Meet Our Fall 2026 Interns!
Fall is right around the corner, and the BHI Conservancy fall interns have arrived! Let’s get to know the friendly faces who will be here with us this fall, including Summer 2026 intern Ellen Edwards, who is joining us again for the season!
Ellen Edwards
Where are you from?: Columbus, OH
Where do you/did you attend school: Ohio University
Fun Fact(s): I ran my first half marathon this spring, and I have the goal of running a full one in the next couple years! I also love peaches.
Hobbies: Reading, running, hiking, playing softball
Why did you choose your team?:I chose my team because I am excited by the chance to help create lasting memories for those who visit the Conservancy and to contribute to the conservation of barrier island ecosystems.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Forbes Sea Star
Caroline Lorio
Where are you from?: New Bern, NC
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fun Fact(s): In my spare time, I practice juggling and riding my unicycle
Hobbies: Drawing, painting, bird watching, hiking
Why did you choose your team?: I love all kinds of wildlife, and this role gives me the chance to work with so many ecosystems and diverse species!
Favorite animal on BHI?: Fiddler Crabs 🎻 🦀
Amanda Newport
Where are you from?: Cranford, NJ
Where do you/did you attend school:University of New Hampshire, B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Marine Biology
Fun Fact(s): I got the chance to study and do research at Shoals Marine Laboratory, a small island off the coast of Maine!
Hobbies: Crocheting, embroidery (or any other crafts!), reading, and being in nature!
Why did you choose your team?: I love the opportunity to work out in the field with the wide range of wildlife that BHI has to offer, while also getting to expand my knowledge on other ecosystem aspects and how the island functions as a whole!
Favorite animal on BHI?: Diamondback Terrapin
Ian von Weisenstein
Where are you from?: Nashville, Tennessee
Where do you/did you attend school: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Fun Fact(s): I can speak German
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, reading, writing, and drawing.
Why did you choose your team?: I really wanted to gain experience in hands-on conservation efforts and learn firsthand how marsh and maritime forest ecosystems function.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Brown Pelican
