1) Where is home for you, Michael?

I am originally from suburban New York and moved to Georgia for my undergraduate career with Oxford College of Emory University 11’ and Emory College of Emory University 13’. I spent an additional year in GA working for Emory/Oxford before embarking on my next adventure. I have had limited but pleasant experiences with North Carolina. From the rocking chairs in the Charlotte Airport to the family style eating at the Dillard House, my NC experiences have been simple but in the best ways, and thus moving here for graduate study sounded enticing.

2) Where are you on your higher education path?

I will be matriculating this fall at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University to pursue my Master in Environmental Management and Master of Forestry with a concentration in Ecosystem Science and Conservation.

3) Why did you choose to work in the environmental field?

I was a self-described feral child. Had I been granted the opportunity to be raised in the wild, the option would have been tempting for sure. None the less I stuck with society and the civilized world. That being said, I spent a lot of time in the outdoors and especially around the river/protected wetlands in my backyard. This passion motivated my parents to get me involved with scouting and I started off as a Tiger Cub and stayed the course through to Eagle Scout. My environmental passion grows ever still and I have no intention of slowing it down. An Ecuadorian shaman once told me that I had lost touch with “Pacha Mama” (Mother Earth). Regardless of belief, he was right. I am back in touch.

4) What are some of your fondest memories of being out in North Carolina’s natural wonders?

While I have not embraced the natural wonders of NC yet having only just moved here, the intention is to embrace every opportunity available to me within reason and have a better answer next time this question is asked.

5) What will your internship responsibilities be this summer with the NC League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV)?

While many of my responsibilities are still in the formative phase, a few of my areas of focus are very clear. I will be working in various capacities supporting NCLCV’s nonpartisan voter registration program in both design and implementation throughout my term. In addition I will help with issue-advocacy work through research and drafting messaging. There are also facets of immersion in my role that have proved intriguing thus far such as attending NC General Assembly meetings. Further responsibilities will include helping with fundraising and lobbying events. To say the least, I am very excited for what is to come.

6) How do you see this opportunity as a Stanback intern affecting your future education and work?

I am greatly looking forward to an enhanced grasp of environmental policy and politics as well as experience in the nonprofit realm. My hope is to take away a realistic perspective and valuable hands on experience that I can couple with my passions and directly apply in the class and field settings. Ideally, the added perspective will catalyze my learning experience and help me move forward as an influential agent on the environmental front.

If you are interested to learn more about what Michael is working on this summer, please contact him at michael@nclcv.org.