Climate Action
Introducing the Fall 2025 Interns
October 27, 2025
Opinion
Today is National Mentoring Day, the perfect opportunity to reflect on the people who teach me as much as I do them. What’s so inspiring about managing the internship program for EARTHDAY.ORG is the chance to reinvent myself and the program every semester. Lean into what worked, discard what didn’t, and further optimize processes to provide interns — undergraduates, recent grads, and grad school students — the best experiential learning journey EARTHDAY.ORG can provide.
Our interns are given real, impactful work that prepares them for professional skill applications. I’ve even been told by previous interns that the range of work — from synthesizing research to writing articles to performing national campaign outreach — has been relevant to their current roles. One intern warmed my email heart when she said her exhaustive analysis of A/B tests gave her an edge in a nonprofit digital communications job interview that she was ultimately offered.
Some highlight stories featuring some of our former interns:
- Fiona Kennedy (Spring 2022) wrote the nomination for the Earthshot finalist we nominated in 2022, the City of Amsterdam, blending research into a compelling case that advanced the nomination through the process. She currently works for Oxfam Ireland.
- Lindsey Sparkman (Fall 2023 – Spring 2024) raised over $2,500 in email fundraisers and wrote the nomination for the Goldman Prize 2024 winner, Laurene Allen, crafting the narrative through open source research.
- Yazmine Marrero’s (Spring 2025) article on Wikie and Keijo reached 190,000 viewers in just a few days and was beating the BBC on Google search for weeks. It was clear, accurate and shared information that many professionally written pieces lacked.
- Journey Lipscomb (Spring 2023) provided the basis for the Climate Education Nationally Determined Contributions tracker by examining over 50 country NDCs. She earned a coveted research role at the Environmental Law Institute.
- Terran Fielder (Spring 2024) supplemented the one-person media team and was so successful at driving media and writing, she joined us officially as a Media Specialist once she graduated. Terran also manages the Media interns and has published over 20 articles.
I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to some of this semester’s writers. We had over 100 applicants and hired a cohort of 22 to fill out several roles in Communication & Media, Development, National Campaign, Climate Education, End Plastics Initiative, and The Great Global Cleanup. Read more about why they wanted to work with the Earth Day movement and check out their articles.
Darby Burgett
Darby Burgett is a senior at Washington and Lee University majoring in Environmental Studies and double minoring in Law, Justice, and Society and Poverty and Human Capability Studies. She has previously interned with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Legal Aid of West Virginia, and Bata Singapore.
I applied to EARTHDAY.ORG because I wanted to contribute to meaningful environmental action. I believe that my strongest environmental impact lies where my capabilities can best serve the most pressing needs. In this internship, I hope to better understand how to communicate about environmental issues in ways that not only inform people but also move them to genuinely care and take action.
Darby Burgett
You can read Darby’s articles here.
Zach Cohen
Zach Cohen is a current sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison double majoring in Political Science and English. With a deep interest in environmental justice, he’s passionate about using writing and research to explore how policy can shape a more sustainable, equitable future. Zach is especially drawn to work that bridges advocacy and communication, and he hopes to grow as a storyteller who can help make complex climate issues feel personal and urgent.
I applied to EARTHDAY.ORG because of its standing as one of the world’s most capable combatants to climate change. My goals have always been to help others live long-lasting, happy lives, which I believe is most threatened currently by the state the environment is trending toward. That passion, in tandem with my love of writing and research, made EARTHDAY.ORG an invaluable opportunity to grow as a young professional and begin contributing to a virtuous movement.
Zach Cohen
You can read Zach’s articles here.
Bryndís Davis
Bryndís Davis is a senior at the University of Michigan double majoring in Creative Writing & Literature and International Studies with a concentration in Global Health and Environment. She has previously written for AllMusic, an Ann Arbor based online music resource.
