Environmental studies major conducts field research in Iceland during APEX fellowship

Emma Humbert ’26, an environmental studies major at The College of Wooster, used an APEX fellowship to pursue an opportunity as a research intern for Global Treks Adventures in Reykjavik, Iceland. Part of the internship took place online, but Humbert also got to travel to Iceland for eight days to conduct field research. While in Iceland Humbert collected field notes and conducted Geographic Information System mapping of trails. This internship allowed her to experience field research and helped her realize that she might like to pursue a career that allows her to research nature and be outside.  

“This position was a good fit for me because my internship required travel costs that I could not pay on my own. The fellowship allowed me to have this incredible experience in Iceland and take part in a research publication.”
— Emma Humbert ’26 

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship?  

Humbert: I learned about the fellowship through my advisor. The APEX fellowship was a good fit for me because my internship required travel costs that I could not pay on my own. The fellowship allowed me to have this incredible experience in Iceland and take part in a research publication. 

Q: What interests you most about the work you did? 

Humbert: The most exciting part of my internship was getting to travel to Iceland for eight days of field research. I got to work with 13 other amazing student researchers and explore Iceland’s incredible landscape. During hikes, I got to collect field notes and conduct GIS mapping of the trails. 

Q: Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position? 

Humbert: My fellowship mentor was Brooke Krause, associate professor of economics and business economics. She was incredibly helpful during the online portion of my internship which required me to make my own schedule and work on my articles on my own time. Professor Krause helped me with strategies for managing my time and kept me on track throughout the process. 

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you? 

Humbert: Before this internship I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do after graduation. After traveling in Iceland, I realized I love collecting field data and would be interested in pursuing a career that allows me to be adventurous and outdoors. 

Posted in Experiential Learning on August 10, 2024.