Ashton Romancyzk in front of their poster.
For the 2024 Spring Semester, we partnered with the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina on our science communication internship program. This program is all about working with students and facilitating the develop a impact campaign aimed at creating social or environmental change. Interns Ashton Romancyzk and Alanna Barrett worked together on a campaign titled “Shoreline Heroes” to address coastal beach erosion in the Wilmington area of North Carolina.
According to their website - “Shoreline Heroes is committed to preserving our local beaches through education and action. As two girls who have grown up going to the beach and living at the beach preserving making sure the beaches are healthy is a very important mission of ours. Witnessing first hand how erosion affects beach communities it is our goal to help minimize erosion. Our erosion control projects serve as a shining example of our dedication to the community and natural world.”
As a part of this internship, the two identified a challenge that impacted their community, selected their target audiences, developed a communications plan, created a website and associated social media, produced a photo essay, researched and synthesized best conservation practices, recorded and shared a podcast, and presented their work to their peers and community about mitigating beach erosion.
Developing and managing impact campaigns play an essential role in taking conservation action and inspiring the community make changes.
About the interns
Ashton is a passionate college student pursuing a degree in Environmental Biology and Ecology, driven by her profound love for the natural world. Born and raised in a small town surrounded by lush forests and beautiful beaches, she developed an early appreciation for the environment, plants, and animals. Ashtons childhood explorations in the woods and adventures by the nearby streams instilled in a deep sense of wonder and curiosity about the intricate ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
Alanna is a senior, currently attending the University of Mount Olive. Her love for the ocean and drive for marine biology has pushed her to graduate with her bachelors in biological sciences. She plans on furthering her career with a masters in Marine Biology after graduation.
About University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive (UMO or Mount Olive) is a private university in Mount Olive, North Carolina. Chartered in 1951, the university is sponsored by the Original Free Will Baptist Convention and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.