Jack Brownfield

College of Science and Technology and College of Liberal Arts ‘27

Intern 
University of California Santa Cruz's Alonzo Lab and Science Internship Program

Hello!! My name is Jack Brownfield (he/him) and I am a class of 2027 double major in Evolution, Ecology, & Biodiversity and Psychology. At Temple, I'm a research intern with the Ambler Field station working with ephemeral aquatic ecosystems, as well as an Honors Peer Instructor, Honors Ambassador, and Wellness Center Peer Mentor. In high school, I interned with the UCSC Alonzo lab (which I've worked with this summer) processing and analyzing data.

This summer I've worked with the University of California Santa Cruz's Alonzo Lab and Science Internship Program. My day to day varies between helping high school interns learn ecological theory, research techniques, and data processing skills, as well as helping my graduate advisor with her PhD work. In the lab we study the complex social and reproductive systems of Mediterranean Wrasse species, with an emphasis on the role.

This internship is preparing me for the future as it encompasses both aspects of academia I want to pursue in the future; research and teaching. I've been able to deepen my understanding of various aspects of academic research, including data production, analysis, and results presentation. Simultaneously, I've learned more about science education, helping the lab's interns learn about the theory behind our research, how to conduct research, and how the academic process works in general.

My favorite part was getting to meet so many new people that are so passionate about things I'm also passionate about. Some of my favorite memories from the summer were going tidepooling with the other interns and the sheer joy we all shared for the natural world.

My biggest piece of advice is to just put yourself out there! Send emails knowing you probably will not get a response, ask your teachers/professors if they know of any openings, and be willing to try something new! Once you get your foot in the door exploring new opportunities becomes so much easier and you'll learn so much along the way.