Internship Highlight–Edem Yevoo

My name is Edem Yevoo.

I am a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science & Technology with a minor in Geographic Information Science (GIS). I intend to enroll in an advanced degree program in Sustainable Environmental Development. I plan to successfully complete a doctoral problem after my undergraduate career. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have pursued different research opportunities. I worked in the Agroecology lab at the University of Maryland studying the effects of saltwater intrusion on the Lower Eastern Shore. I learned about different local policies and federal regulations that govern how farmers manage their land and livestock as well as numerous lab techniques in quantifying pollutants that go in and out of farmlands.

This summer, I was excited to have been offered my first non-laboratory internship experience at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as an Administrative Student Trainee. The USDA is the main U.S federal agency responsible for executing and developing federal laws related to farming, forestry, and food. My overall experience at the USDA has been very worthwhile and rewarding. This experience provided me with insight into how the federal government functions in creating policies that protect American food and agriculture.

During my internship, I served as an aid to a small staff that assists the Deputy Administrator. The staff manages and collaborates with multiple departments within the agency to provide human resource management, financial management, acquisition and asset management, and administrative services to APHIS. I created and maintained a Microsoft SharePoint site to improve collaboration and communication between departments. I also joined a GIS steering committee to utilize spatial technologies to track agency assets and resources.

My internship has taught me about how federal policies and actions function to influence the policies of agencies and their relationship to stakeholders.  I was connected to valuable resources and gained important networks that guide and mentor my pursuit of a successful career in the federal government. Because of my internship at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), I have  earned a pathway to a full-time position at the USDA APHIS upon graduation.

CSS Scholar & Team Leader,
Edem Yevoo