St. Thomas Aquinas College senior Ciara Durcan, a biology major from the Class of 2025, recently completed her internship with the Rockland Conservation and Service Corps, where she focused on environmental stewardship and conservation efforts in Rockland County.
Stationed at the Rockland County Drainage site, Ciara’s daily tasks included walking through streams with a team to remove minor blockages, assess major blockages, and compile reports—contributing to the health of local streams. Her role also involved planting trees, removing invasive species, and building trails, expanding her hands-on conservation experience.
Guided by Dr. Bianca Wentzell, Dean of the School of STEM at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Ciara secured this internship, which has sparked her passion for environmental work. Next, she plans to apply her newfound skills to a research project focused on the Sparkill Creek watershed.
“This internship opened my eyes to the many career paths in environmental science and gave me valuable insights into future opportunities,” Ciara reflected.
Ciara’s journey is a testament to the enriching opportunities available at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where hands-on learning and dedicated faculty support prepare students for success in their chosen fields.