In joining EARTHDAY.ORG, I hope to weave my love for writing and storytelling with my deep-seeded desire to act for climate change and make a difference. I believe change is fueled by stories; that revolutions begin by changing the narrative and disrupting the cultural status quo. It was my conviction that a writing internship with an established and committed environmental non-profit could satisfy my restless desire to do something about my burning planet while giving me the space to learn from like-minded supervisors, editors, and peers.
Bryndís Davis
You can read Bryndís’ articles here.
Thomas Ferguson
Thomas Ferguson is a senior at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill studying Environmental Studies and Public Policy. His previous roles include research, program management, and writing.
The widespread prevalence of single-use plastics in everyday life was my window into environmentalism. This got me interested in advocating for circular economy practices and transparency in supply chains and manufacturing. I am hoping to explore the local implications of global decisions in more depth with a career in geospatial analysis or policy analysis with a local government or organization. As someone who got into environmentalism through local activism campaigns, I wanted to work for EarthDay.org because I believe that non-profits have an important role in introducing, informing, and engaging audiences with environmental activism. I felt like Earthday.org was a good choice and an interesting organization to work with becuase they have a global focus when to comes to environmentalism.
Thomas Ferguson
You can read Thomas’ articles here.
Sophia Forster
Sophia Forster is an entering senior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, studying English and Political Science. She has written for the Heyde Center for the Arts – a local community arts organization in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin – readunwritten.com, a blog that uplifts Millennial and Gen Z women, and Wisconsin Progress, an organization that recruits and trains political candidates.
I applied to EARTHDAY.ORG because I believe writing isn’t just a way to escape reality, but a way to shape it for the better. Growing up, I saw people in my small town find confidence and identity through storytelling; whether in the library, on stage, or in mock legislative sessions. That lesson has stayed with me through college, where I’ve continued writing. Through this internship, I hope to strengthen those skills and help promote a cause that matters deeply to me.
Sophia Forster
You can read Sophia’s articles here.
Revati Gelda
Revati Gelda is from Tivoli, NY and holds a B.A. of English from Binghamton University. Her work has been published in the university’s newspaper Pipe Dream, as well as Hudson Valley Magazine and The Daily Catch.
As a writer who strives to make an impact through my pieces, I recognize EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission of mobilizing individuals to protect the Earth for future generations. The written word has a great intensity to it, especially when it draws a collective together to fight for pressing issues. At EARTHDAY.ORG, I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is committed to the undeniably important cause of preserving the well-being of our planet that we call home.
You can read Revati’s articles here.
Greta Merril
Greta Merrill is a junior at American University majoring in International Studies with a regional focus in sub-Saharan Africa and minoring in Environmental Science. She has a strong interest in environmental policy and sustainable development, shaped by academic studies and hands-on experience, including a recent internship with the U.S. House of Representatives. Greta is passionate about making climate issues more accessible and engaging through writing and research.
Since listening to a talk by Bill McKibben when I was in middle school, a commitment to addressing the climate crisis and pursuing sustainable development has defined my academic decisions and career goals. I spent my summer interning on the Hill, which I loved, but I wanted to contribute more directly to a cause I care deeply about: environmental action. At EARTHDAY.ORG, I’m excited to write on environmental topics for a general audience, assist with research projects, and gain valuable experience within an organization that mobilizes people to protect our planet.
Greta Merrill
You can read Greta’s articles here.
Kavya Murugesh
Kavya Murugesh is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying psychology and public policy at the University of California, Riverside. She is an East Bay Area native who enjoys being outdoors, baking, crocheting, thrifting, trying new coffee shops, and reading.
I chose to intern with EARTHDAY.ORG because the organization’s mission deeply resonated with me. Having lived in California for most of my life, I’ve developed a deep gratitude for nature, the environment, and our planet. Earth Day’s commitment to environmental justice work, and its global impact, have been nothing short of inspiring for me. Being part of the communications team, specifically, has allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways that draw on my past experiences. I’ve enjoyed all facets of the writing process, outreach research, and amplifying Earth Day’s initiatives. I am thankful for the opportunities to learn, take on responsibility, and grow through this experience!
