Working as a Policy and Research Intern with TreePeople

Zoe G., Fall 2024

Hello! My name is Zoe, and I am a senior in Environmental Studies. During the fall 2024 semester, I interned in the policy and research department of the Los Angeles-based environmental non-profit organization TreePeople. TreePeople has many areas of focus and advocacy such as urban greening efforts and community education, but my internship focused on the effect that urbanization has on soil health, and on a climate policy overview.

Some of the projects I contributed to include the organization and analysis of scientific soil data, sourcing city plans for climate and environmental sustainability, and collaborating with different industries to aid in the advancement of soil reclamation initiatives for TreePeople. While my internship was remote, my supervisor provided me with ample opportunity to attend in-person staff luncheons, symposiums, and research events. These opportunities are excellent for networking as well as gaining further knowledge and expertise within the field.

I was able to work on several endeavors in a variety of ways, which aided in my search for career passions and ambitions. Whether it was data exploration, advocacy, or the analysis of various environmental policies, my takeaways from my time with TreePeople include a greater appreciation for non-profit organizations and the tenacity and passion of their employees, professional experience within advocacy and collaboration, and the irreplaceable feeling of using my knowledge to better a community!