Fall 2025 Natural Resource Management Interns
Selena Chen
Selena is an international student from Taiwan pursuing her master's degree in marketing at the University of Florida. Passionate about sustainability, she is excited to experience Florida’s ecosystems and explore local environmental culture through the ACT internship. Selena hopes to learn more about land and resource management while giving back to nature. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, playing volleyball, spending time outdoors, and editing videos.
Abby Needles
Abby is a fourth-year student at UF studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in International Studies in Agricultural and Life Sciences. She grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and wants to pursue a career in conservation research. Throughout her time at UF, she has worked in a lab studying the effects of red tide on native marine life, but she's excited to work outdoors and gain new experiences while learning about land management. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, and thrifting.
Brooke Peterson
Brooke Peterson is a fourth year student at the University of Florida. She is pursuing a degree in Geography with an emphasis in Environmental Geosciences. Originally from Saratoga Springs, NY, she has always had a passion for the great outdoors. She hopes to learn valuable field skills through this internship that will aid her in pursuing a career in natural resource management. In her free time, she enjoys reading, visiting Florida's state parks, and traveling.
Abbey Martin
Abbey is studying Zoo and Aquarium management while working part-time as an aviculturist. Through her career, she has the opportunity to inspire thousands of people to care for the environment – she hopes she will gain skills and knowledge to help her be a better advocate during their time at ACT. In her free time, she loves birding, playing video games, and exploring new places.
Rhianna Newlander
Rhianna is a third-year at UF majoring in Environmental Science. She has a passion for nature and the outdoors. She is excited to gain a deeper understanding of land management and native florida ecosystems with her time at ACT. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, working out, and painting.
Cristina Sanchez
Cristina is a dedicated sophomore at Santa Fe College pursuing an associate’s degree in Environmental Engineering, with the goal of transferring to UF for her master’s. Originally from Coral Springs, FL, Cristina moved to Gainesville not only for school but to be more immersed in nature. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, going on nature walks, spending time with her pets, and traveling to new places. She is eager to start with ACT and hopes to meet new people who share her passions.
Claudia Kleine
Claudia Kleine is pursuing a degree in Sustainability in the Built Environment with a specialization in geodesign. Growing up in an orange grove inspired her deep passion for land and conservation, which she brings to her internship at the Alachua Conservation Trust. She is eager to learn more hands-on conservation skills and explore ecosystems. Outside of academics, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, playing board games, and creating art.
Olivia Walls
Olivia Walls is a senior at the University of Florida majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She is originally from South Florida and loves spending time outdoors, especially kayaking and hiking. Outside of ACT, she also volunteers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
