Meet Our Summer 2026 Interns!
Summer has finally arrived at Bald Head Island, and so have the BHI Conservancy summer interns!
Let’s get to know the friendly faces who will be protecting sea turtles, researching wildlife, guiding you on nature tours, and so much more this summer:
Makenzie Allen
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Intern
Where are you from?: Cary, North Carolina
Where do you/did you attend school: East Carolina University
Fun Fact(s): I have a Shih Tzu named Duckie, my favorite color is yellow, and I love the beach!
Hobbies: Listening to music, playing different instruments, walking on the beach, and hanging out with everyone!
Why did you choose your team?: I’ve always loved working with kids and being around people! I want to be able to educate the public about how special Bald Head Island is, and how their future actions can help preserve this wonderful place.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Dolphins
Olivia Bowers
Role: Sea Turtle Protection Program Intern
Where are you from?: Frederick, Maryland
Where do you/did you attend school: I graduated last year from Eckerd College with a B.S. in Marine Science with a concentration in Biology and a Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.
Fun Fact(s): I studied abroad in Cuba, Ecuador/The Galapagos, and French Polynesia. I’ve been lucky enough to see two Leatherback sea turtles nest in the daylight while working at a Sea Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica. I collect records!
Hobbies: In my free time, I love watching movies, listening to music, going thrifting, reading, drawing, junk journaling/scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time outside.
Why did you choose your team?: I love working in the field and getting a hands-on learning experience. Doing fieldwork makes me feel much more connected to the environment and fulfilled. I also chose this team because I wanted to improve my research skills and work more with Loggerheads.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Any and all sharks!
EJ Britt
Role: Sea Turtle Protection Program Intern
Where are you from?: Chapel Hill NC
Where do you/did you attend school: University of Vermont (Studying Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Analysis and Assessment, and minors in Geospatial Technologies and Chemistry)
Fun Fact(s): I love hiking! I’ve thru hiked the Virginia Highlands section of the AT twice, as well as snowshoed up the mountains in Vermont. I eat at least 3 bananas a day!
Hobbies: I love to hammock (you might see me out front of the conservancy), yoga, crafting, and will never say no to a good book.
Why did you choose your team?: I chose this opportunity because some of my earliest and most meaningful experiences with wildlife happened on Bald Head Island, and getting to contribute to the sea turtle program that inspired me as a kid is so incredibly special.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Our nesting mama sea turtles!
Callie Darden
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Technician
Where are you from?: Charlotte, NC
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Fun Fact(s): I originally started college studying photography and art before switching to marine biology after realizing my passion for marine life and conservation. I’m a huge Disney fan, but I also love motorcycles, cars, and alternative metal and rock music—my interests definitely keep people guessing. I enjoy finding creative ways to combine art and science. I also love chocolate chip cookies 🙂
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, photography, drawing, visiting coffee shops and bookstores, listening to music, singing, and going on walks outdoors.
Why did you choose your team?: I chose the Education team because I’m very passionate about marine life, and I love seeing the same excitement and appreciation reflected back in the people I get to teach. Being able to help others connect with wildlife and conservation in a meaningful way is incredibly rewarding to me. I also wanted to gain more experience in public education—sharing what we do, how people can get involved, and hopefully inspiring others to pursue similar work one day.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Grey Foxes
Anna Earl
Role: Conservation Intern
Where are you from?: West Virginia
Where do you/did you attend school: Ohio University
Fun Fact(s): I played competitive golf until I was 20!
Hobbies: I love to play golf, read, and work out when I have time!
Why did you choose your team?: I chose my team because I love working hands-on with wildlife and am very excited to learn more about the species and interactions on the island.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Diamondback terrapin
Ellen Edwards
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Intern
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 and playing uno with my roommates in Flemming.
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
Nada Elbayoumi
Role: Business and Retail Management Intern
Where are you from?: Egypt
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Fun Fact(s): I used to do gymnastics and ballet!
Hobbies: My hobbies are shopping, sewing, designing, and drawing. I love relaxing and recharging. I also love to get invested in a really good TV show.
Why did you choose your team?: I chose my team because it was right up my alley, and working in the gift shop helping contribute to the conservancy is such a meaningful motivator to get you up in the morning every day. Not only is it meaningful, but I also get to connect the conservancy mission to customers who enter the gift shop.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Sea Turtles
Quinn Franklin
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Intern
Where are you from?: Fishersville, Virginia
Where do you/did you attend school: I attend the College of William & Mary as a double major in environmental science and music
Fun Fact(s): I am the music director for an a cappella group at my school
Hobbies: I love to sing and play the piano as well as run in my free time!
Why did you choose your team?: I love working with kids and am super passionate about taking care of our planet; I love getting the opportunity to share and teach about what it means to conserve!
