Adreonna RaineyThe sustainability internship program has been around since 2016, giving undergraduates the opportunity to engage with others through campus projects, research, and outreach within sustainability. Each intern works within a unit within the sustainability department, strengthening their professional and technical skills while enhancing their leadership skills. This year, 17 interns represent the sustainability department.
Adreonna Rainey
Storytelling & Communications Intern
Major(s): Neuroscience, Biology
Hometown: Louisville, KY
“I am excited to bring my science expertise to this position while highlighting all the amazing things going on campus via WholeSum (our sustainability news hub)!”
JaKova Jones
Digital Media & Communications Intern
Major(s): Integrated Strategic Communications, Marketing
Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
“I’m excited to see how my background in marketing can support a more sustainable campus. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with my cohort, creating engaging content, and gaining valuable professional experience through a sustainability-focused lens.”
Emily Murphy
UK Recycling Intern
Major(s): Political Science, Law & Justice
Hometown: Montgomery County, KY
“I’m especially excited for football season to kick off and for the energy on campus to ramp up. Showing Wildcat pride has always come naturally to me, even since I was young. With the fun recycling gameday pins my team is giving out, I hope we can spark even more BBN pride while spreading the message of recycling and sustainability.”
Shayna Bassi
UK Recycling Intern
Major(s): Communication Science and Disorders
Hometown: Grant County, KY
“I’m looking forward to working with people who are just as passionate about sustainability as I am, and I’m especially excited to design and implement my own independent project!”
Briana McAtee
Stormwater Outreach and Education Intern
Major(s): Economics, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Hometown: Union, KY
“I’m super excited to work with my fellow interns, learn more about their roles and projects, and do my best to make a lasting impact on campus—even beyond the internship!”
Sarah Huller
Stormwater and Outreach Education Intern
Major(s): Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Hometown: Collinsville, IL
“I’m looking forward to learning more about pollution prevention and illicit discharge and doing my part to keep our water systems safe while helping others get involved, too.”
Henry Walke
Utilities and Energy Management Intern
Major(s): Economics, Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Hometown: Union, KY
“I’m looking forward to diving into sustainability through the lens of energy efficiency in lab spaces. I’m excited to analyze the university’s energy data and support more sustainable energy practices on campus.”
Shelby Foxworth
Utilities and Energy Management Intern
Major(s): Chemistry
Hometown: Cynthiana, KY
“I’m excited to broaden my understanding of lab work by exploring its relationship with sustainability. This role gives me the chance to learn how to integrate sustainable practices into lab environments and help others do the same.”
AJ Hopkins
The Food Connection Intern
Major(s): Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Hometown: Independence, KY
“I am excited to use this internship as an opportunity to connect with local leaders in food systems and agriculture and pursue work that brings communities closer to the environments and people that produce their food.”
Guinevere Weiker
Campus Kitchen Intern
Major(s): Dietetics
Hometown: Putnam, CT
“As a dietetics student with an interest in community nutrition and a passion for people, I am excited to learn the ins and outs of this sustainable food system happening right here on campus!”
Mae Hanna
UK Dining Intern
Major(s): Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Hometown: Lexington, KY
“As a returning intern, I am excited to continue advancing sustainability efforts on campus and connecting with others in the field!”
Brayden Nichols
Urban Environment and Sustainable Design Intern
Major(s): Architecture
Hometown: Richmond, KY
“I’m looking forward to learning how sustainable design can strengthen communities through concepts like Nature Rx and addressing challenges such as urban heat. I’m excited to see firsthand how these ideas connect design, health, and the environment.”
Lindsey Albrecht
Alternative Transportation Intern
Major(s): Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Hometown: Louisville, KY
“I’m excited to learn about how our campus promotes bikes and other alternative forms of transportation. I want to explore how we can protect and improve all forms of transportation on and around campus!”
Hal Siegel
Chemical Upcycling Intern
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Newnan, GA
“I’m excited to meet like-minded people, collaborate on sustainability efforts, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how our university promotes environmental stewardship!”
Mikey Sims
Campus Woods Intern
Major(s): Product Design
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
“I am very excited to be able to work on making Campus Woods more self-sustaining and accessible for the university and its students and faculty.”
Ezra Anderson
Urban Forest Initiative Intern
Major(s): Violin Performance
Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
“I’m excited to get a peek behind the curtain and see how UFI gets folks interested in urban forestry. Additionally, I’m ready to become better versed in trees and the world around me!”
Gracie French
Kentucky Climate Consortium Intern
HEADSHOT PENDING – will receive today 09/09
Major(s): Civil Engineering
Hometown: Louisville,ky
“I am excited to be able to work with the Kentucky Climate Consortium and meet the members while growing my skills in environmental communication!”
