For the 2024-25 academic year, Tyson Research Center is proud to introduce its inaugural class of paid TCC interns! These talented interns collaborate with Tyson staff across four dynamic teams: Tyson Flora, Biodiversity Monitoring, Mosquito Ecology & Evolution, and Media & Communications.

Izzy Borah

Biodiversity Monitoring Intern

Izzy is a senior at WashU, studying Environmental Analysis. After having done environmental field work abroad in New Zealand, Izzy is excited to learn more about the wildlife in St. Louis (particularly the deer and bat populations) as a Biodiversity Monitoring Intern! The Biodiversity Monitoring interns are supervised by Tyson staff scientists Beth Biro, Solny Adalsteinsson, and Erin O’Connell.

Sam Ko

Biodiversity Monitoring Intern

Sam is a senior at WashU studying Environmental Biology, and is continuing her work with Tyson after having spent the summer as a 2024 Undergraduate Fellow! Describing Tyson as (literally) a breath of fresh air between classes, Sam is grateful to contribute to the data collection and management of multiple projects, including the St. Louis Wildlife Project and Lifeplan.

Auriel Prepejchal

Biodiversity Monitoring Intern

Auriel is a junior at WashU studying Computational Biology. Having always had an interest in wildlife conservation and urban ecology, Auriel is excited to learn more about the St. Louis region through doing fieldwork, lab work, and data management on multiple of Tyson’s exciting initiatives!

Sam Helmkampf

Flora Project Intern (fall)

Sam is a senior at WashU studying Environmental Analysis, with a minor in Geospatial Science. Sam is a former Tyson summer fellow and he is currently conducting research on floral phenology for his senior thesis. The Flora Project interns are supervised by Erin O’Connell.

Wilson Tryon

Flora Project Intern (fall)

Wilson is a recent graduate of WashU, having graduated in May 2024 with degrees in Anthropology: Global Health & the Environment and Environmental Studies. He is a former Tyson summer fellow and now works for the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Bryn Muller

Mosquito Ecology & Evolution Intern

Bryn is a senior at WashU, studying Physics with a minor in Environmental Studies. Bryn is helping investigate the relationships between urbanization, climate change, mosquito populations, and the emergence of vector-borne diseases within the St. Louis region. Bryn is supervised by Tyson staff scientist Katie Westby.

Melissa Parkinson

Media & Communications Intern

Melissa is a junior at WashU, studying Environmental Science and Secondary Education with a minor in Political Science. Passionate about science communication, Melissa is thrilled to contribute to Tyson's Media & Communications team! Melissa is supervised by Susan Flowers, Tyson’s education, outreach, and DEAI coordinator.