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Meet Intern Emma Jonis
My name is Emma, and I am currently in my final semester at the University of Central Florida, completing my B.S. in Environmental Science. Since February, I’ve had the privilege of interning with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division on their Pollution Prevention and Control team. This experience has bridged the gap between my academic studies and meaningful, real-world environmental action.
Right from the start, I worked on a wide variety of projects related to sustainability, hazardous waste, data analysis, and operational support. One of my biggest projects was revamping the office’s recycling program through the creation of the Diversion Desk initiative. I developed proposals, organization plans, and operational materials. I also tracked spreadsheets and worked closely with the graphics team to improve messaging and accessibility for staff. The Diversion Desk launched on Earth Day and has since contributed to a reduction in landfill waste.
I also spent time supporting the complaint desk through data analysis projects and organizational improvements. I analyzed long-term complaint trends, created graphics and reports for management discussions, and reorganized contact information for municipalities and agencies into one centralized resource. This project provided insights into the workload of the complaint desk and allowed for faster complaint routing.
In addition to office projects, I participated in weekly field shadowing opportunities with senior environmental specialists during hazardous waste inspections at facilities throughout the county. These experiences gave me a much better understanding of environmental compliance, hazardous waste regulations, and the day-to-day responsibilities of inspectors in the field. I also helped update Resource Conservation and Recovery Act training materials to improve onboarding processes for staff.
In May 2026, I was promoted to a paid intern position, which allowed me to continue expanding my involvement with the team and contribute even more to department projects and initiatives. This internship has helped me grow professionally and personally, and I’m extremely grateful for everything I’ve learned from such a knowledgeable and supportive team. It has truly been one of the most valuable experiences of my time at UCF, and I’m excited to continue developing in the environmental field after graduation.
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