2011 Interns

 Ian Dudley- Kayak/Education Intern

 I am from Shelburne, Vermont and lived there until 2007 when I came to North Carolina for school at NC State to study Wildlife Science. I'm a big fan of the outside, sunshine and fresh air. I really enjoy viewing and understand ecosystems. Things like birds, mammals and trees really peak my interest. Outdoor adventure activities are some of my favorite interest, like snowboarding, hiking and rock climbing. Playing piano, ukulele and drawing are some of my favorite pastimes. I'm really excited about spending a whole summer in a coastal environment, something brand new.

 Jae-lee Vanidestine- Sea Turtle Intern

I am from Orrington, Maine and am currently a junior at Maine Maritime Academy. I’m vice president of the Student Environmental Activists  and am looking forward to living on Bald Head Island  for the summer to gain a better understanding of sea turtle conservation.

 Matt Ramirez- Sea Turtle Intern

I am a Senior at Auburn University and will be graduating in May with a Bachelors Degree in Zoology. I was in the Marching Band for 2 years in college, but have been playing some sort of instrument since I was 5. I have a very strong interest and passion for research, which culminated in an Honors Thesis for which I did fieldwork in the Canadian Rocky Mountains last summer. Long-term I plan on continuing with my research at the graduate level in the fields of Ecology and/or Conservation Biology with the intent of seeking a permanent position at a major research University. In my free time I enjoy relaxing with friends, traveling, and spending time outdoors. 

 Terri Schell- Environmental Education Intern

I am excited to be working the job of my dreams this summer! I’m a  sophomore at the University of North Carolina Wilmington working on a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology. Originally from Conover, in the foothills of North Carolina, I am pumped to spend my first summer on the coast. I enjoy new experiences, spending time with family, and climbing trees.

 Meghan Stuart- Environmental Education Intern

I was born in Dallas, TX, but when I was 11 years old my family moved to Charlotte, NC and have lived there ever since. I am a rising senior at the University of the South (Sewanee) in Sewanee, Tennessee and will graduate in the Spring of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. While at Sewanee, I have enjoyed hiking through the natural environment and studying environmental sciences on the beautiful mountaintop!! After graduating, I plan to teach for a couple years and then continue my education in graduate school with a focus in Hydrology and water contamination management. For the past three summers I have been a pool manager and lifeguard for neighborhood pools and country clubs. With the opportunity to work with the Bald Head Island Conservancy, I look forward to another summer of fun in the sun with kids!!

 Aviv Karasov-Olson- Sea Turtle Intern

I am from St. Paul, Minnesota and am currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am majoring in Wildlife Ecology and intend to minor in International Studies. I'm very interested in wildlife conservation and how animals interact with the ecosystems they inhabit. I absolutely love traveling and one of my life goals is to go to every state in the US and every country in the world... or at least try. In my spare time I love hiking, camping and just being outdoors.

 Colleen Cunningham- Sea Turtle Intern

I am a native Long Islander, and a senior Biology major at James Madison University. I plan to continue my education by enrolling in a Veterinary Technology program. In my free time I enjoy playing with my two yellow labs (Ruby and Jade), taking walks, playing board games, volunteering at the SPCA, reading, and watching Modern Family and Glee! I can’t wait to help some sea turtles and learn how a non-profit conservation group functions! 

 Kendyll Goeman- Environmental Education Intern

I’m originally from Medford, New Jersey. My love for the ocean and outdoors brought me to the University of North Carolina- Wilmington. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Minor in Psychology.  I yearn to become an environmental educator in an informal setting because my own environmental stewardship is a direct result of my early experience in an informal setting. I love coffee, swimming, running, and going to the beach. This summer, I’m excited to meet new people, learn more about the unique Bald Head Island ecosystem, and make the transition from student to educator. 

 Laura Stein- Sea Turtle Intern

I am thrilled to be spending the summer as a part of the unique and dynamic community of Bald Head Island. Though I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland, the Carolina coast has been close to my heart since I began vacationing in the Outer Banks with family friends in the late 90s. As a rising junior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I am pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a focus in conservation and a minor in Spanish. I love to travel and have already been blessed with many adventures in the Bahamas, France, the UK, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. I hope this passion will take me across the globe as part of my work in environmental education, ecological research, and preservation efforts.

 Joe Lemeris- Sea Turtle Intern
I'm a recent graduate of Boston University in Massachusetts. I majored in Biology, with a specialization in Ecology and Conservation. I grew up in Connecticut, and I am a HUGE travel nut even though I don't get to as much as I would like, but my favorite parts of my college career were studying abroad in Ecuador (as pictured above) and New Zealand. I also love photography and playing the piano as hobbies. I am VERY excited for this summer, as I a) love NC and b) cannot wait to work with sea turtles! 

 Matt Van Kleunen- Wildlife Intern

I am a student at Elon University in North Carolina, where I am pursuing a Biology major with a Business minor. I am originally from Orlando, Florida. My main interests include music and nature and I enjoy playing guitar and fishing in my free time.  I’m looking forward to an awesome summer on Bald Head Island!

Eric Johnson- Wildlife Intern

I was born and raised in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania near Scranton, PA on a family owned and operated dairy farm. I have always had a passion for the outdoors and have brought that love and respect for nature into my college life. The love and support of my family and my girlfriend is one of my greatest blessings and have gotten me through a lot of life’s challenges. In the fall I will be entering my senior year in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a Biology minor at Penn State University. I am excited to get the opportunity to broaden my horizons and not only get to experience the island habitat at BHI, but to work side by side with the community to protect and conserve all that BHI has to offer!!