June 30, 2014

Intern Profile: Emily Jochem ’15

Meet Emily Jochem ’15, a biology major and intern at a field station in southeastern Madagascar.

Emily Jochem ’15
Major: Biology
Hometown: Bozeman, Montana
Can you tell us what you’re doing this summer? What are your basic duties as an intern?

This summer I am interning at a field station in southeastern Madagascar. I am helping to collect data on a recently described species of mouse lemur, Microcebus jollyae. My duties include helping to catch and process the lemurs. After catching a lemur, I collect blood, fecal samples, and morphological measurements. The blood and fecal samples will eventually be analyzed to study the population genetics of the species. 

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding, securing, and funding your internship?

I received the Miller Summer Internship Award to help fund my summer internship. The funding I received is helping to pay for my travel and living expenses while participating in my internship. 

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

My internship has provided valuable experience in field work and research, as well as insight into global biodiversity conservation efforts. It has helped me to focus my interests in conservation biology and set goals for after graduation. 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience thus far?

Having the ability to pursue an unpaid internship that directly relates to my interest in conservation biology has been an extremely valuable learning opportunity. It has brought me to an exotic location and allowed me to gain real world experience in my field of interest. I have been able to apply what I have learned in my coursework at Lewis & Clark, as well focus my interests and goals for the future.  

The purpose of the Miller Summer Internship Award is to underwrite or supplement expenses of students at Lewis & Clark College who are engaged in scientific research internships in the mathematical and natural sciences. This opportunity is made possible by a generous grant from the Miller Foundation. 

Career Development Biology Department