2014 & 2015 Apostle Islands Internships
The Project
The 2014 & 2015 internship teams have spent two years researching information on the Apostle Islands and are working towards completing a published field guide and regional guide to the Apostle Islands. This specific expedition's team consisted of students with a background in the natural sciences, anthropology, environmental law, tourism, and travel writing. The guide book will provide a comprehensive natural and cultural history to the Apostle Islands archipelago including a detailed background and illustrated identification guide on local wildlife and plants, boating maps, trail maps, and maps with natural and recreational points of interest.
Meet the students
Megan Betcher is from Red Wing, Minnesota and is pursuing a B.S. in both Wildlife Management and in Natural Resources Management at the University of Minnesota – Crookston. In her free time Megan enjoys nature photography, hunting, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors. This was Megan’s first sailing adventure, but she hopes to do more sailing in the future.
Margaret has earned her Associates of Science in Geology in El Paso, Texas and her Bachelor of Science in Geography, with a minor in Earth Science, from University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Her career in taxidermy allowed her to gain an unique understanding of the economic factors required to maintain exotic and endangered species in the face of relentless poaching and poor management. She has traveled in the American Northwest, Southwest, Everglades, Carolinas, and Gulf of Mexico observing the flora, fauna and geology with great pleasure and reverence for the natural world around us. For more information about her visit margaretobear.com
Sara is working towards her B.A. in Environmental Studies at Bellarmine University. She has become the secretary of the schools environment club which aims to create a more sustainable campus and educate the students about environmental issues.
A Minnesota native, Julissa is a current student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, she plans to graduate in December of 2014 with a degree in International Business. Her college career has led to several educational and professional experiences prior to working with Global Treks and Adventures. In 2012-13, Julissa spent a year studying abroad in Peru at La Universidad del Pacifico. While there, she also gained experience by running a pop-up restaurant in Lima’s San Miguel District. In addition to her experiences in Peru, Julissa has worked as the Globalization Assistant in the international department at Fastenal in Winona.
Abigail Wilson
Abigail is a senior studying Biology and English at Hanover College with the hopes of becoming a travelling journalist. Her love for wildlife is endless and stems from her companion, Theo; her beautiful green iguana. Her spirit animal is most definitely a fox and she cannot live without swimming.
Brenna Murray
Brenna Murray is a student from Missouri studying English and minoring in Psychology at the University of Kansas. She plans to graduate in May of 2016, earning University honors as well as departmental honors. When she is not studying, Brenna loves to explore her crafting side with quilting, crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. Brenna also loves to play piano and is an avid video and board game player. Future plans currently surround writing a novel, although she would be more than happy to supervise the daily goings-on of her dog and two cats in lieu of a professional position.
Carmen Prah
Carmen was born and raised on Golden Lake in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and is attending Alverno College; she will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology in December, 2015. She actively participates in aquatic invasive species management with the Golden Lake Association, in conjunction with the WI DNR. In her free time she likes to swim and hang out with her two dogs; Comet and Taco.
Hannah Abraham
Hannah Abraham is from Cleveland, OH who is currently pursuing a B.S in English at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. She enjoys writing, spending time with nature, and trying new activities. This was her first sailing adventure and she liked it very much.
Jackie Bussjeager
Originally from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Jackie graduated from Hamline University in 2015 with a degree in English and communication studies. She keeps a quotebook with her at all times so that she can write down anything that sounds particularly ridiculous—be careful what you say! Her writing has previously appeared in Minnesota Monthly magazine and The BWCA Reader, a collection of stories about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You can find more of her outdoor stories at mntrovert.wordpress.com
Kim Nesbitt
Kim Nesbitt is in her fourth year at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado studying Biology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. Recently, Kim returned from studying abroad for four months in Zanzibar, Tanzania where she studied coastal ecology and natural resource management and conducted research on the coral reefs there. While living in Zanzibar, she took a break and decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with some friends and had an absolutely incredible experience that she’ll never forget!
Mallory Hamilton
Mallory Hamilton is from St. Charles, Illinois and is pursuing an Environmental Management and Law & Public Policy degree at Indiana University. While at school, Mallory is involved in the greek organization Alpha Omicron Pi, Indiana University Dance Marathon and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs Honors program. In the future, Mallory plans to study and practice Environmental Law.
Expedition Leaders
Kyle has spent the past 10 years working as a Natural Resource Manager with a Minnesota Native American Indian Community as well as an instructor at a small private university in Minnesota. He also works as the Program Director with Global Treks and Adventures and spends a majority of his free time sailing exploring.
Jen works as a university instructor in Winona MN as well as an Academic Director and trip leader with Global Treks and Adventures. Jen loves to hike her siberian husky and immerse herself in new cultures.
