Arthur R. Marshall Foundation’s Four Summer Interns are Calculating Economic Impact of the Drought
(Lake Worth, FL – July 11, 2011) John Arthur Marshall, Chairman of the Board of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation & Florida Environmental Institute, Inc., which champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem, today announced that the nonprofit organization’s four new Everglades Interns are busy calculating the economic impact of this summer’s ongoing drought.
“We believe that the drought’s so-called ‘sticker shock’ will convince citizens to support implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan,” said Marshall. “Certainly, implementing CERP will not only be cheaper than putting up with future droughts, it will help in reducing the frequency, duration and extent of additional droughts over the next 40 years.”
The Marshall Foundation’s 2011 Everglades Interns are:
+ Vanessa Aparicio recently graduated from Stetson University with a bachelors of science in biology and environmental science. She grew up in Fort Lauderdale where she fell in love with South Florida’s freshwater ecosystems, especially wetlands. After earning a Masters degree, Ms. Aparicio intends to pursue a career in wildlife and conservation biology with an interest in ecosystem management.
+ David Diaz was born in Bogota, Colombia, but was raised in Florida. A recent graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and a minor in International Studies in Agriculture and Life Sciences, he studied for six months in southern Brazil, where his exposure to the Atlantic rainforest sparked his interest in ecology. Mr. Diaz is determined to pursue a career in tropical ecology or environmental management.
+ Judy Hartshorn graduated from the University of Miami in May 2011 with a major in marine affairs and minors in biology and communication studies. Next year she will be attending the University of Miami to get a Master’s degree in marine affairs, and wants to work with coastal communities in developing countries.
+ Robert Hill was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL, and is in his final semester at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in biology. After completing the environmental studies graduate/Master’s program, his career goal is to work in habitat restoration, wildlife management or natural resource management.
The Marshall Foundation’s annual Summer Intern program started in late-May and runs through a special Graduation Luncheon, which will be held on August 4 at the West Palm Beach headquarters of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The public is invited to attend the Graduation Luncheon. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at 561.233.9004.
The Marshall Foundation’s intensive, 11-week internship is for undergraduate and graduate students with top grades in the environmental sciences. The program is focused on the Florida Everglades and the multi-billion dollar plan to preserve and restore this vital ecosystem. Mentored by top-level professionals and decision-makers, interns are involved in hands-on projects and educational activities.
“The purpose of this life-changing, career-enhancing summer program is to train the next generation of environmental leaders,” added Marshall. “Our objective is to create knowledgeable professionals who can address issues like the Everglades from a multitude of viewpoints. I’m pleased to say that many of our graduates have gone on to achieve impressive things in the ecological sciences.”
About the Marshall Foundation’s Summer Intern Program:
Each year, several high-achieving, college-aged students participate in the Foundation’s award-winning summer internship program. The program is designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in the environmental sciences. Participants explore the ecology, geology, history and hydrology of the unique Florida Everglades, conduct fieldwork at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach, and meet with key professionals and decision-makers involved in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
About the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation:
Based in Palm Beach County, the Marshall Foundation champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs. Annually, more than 15,000 elementary and high school students in Palm Beach County actively participate in the Marshall Foundation’s various education programs.
Founded in 1998, the nonprofit organization has in recent years awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and internships, planted nearly 100,000 native Florida trees in wetland areas, and involved more than 5,000 volunteers in hands-on restoration projects.
For reservations for the Aug 4 Luncheon or more information about the Marshall Foundation, please call 561.233.9004 or visit www.artmarshall.com.
