FOPOS provides Internships for young people actively pursuing a degree or career in ecology, natural resource management, environmental education, or related fields. Each summer, FOPOS welcomes a roster of budding naturalists to work with our Stewardship Team and interface with volunteer groups and our community. Read more about FOPOS's Internship program. FOPOS is also proud to offer Internships to high school students in partnership with the Outdoor Equity Alliance. Thank you to FOPOS's partners and friends for helping to make these Internships possible.
Please meet the 2023 Land Steward Interns. Coming to FOPOS from across the region, these dedicated individuals are working with Anna Corichi, FOPOS's Director of Natural Resources and Stewardship, to lead community events at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, remove invasive species in the Forest Restoration Site, steward community volunteer events, and more. Scroll down to read their bios.
Meet the FOPOS 2023 Land Steward Interns
Esteban Mendez, FOPOS Land Steward Intern (Photo Top R)
Esteban Mendez is a 2023 graduate of The College of New Jersey, with a major in Biology and a minor in Spanish. He has spent the past two years studying snake behavior, ecology, and physiology under Dr. Howard Reinert. He also completed a summer project with the Sevilleta Research Experience for Undergraduates program in New Mexico, surveying arthropod populations relating to bird diet. While Esteban is most interested in reptiles, amphibians, and insects, he is also intrigued by birds, fish, plants, and fungi. Esteban aims to pursue a career in field ecology research and plans to attend graduate school.
Tina Kulick, FOPOS Land Steward Intern (Photo Middle L)
Tina Kulick is an enthusiastic environmental activist who plans to dedicate her life to protecting the environment and its inhabitants. She is a recent graduate from Mercer County Community College who earned an associates of sciences in biology in May 2023.
Last summer, Tina interned for Wildlife Center Friends in Lambertville, NJ. There, she learned to rehabilitate local injured and sick wildlife; she also conducted research on her favorite animal: turtles. She assisted in a new turtle egg project, which helped harvest eggs from deceased turtles to save and release many more baby turtles back into the wild. Tina is inspired by community and the ability of individuals to make change in the world. Tina plans to further her studies and explore career options in the field of ecology and conservation. Stay tuned for Tina’s Art Walk later this summer!
Nick Cento, FOPOS Land Steward Intern (Photo Middle R)
Nick Cento is from Levittown, Pennsylvania and recently graduated from Delaware Valley University with a B.S. in Conservation and Wildlife Management and a minor in Environmental Science. In addition to working with FOPOS, Nick has been involved with DelVal’s Equestrian Center for four years, and he occasionally volunteers at a donkey rescue and other ecological restoration organizations. He enjoys hands-on work in the outdoors and he is interested in pursuing a career in habitat management and/or conservation law enforcement.
Sarah Rodriguez, FOPOS and OEA High School Intern (Photo Bottom L)
Sarah Rodriguez is curious and dedicated to learning more about our environment and natural world. Sarah enrolled in a high school environmental science class for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, and she hopes that this hands-on internship experience will deeper her knowledge and help prepare her for her studies and career. Sarah is particularly interested in permaculture and utilizing the resources around her when it comes to protecting and enhancing our local environments.
Lion Tafari, FOPOS and OEA High School Intern (Photo Bottom R)
Lion is a 16 year-old native Trentonian. Lion has participated in homeschooling as well as the OEA Agrihood Internship, and appreciates and enjoys the many natural environments in our area – including the Delaware River, Cadwalader Park, and nearby bike trails. Lion is interested in expanding his knowledge base in the areas of preservation and conservation. In addition, Lion is eager to learn more about the wildlife and natural habitats found in New Jersey.