Maroon and gold all summer for Emma Bruder

Q and A with one of University of Minnesota Extension’s agriculture and natural resources (ANR) interns, who learn all summer while assisting with research, education, communications, events and technology.

Where in Minnesota did you grow up?

I grew up in Monticello, the youngest of four. When I was 16, we moved to Clear Lake, so it was about half an hour from my school. It was a bit of a drive to stay at my school, but I'm used to living in rural country areas, so it wasn’t a big deal.

What are you studying here at the U of M?

I'm majoring in ecology, evolution and behavior in the College of Biological Sciences. My parents didn't go to college, so I'm a first-generation college student. 

Why did you apply to be an Extension intern?

It was late January, early February, and I was looking for an on-campus job for the school year. I didn't find one of those, but I happened to see that Extension had the option of doing a summer internship based out of their Wright County office, right next to my hometown. 

The ANR internship can cover a variety of topics. Why did you do horticulture?

That's just what it ended up being because the Wright County office put me with Emily Hansen for my mentor, and she is the local Extension horticulture educator. It definitely fits with what I like. I'm a big houseplant person. And horticulture fits with what I'm studying in ecology.

I’ve gotten to write articles on propagating houseplants, oak wilt and more. Emily and I also do monthly radio segments with KRWC and KLFD. Our topics have been oak wilt and bee lawns, and next week I'll be covering lilac blight. Based on the inquiries we've been receiving as well as just noticing in neighborhoods we've passed by, lilac blight seems to be an issue right now.

What’s the coolest project so far this summer for you?

One partnership Emily has is with a park system in McCleod County. I worked on some informational signage for Swan Lake Park. A park manager is looking at the installation options. I feel like that's pretty cool, knowing that I'll have signs posted out where people can learn as they walk through the park. Each sign focuses on one of the park’s habitat types: lakeside, the coniferous and deciduous forests, wetland and grassland. 

What about educational events? 

At an Extension organic fruit and vegetables field day, all the interns were tour guides. We brought the groups from station to station, connecting them with researchers and educators. I liked being part of it, talking with the participants. They were super passionate.

Working with youth has also been good. At Environmental Education Days, at Robert Ney Memorial Park, we played farm Jeopardy with the fourth/fifth graders on their field trip.

What will you get out of this opportunity for your future?

I'm planning a career on the conservation side of things. I want something hands-on, I guess. That’s just more enjoyable for me. And this internship has gotten me out into the fields to learn about what’s actually happening. It’s provided me with sources for how to find those jobs. I’ve had different people suggest ways of getting into what I want, and one even set up a job shadow opportunity.

What would you tell a student thinking about applying for an Extension ANR internship next year?

I feel like it's good to make sure they know that you don't need previous experience to have a chance at it. I hadn’t worked in my area of study before. I didn't even know about Extension until I saw the posting. Many of the other interns had a 4-H background, so they were familiar with Extension. But it's not required.