Meet the 2025 Interns

Learn about this year’s outstanding cohort of Ted Smith Conservation Interns and the meaningful projects they are working on this summer!

 

Cosley Bruno

Sitka Conservation Society

Cosley (she/her) was raised in Gustavus, Alaska, and is deeply committed to the lands that inspire her sense of adventure and nourish her body.

 

 

 

 

Anna Clauer

Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Anna (they/all pronouns) is a graduate student at Duke University studying ecotoxicology and environmental justice. They are so excited to work with ACAT this summer and learn more about toxic chemical remediation in ways that empower and center the needs of communities most affected by pollution. Anna loves any and all outdoor activities but especially climbing, hiking, and swimming. They credit their interest in environmental justice to all the adventures that have allowed them to work with and in nature.

 

Rylee Jensen

Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC)

Rylee (she/her) is a biologist, expedition leader, and photographer who recently completed her Master’s degree in Biology from Northern Michigan University. Brown bears are what initially drew her to Alaska, where she worked as a ranger in Katmai National Park and a bear guide in Bristol Bay and Pack Creek for several years. Now, she is combining her research background and passion for Alaska’s wilderness toward a career in science communication and advocacy to give back to the places who have given so much to her. Rylee is thrilled to be joining Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC) in Juneau / LingítAaní this summer as a communications & outreach intern. She is excited to learn all about the world of conservation campaigns and how to engage communities in this beautiful part of the world. In her free time, you can find her sipping coffee at local cafes and hiking trails with her camera slung across her shoulder.

Camas Oxford

The Alaska Center (AYEA)

Camas grew up in Anchorage and is now based in Berlin, Germany. They are working with the Alaska Youth for Environmental Action as a youth leadership intern this summer. They are happy to be back at AYEA, where they also volunteered in high school as a youth organizer. Camas is entering their fourth year at Bard College Berlin this fall, majoring in Politics and Ethics. Their main academic interests focus on theories of political economy, post colonial and decolonial thought and resistance, as well as memory culture and politics. In their free time Camas enjoys lying in sunny parks, organizing or demonstrating with their peers and comrades, listening to music, and reading. They are looking forward to another sunny Alaskan summer.

Rylee Cunningham

Anchorage Parks Foundation

Bio coming soon.

 

 

 

 

Grace Miller

Audubon Alaska

Grace (she/her) grew up in Massachusetts and is currently studying environmental science at UCLA, with minors in conservation biology and film. She has been fascinated by birds from a young age, and is thrilled to be joining Audubon Alaska. Grace spends her free time hiking, surfing, painting, and trying all the coffee shops LA has to offer. Although she has never been to Alaska, she is excited to explore the state’s stunning natural wilderness and check out Anchorage’s bike trails!

Henry Aspinwall

Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association

Bio coming soon.

 

 

 

 

Ella Hubbard

Cook Inletkeeper

Ella (she/her), originally from Olympia, Washington, is a rising senior at Tufts University studying Environmental Science and Community Health. At Tufts, she is a member of the Varsity Sailing Team, a graphic designer for Tufts’ literary magazine the Observer, and enjoys reading and exploring the outdoors in her free time. She is excited to be a part of the team at Cook Inletkeeper in Homer this summer, learn more about interdisciplinary environmental justice and advocacy work, and explore Alaska.

 

Iris Brondz

Yukon Inter-Tribal Watershed Council

Iris she/her) grew up in Bird Creek and Anchorage, Alaska. She recently graduated from Western WashingtonUniversity in Bellingham, Washington, with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in German. This summer, she is interning with the Yukon River Intertribal Watershed Council and is excited for the opportunity, hoping it will open doors to employment and help her build community in Anchorage after spending several years out of state.

 

Peter Sukstorf

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Peter (he/him) is a rising senior at Georgetown University from Omaha Nebraska. At Georgetown, he studies International Relations, Environmental Science, and Theater, and plans to pursue a career in environmental conservation. Peter has previously worked for the United States Forest Service, American Conservation Experience, and the Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island, and looks forward to spending another summer in the beautiful state of Alaska! In his free time, Peter enjoys hiking, kayaking, road tripping, playing piano, grilling, and theater.

Sam Trussell

Stream Watch Intern

Kenai Watershed Forum

Sam (he/him) is from Grantham, New Hampshire, and is one of the 2025 Stream Watch seasonal interns for the Kenai Watershed Forum. He is incredibly excited to work in Alaska and to engage with and help manage the ecosystems of the Kenai Peninsula.

 

Sebastien Comtois

Alaska Research and Outreach Intern

Defenders of Wildlife

Sebastien Comtois (he/him) is a senior at New Mexico State University. He grew up in the southern Colorado and northern New Mexico Rocky Mountains, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. A passionate mountain biker and rock climber, Sebastien is excited to explore the incredible topography of Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Sonia Wold

Discovery Southeast

Sonia (they/she) was born and raised on the coast of Maine and is currently completing undergraduate studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. They are pursuing a master’s degree in Elementary Education, a BA in Psychology, and a minor in Studio Art. This is their first year with Discovery Southeast and their first time in Alaska, where they’re serving as an intern through the Alaska Conservation Foundation. With the kids, Sonia enjoys exploring intertidal zones, building fairy houses, and identifying the plants and creatures they encounter. In their free time, they relax by weaving baskets, making jewelry, and tending to the community garden—where their proudest harvest has been purple tomatoes that taste like balsamic glaze. Sonia is excited to learn, play, and get gloriously muddy with everyone this summer!