MaeEllen Megginson, Summer Intern
MaeEllen just graduated in May with a B.S. in Environmental Science from UVA, and will graduate next year with a Master of Public Policy from the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at UVA. Her previous work experience has mostly focused on urban forestry, researching urban tree equity issues and she has worked on a forest patch planting initiative through UVA’s Office for Sustainability.
Q: How did you end up at the TJPDC?
My undergraduate academic experience provided me with a background on a range of environmental issues and left me wondering how I could best apply it. I became interested in policy and planning as ways to work towards environmental solutions, and was searching for local-level positions where I hoped to see the most direct impacts. When a mentor from Batten introduced me to the TJPDC (and shared a glowing review of the organization), it was an easy decision to apply for this summer’s Environmental Planning Intern position
Q: What is a fun fact that you would like to share?
I grew up in Florida and am proud of it! I’m grateful to have spent my childhood swimming in springs, kayaking through chains of lakes, and encountering manatees (as well as some less friendly wildlife). In many ways, those experiences have led me down the path I’m on. Playing into the Orlando resident stereotypes, I also performed in choirs at Disney World throughout high school and was paid in Disney tickets. But if you ever plan a trip to Central Florida and are not a Disney adult, I have lots of restaurant, thrifting, bookstore, and state park recommendations!