Kavya Murugesh
Kavya’s first article is scheduled to be published by October 29, when we will link to her author page.
Nichole Radcliff
Nichole Radcliff is a senior majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Environmental Studies and minoring in Public Health at the George Washington University. She is especially interested in the global impacts of climate change and the intersection of environmental sustainability and public health.
I applied to be an EARTHDAY.ORG writer because I care deeply about protecting our planet and the people most affected by environmental harm. I am excited for the opportunity to raise awareness on EARTHDAY.ORG’s campaigns through writing and inspire others to take action.
Nichole Radcliff
You can read Nichole’s articles here.
Jocelyn Richards
Jocelyn Richards is a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing a major in Environmental Studies and a Journalism minor. With a background in both scientific study and creative communication, Jocelyn is drawn to projects that humanize environmental issues and make them more accessible to broader audiences. She’s especially interested in using multimedia tools, like film and writing, to highlight stories of resilience, community, and ecological connection.
Storytelling can transcend past the barriers of time and language, which is why I applied to be a writer for EARTHDAY.ORG. Through stories, we can uncover the similarities we share with neighbors and peers, deepening our understanding of one another. By implementing storytelling into the art of filmmaking and the communicative power of writing, we can spread more positive messages about the world we live in. I believe that utilizing the tools of modern communication can bridge gaps in engagement with environmental concerns. I want to create meaningful messages that connect people, plants, and animals that will endure the same consequences of a changing climate.
Jocelyn Richards
You can read Jocelyn’s articles here.
Hailey Rodriguez
Hailey Rodriguez is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is pursuing double majors in Media and Journalism (with a concentration in Journalism) and English (with a concentration in Writing, Editing, and Digital Publishing). She is also minoring in Environmental Justice. Her writing has been featured in The Daily Tar Heel, UNC’s student-run newspaper.
I applied to be a writer at EARTHDAY.ORG because I’ve always had a deep love for nature and a desire to speak up for the creatures and places that can’t speak for themselves. I aim to use storytelling and photography to raise awareness of urgent environmental issues and shed light on stories that might otherwise go unheard. By making complex topics more accessible and amplifying diverse voices, I hope to inspire action and help build a more just and sustainable future.
Hailey Rodriguez
You can read Hailey’s articles here.
Evlin Walsh
Evlin Walsh is a junior Screenwriting student at Chapman University with a double minor in Environmental Science and Film Music. Evlin believes deeply in the power to be found in the intersection of science and journalism – each allowing the other to be understood.
I applied to be an EARTHDAY.ORG writer because I wanted to make a difference. I didn’t want to feel stagnant in a world where it’s easier to watch things happen rather than to act. I am passionate about conservation and I have keen interests in animal behavioural studies and clean energy solutions.
Evlin WAlsh
You can read Evlin’s’ articles here.
Chaowen Zheng
Mark Zheng is a Chinese international student at Georgetown University, studying Government and History on a pre-law track. With aspirations to become a policy advisor or legal practitioner, Mark brings a strong research background and a deep interest in language and historical analysis. He previously studied at the University of Florida, where he authored a research paper on the 1889 Milwaukee Anti-Chinese Riot. Mark has also worked as both an oral history and metadata intern, and has extensive experience tutoring students for essay competitions. He is passionate about using historical understanding to inform legal and policy solutions in a global context.
I applied to EARTHDAY.ORG as a writing intern as I value this opportunity of featuring my works to a wide audience. EARTHDAY.ORG also aligns with my values, as I hope to make use of my writing skills to advance public interest; environmental advocacy, as to my perspective, is one that should be prioritized and elevated even more.
Chaowen Zheng
Chaowen’s first article is scheduled to be published on November 19, at which point we will link to his author page.
Thanks to all of our interns for their endless enthusiasm, hard work, and and smarts. We truly could not do this without you! If you are interested in interning, check out the job description which includes information on how to apply.
If you can’t intern with us but still want to support us you can join our Social Squad.