NRDC Internship
In partnership with the Office of Sustainability, EJIE helps to fund the NRDC internship which provides scholars an exciting opportunity to gain experience in environmental careers. The program recognizes the history of exclusions and racism that exists in environmentalism and strives to make a sustainable future that ensures the meaningful participation of all members of our communities. Learn more about the 2023 NRDC interns below.
2024 NRDC Interns
Jocelyn Leon
Jocelyn is a 19-year-old student at the University of California, Merced, double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Systems Science. As a first-generation Latina student, her journey to academia has been deeply rooted in her upbringing and experiences. Growing up on a dairy, she witnessed firsthand the balance between agricultural practices and environmental sustainability. These experiences, along with the stories of her migrant worker grandparents and immigrant parents, instilled in her a profound passion for environmental stewardship and social justice. Now, as a student at UC Merced, she is not only pursuing her degree but also actively contributing to the fields she is passionate about. In the agroecology lab on campus, Jocelyn worked on research focused on soils and carbon sequestration. She strives to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Melissa Rivas Hernandez
Melissa is a first-generation, fourth-year student at UC Merced. She is from the Central Valley, specifically Sacramento, but moved to Merced for college. Melissa graduated this spring and will be attending UC Santa Barbara for the fall of 2024 to pursue a master’s in environmental science and management. One of her career goals is to become an environmental scientist or consultant. Some of her areas of interest are agriculture, food insecurity, and water quality. She is primarily passionate about environmental justice, as she believes that everyone should have access to a clean and healthy environment. Additionally, Melissa strongly believes in the concept that nature is everything and all around us.
Jasmine Okincha
Jasmine is a rising senior at UC Merced studying political science with an emphasis on international relations. In her time at UCM, she has been an active and dedicated member of the campus community. Jasmine has served as a senator on student government and founded the Prestige, the official student-run news publication that provides a platfom for students to voice their opinions. She hopes to pursue a career in human rights or environmental law someday. Jasmine is very excited to be involved with NRDC as it provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental advocacy and gain valuable experience in the field!
2023 NRDC Interns
Jocelyn Rojas
Jocelyn is a first-generation college graduate with a degree in Environmental Systems Science from the University of California, Merced. She grew up the eldest of four sisters in Canal, a barrio community in San Rafael, California. There, she participated in programs addressing food insecurity and access to science education. Her passion for natural science and social justice began in her hometown and developed during her undergraduate studies.
At UC Merced, Jocelyn engaged in interdisciplinary coursework and research projects that furthered her interests in field ecology, natural science education, and environmental justice. Her goal is to contribute to intersectional solutions for environmental injustices in low-income communities of color, like her own.
Noelia Agramont
Noelia Agramont is one of the NRDC interns working on decarbonizing and eliminating toxic air pollution from some of the dirtiest vehicles in our transportation system. She recently published a blog that is focused on how zero-emission trucks can safeguard drivers' well-being while bringing positive changes to the industry and the planet. You can find the blog here.
Noelia is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental science with minor in anthropology. Her true passion lies in advocating for animals and promoting climate justice, all in the pursuit of a healthy and sustainable planet. Recently, Noelia had the opportunity to participate in the Department of Energy's Minority Serving Institutions Partnerships Programs (MSIPP) as an undergraduate research assistant at UC Merced. During this experience, she researched the remediation of mercury-contaminated sediment and water using manganese and iron oxide-modified activated carbon. Noelia's fun facts: (1) She is avid wakeboarder and loves spending time in the ocean, and (2) she has a service dog that she trained.
Tacoria Perry
Tacoria Perry is a recent graduate of UCM with a major in environmental systems science. She was born in San Diego, California and has a passion for environmental science and sustainability. During her time at UC Merced, Tacoria was an undergraduate researcher in Professor Michael Dawson's lab and co-produced a podcast with Professor Rebecca Ryals.
As an NRDC intern, Tacoria is a member of the transportation team focusing on resilient communities. Tacoria is currently researching the effects of tire pollution on both urban environments and marine ecosystems. Outside of academic and professional pursuits. Tacoria spends a lot of time outdoors taking advantage of San Diego's local beaches and hiking trails.