Staff Highlight: Carlee Berkenkemper, Land Team Intern
Where and what did you study?
I graduated in May from Washington College with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Creative Writing and Anthropology.
What is your dream job?
Looking ahead, I plan to eventually go to graduate school, so my dream job down the line would be teaching at the collegiate level.
What has been your favorite thing about ESLC so far?
My favorite think about ESLC so far is how welcoming everyone has been! I am gaining so much experience in land conservation and learning so much. Everyone has been very supportive and continues to answer all of my (many) questions!
What is your favorite thing about Maryland’s Eastern Shore?
I love that living on the Eastern Shore means I’m right on the Bay. My service dog, Mia, and I love to kayak, and right now our favorite hiking spot is Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I love gardening, journaling, and water coloring.
If you were given a million dollars, what would you do with it?
If I was handed a million dollars, I would divide the money up to support various nonprofit organizations, like ESLC which does integral work protecting land in the Chesapeake Bay estuary. As a queer disabled women in a STEM-heavy field, I am passionate about equality, representation, and access to education, so I would ensure that a portion of the money goes to support other young women interested in studying the environment and natural world.