Extension Interns Share Their Experiences
Candelaria Alday
Nutrition Education – Fairfield County Intern | Hometown: Bethel, CT
“I have always been passionate about helping others improve their lifestyle with exercise and nutrition. After taking introductory nutrition courses freshmen and sophomore year, it developed my passion for nutrition even further. I was ready to get field experience to see if I could envision myself doing this as a career. This opportunity has really shown me what is beyond the doors of nutrition, and it has been amazing to witness how involved dietetic professionals are and how nutrition programs are integrated all within my own community.”
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/candelariaalday
Colleen Brady
UConn 4-H Windham County Intern | Hometown: Ancramdale, NY
"Pursuing a STEM-related field myself, I was very interested in this internship opportunity in order to expose more kids to the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM often seems daunting to younger kids, especially young girls, and this internship seemed like a great way to impact the younger generation to make them understand that anyone can get involved in STEM and show them how much fun it can be."
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/colleenbrady
Megan Davenport
UConn 4-H Hartford County Intern | Hometown: Woodbury, CT
“I developed a passion for agricultural advocacy and leadership development early on and knew I wanted my career to reflect this interest. This internship allows me to learn how to teach various age groups of students as well as students from various backgrounds and levels of experience in agriculture. Overall, the ability to connect and work with 4-H students while also providing a nurturing and resourceful environment for them to grow and thrive as young agricultural and community leaders was a perfect career opportunity for a future teacher like me.”
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/megandavenport
Monique Mazaika
UConn 4-H New Haven County Intern | Hometown: Livermore, CA
“I was interested in this opportunity because it aligns with my interest in community nutrition, which allows me to practice skills that I have been learning in the Dietetics Coordinated Program and that I will use after graduation. Additionally, it is an amazing opportunity to network and grow as a future nutrition educator.”
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/moniquemazaika
Khadija Shaikh
Connecticut Trail Census Intern – New Haven and Middlesex Counties | Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Shaikh is passionate about social justice issues related to climate change. As a BIPOC woman, she is committed to showing that anyone can be an environmentalist and that environmental issues often take a disproportionate toll on communities of color.
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/khadijashaikh
Marlena Takes
One Health Intern – Storrs Campus/Windham County | Hometown: Tolland, CT
“Takes is helping develop a website to disseminate One Health information to the community. This information includes guidance on interacting with animals and food safety. She says this internship has helped her learn and practice how to make scientific information accessible to the general public. She looked to models like the CDC’s website for inspiration about how to present key One Health information.”
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/marlenatakes
Sara Tomis
UConn 4-H New London County Intern | Hometown: Preston, CT
Through her internship experiences, Tomis is crafting education materials for children as young as four years-old to adult professionals and consumers. Each demographic comes with their own needs and challenges for a communicator.
Learn more at s.uconn.edu/saratomis