Welcome, Owen, to NHH-UT!
This past year, we had the privlege of having Charlotte Mungovan on our team as our first-ever Program Intern. Charlotte has ventured off and ended her position with NHH-UT in April to be the Sustainability Coordinator at a ski resort in Steamboat Springs. Charlotte was a great asset to our team and we value the work she did for Nature and Human Health Utah.
Since Charlotte’s departure, we recently welcomed Owen Watkins to NHH-UT as the Program Intern for this summer. Owen sat down with our Program Manager to answer questions about himself and his ambitions for the role. Please join us in welcoming Owen to the team!
Tell us about yourself! Share about your background (professional and/or personal) and any interesting facts about yourself.
I'm originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, but moved to Salt Lake City in 2022 to attend the University of Utah. Currently a junior, I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Environmental and Sustainability Studies, with a minor in Urban Ecology. I work at Cactus and Tropicals, where I create plant and flower arrangements and assist with indoor plant care. I love exploring the hiking and camping opportunities in Salt Lake with my dog, Chloe. I also am very passionate about nature photography and try to practice as much as I can. A fun fact about me is that I was a competitive swimmer for 11 years and swam for the University of Utah during my freshman year.
What drew you to NHH-UT and this role? I was drawn to Nature and Human Health-UT because it combines my fields of study and my passion for environmental preservation. Immersing people in nature benefits their well-being and fosters a mutual understanding of the importance of sustaining our environment. I am passionate about communicating with people as well, which I think made this role the perfect fit for me.
What are you most excited about in your new position? I'm thrilled to join a team dedicated to fostering connections between nature and human health. I'm especially excited about engaging with the community through social media to develop meaningful solutions that benefit both people and the environment. I’m excited to help ensure that everyone in Utah understands and can enjoy the incredible relationship between nature and people.
Can you give us a glimpse into what you will be doing during your summer internship? During my summer internship with Nature and Human Health Utah, I'll be managing our social media by posting engaging content on Instagram and coordinating with Myra for event announcements. I'll also work on the website, keeping it updated with the latest community events, research, and announcements. Additionally, I'll coordinate and create monthly blog posts, either writing them myself or collaborating with community partners and members. Compiling and distributing our newsletter will be another key task of mine, ensuring our audience stays informed about NHH-UT updates, research, and community events. I'm excited to contribute to such a positive program!
What do you hope to gain from this internship? From this internship, I hope to gain practical experience in communication as well as education, specifically in the environmental and health fields. I hope to develop my skills in social media management, content creation, and public outreach. Additionally, I look forward to learning from professionals in the field and deepening my understanding of the environment and human health. Ultimately, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the mission of fostering a greater appreciation for nature's role in human well-being.
What’s your favorite way to connect with wild nature?
My favorite way to connect with wild nature is through photography. Capturing the beauty of natural landscapes and wildlife not only allows me to appreciate the environment but also helps me share it with others. Being behind the camera encourages me to explore new places and observe the world from unique perspectives.
What’s your favorite way to connect with urban nature? My favorite way to connect with urban nature is by taking walks with my dog in the city's parks and neighborhoods. It is always nice to unwind, explore, and enjoy the fresh air, especially since I live so close to downtown. I love discovering hidden natural spots within the city, as it is a way to connect with nature while not traveling long distances to find it.
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate?
After I graduate, I see myself continuing my education at the University of Utah, either pursuing a master's degree in an environmental-related field or potentially attending law school. I'm passionate about environmental issues and would love to become an environmental policy analyst or work in a similar role. My goal is to influence policy and contribute to sustainable solutions for climate change.
You can reach Owen at owen.watkins@utah.edu!