Though experienced San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) staff members work hard to advocate for and support our local creeks and rivers, it’s the efforts of young leaders that will drive this mission forward in the future! On today’s blog, our agency proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements of our summer interns, who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to preserving our local creeks and the San Antonio River.
These bright, passionate young professionals, each bringing unique backgrounds and expertise, have made a significant impact across various departments. From diving into aquatic ecosystems to mastering complex lab procedures and shaping urban planning initiatives, they have gained invaluable experience that aligns with their academic and career dreams. We’ll also highlight the Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors, who joined the River Authority to learn about pollution, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity, while showcasing their commitment to water conservation and leadership. Join us in honoring these young leaders as they share their inspiring journeys at the River Authority!
Angel Acosta—2024 Hutton Scholar Intern, Environmental Sciences Department
“My passion for nature and marine life began in childhood and grew stronger during high school biology classes. I realized early on that I wanted a career that would allow me to explore life underwater and deepen my understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Searching for an internship last year, I found the Hutton Scholar program through the American Fisheries Society, which offered a chance to confirm my career path. Coming from a second-generation Hispanic household, I also wanted to challenge stereotypes that limit Hispanic roles in society. The internship taught me valuable skills, from sampling procedures to understanding river ecology and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates under a microscope. Most importantly, I learned the importance of learning from mistakes. As I approach my final year of high school, I plan to use these experiences to prepare for my studies at Corpus Christi A&M in the fall of 2025.”
Rebeca Salinas—Lab Intern—Environmental Sciences Department
“My time as a Lab Intern has been an incredibly enriching journey. Each day brought new learning experiences, from shadowing experts to mastering intricate procedures like E. coli Most Probable Number (MPN) and fecal coliform analysis, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Metals, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD/CBOD), T-Phosphorus, and Chlorophyll. The encouragement and mentorship I received from the team was truly inspiring, helping me develop both professionally and personally. Passing my demonstrations of capability (DOCs) for E. coli MPN and TSS marked a significant achievement, allowing me to independently run analyses for these parameters. Taking on more responsibilities has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to continue this journey in water resources and embrace new challenges ahead.”
Trinity Shuler—Planning Intern, Engineering
“I applied for this internship because I wanted to learn more about urban planning as well as work for an organization that enhances the natural environment in my hometown. I’m intrigued by urban planning because I’ve always wanted to find ways to maximize biodiversity and green spaces within urban areas. During my time at the River Authority, I’ve gained valuable knowledge about siting and designing Nature Based Solutions for stormwater infrastructure. I’ve also expanded my skills in ArcGIS Pro and started utilizing other ESRI products like the Experience Builder. Outside of the office, I’ve had opportunities to go on-site visits, assist with the Mission Reach Avian Survey, and even assist with water quality monitoring in Cibolo Creek with the Environmental Sciences Department!”
Sarah Borda—Mike Gonzales Memorial Intern, Environmental Sciences Department
“Early into my academic career, I knew I wanted to dedicate my studies to improving the state’s water resources. I found that the work I strive to do aligns perfectly with the River Authority’s commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers. This summer, I had the privilege of working alongside the River Authority’s aquatic biologists—an amazing team of experienced and dedicated professionals. It was a fantastic experience where I applied my academic knowledge to real-world challenges, connected with other committed individuals in the field, engaged with the public through educational and outreach events, improved my presentation and public speaking skills, and contributed to the creation of environmental reports. My experiences at the River Authority have fueled my excitement to further pursue a future career in environmental conservation and water resource management.”
Angelica Canizales—Intern, Environmental Sciences Department
“I am a current graduate student studying Water Resources, Science, and Technology at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Studying water interests me because it is a vital resource that is severely undervalued. I applied for this internship to gain professional experience in the environmental and water science field. I am drawn to the River Authority because my values align with the organization’s commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers. My internship position allows me the opportunity to see the full life cycle of a water sample. I have been able to collect water samples for fieldwork and run analyses on them in the lab. I have found my time at the River Authority to be the perfect fit for me. I hope to continue my experience in water quality and watershed ecology.”
Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors Tackle Pollution and Promote Water Conservation
Each spring, the 4-H Water Ambassadors Program selects up to 30 inquisitive and ambitious high school students from all around the state to participate in field trips, presentations, and trainings that provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of water-related topics. In July, the 4-H Water Ambassadors stopped at Confluence Park during their 4-H2O Leadership Academy tour. With River Authority educators, the ambassadors learned about the effects of nonpoint source pollution on creeks and rivers, how nature-based solutions mitigate flooding and reduce stormwater runoff, and how to document biodiversity using iNaturalist before continuing their tour of water management sites in south-central Texas.
When the 4-H Water Ambassadors noticed litter at Confluence Park, they took it upon themselves to pick up as much as they could. To say we were impressed by their initiative is an understatement!
These Water Ambassadors will use their newfound knowledge to communicate the importance of water conservation through community outreach events, conference presentations, and even opportunities to teach their peers in school. Being a 4-H Water Ambassador often leads to new and exciting college and career opportunities, providing these motivated students with a lasting impact in their field.
The River Authority is deeply proud of the extraordinary dedication and achievements of our summer interns and the Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors. Their contributions and passion for our natural resources inspire us all, and we look forward to witnessing their continued impact in the years to come! If you are interested in internships and careers with the River Authority, please check our website as well as our social media platforms @sanantonioriver for current opportunities.
