campus, she is an editor for the NU Sci Magazine (https://nuscimag.com/), and she is a research lab member for the RAISE Research Alliance in Science and Engineering. For the past several years, Rachel worked at Ju-Vindale Holsteins, sparking her interest in local agriculture. With CCEMC, Rachel is working on a research study examining the Madison County food system in partnership with Madison Rural Health. With this data, she will create a summary report and update an interactive local food map that helps consumers to find local food. As additional projects, Rachel will be involved in the Agricultural Support and Launch Center for Business Enhancement and Entrepreneurship Grant project from the Chobani Community Impact Fund of the Community Foundation for South Central New York. She will also be working on the Food for Thought program sponsored by a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation.
Finally, Austin Wood is a senior at SUNY Morrisville and was raised on a dairy farm in Madison County. Studying Agriculture Business Development, Austin is involved on campus as a member of collegiate FFA. He is also a resident assistant and plays intramural softball. For his CCEMC internship project, Austin is working on educational programming and assistance for product marketing and marketing consolidation. For this project, Austin will be creating an educational brochure to assist with different types of advertising, and he will be visiting with farmers to assist them with their marketing. Exploring possible career avenues, Austin is excited to work one-on-one with farmers.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County is proud to announce these internship projects and looks forward to the new ideas generated by these team members. The summer interns will be gaining important job experience, while learning about the role of extension in agriculture and education in Madison County.
Undergraduate students interested in future internship opportunities can send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Karin Bump at kbump@cornell.edu. CCE MC accepts internships for Fall, Spring, and Summer experiences.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County
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