Favorite animal on BHI?: The Green Anole
Kate Graber
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Intern
Where are you from?: Western Springs, Illinois (about 45 minutes outside Chicago)
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Fun Fact(s): I love to snowboard, and I most recently went to Aspen, CO with my school’s ski and snowboard club. I’m excited to go on my next snowboard trip, and I’m looking for location recommendations! I also am a ginormous fan of the Chicago Cubs (and Texas sheet cake)!
Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, spending quality time with my family & friends, enjoying time at the beach and watching nature and ocean documentaries (especially by David Attenborough)!
Why did you choose your team?: I chose to be an education intern here at BHIC because I find such joy and passion when talking to people in the community about our environment and how crucial it is to protect it. Conservation can only begin to make a difference when people are educated and aware of relevant issues. It’s important we all do our best to share information in the most exciting and accessible way we can, which BHIC excels at!
Favorite animal on BHI?: Spinner sharks
Shaelynn Grifaldo
Role: Conservation Technician
Where are you from?: Surf City, NC
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, concentrating in Population, Environment, and Development
Fun Fact(s): I have played cello for over 11 years!
Hobbies: I enjoy baking and music.
Why did you choose your team?: I was a conservation intern this past fall and am eager to continue growing her skills as the Conservation Technician this 2026 season.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Dolphins
Aidan Hylen
Role: Philanthropy Intern
Where are you from?: Six Mile, SC
Where do you/did you attend school: College of Charleston
Fun Fact(s): I have 5 sisters (4 older, 1 younger)
Hobbies: Hiking, playing guitar, and listening to music!
Why did you choose your team?: I am very interested in learning what goes on behind the scenes of a conservation nonprofit. I’d love to continue to work in the nonprofit space after college!
Favorite animal on BHI?: Wilson’s Plover
Caroline Kornegay
Role: Sea Turtle Protection Program Intern
Where are you from?: Houston, Texas
Where do you/did you attend school: UNC Chapel Hill
Fun Fact(s): I have a pet gecko named Toby and he has many tiny hats.
Hobbies: I love to hike, camp, cook, and search for critters in my free time!
Why did you choose your team?: I have always been passionate about both reptiles and marine conservation, so the sea turtle protection program was the perfect blend of both of my passions.
Favorite animal on BHI?: My favorite BHI animal is the five line skink (besides sea turtles of course).
Averie Kulbeda
Role: Conservation Intern
Where are you from?: Nashville, TN
Where do you/did you attend school: University of Florida, with a major in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Fun Fact(s): I have a pet jumping spider named Cornelius, I have a bug-themed clothing business with my best friend, and I will be doing research in South Africa this fall!
Hobbies: I love scientific illustration and art, and spend most of my free time drawing. I also love reading (especially literary fiction), foraging, and bone collecting!
Why did you choose your team?: I am deeply interested in community ecology and eager to better understand and protect the interactions between our maritime forest, salt marshes, and coastal ecosystems!
Favorite animal on BHI?: Common Loon
Sebastian LaRoche
Role: Marketing & Content Creation Intern
Where are you from?: Apex, NC
Where do you/did you attend school: UNC Chapel Hill
Fun Fact(s): My first part-time job was working at a casino-themed party company.
Hobbies: In my free time, I love to work on short films, play the drums, write poetry, and spend time with friends.
Why did you choose your team?: I applied for the Marketing position to apply my storytelling experience towards the Conservancy’s cause, which is one-of-a-kind. The team at BHIC is full of incredible people, and I’m especially excited to cover some of the events BHIC runs during the summer.
Favorite animal on BHI?: Pelicans
Evianna Merriam
Role: Coastal Environmental Education Intern
Where are you from?: Raymond, Maine
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Fun Fact(s): I have traveled to 8 countries and I always want a sweet treat
Hobbies: reading, writing, painting, felting, exploring
Why did you choose your team?: I chose education because my passion is spreading the love of nature to everyone
Favorite animal on BHI?: cannonball jellyfish
Kamron Ray
Role: Business and Retail Management Intern
Where are you from?: Cary/Angier, NC
Where do you/did you attend school: University of North Carolina at Greensboro Major: Consumer Apparel Retail Studies Minor: Entrepreneurship
Fun Fact(s): My favorite animal is a tortoise, and my favorite color is orange
Hobbies: I like to draw/create art, read manga, and play games with my friends
Why did you choose your team?: I chose my team to gain more experience in the fashion industry and help save the sea turtles
Favorite animal on BHI?: Any sea turtle that makes it on the island is probably going to be my favorite.
Julia Serra
Role: Sea Turtle Technician
Where are you from?: Massachusetts
Where do you/did you attend school: Boston College
Fun Fact(s): I love banana bread and Noah Kahn’s new album <3
Hobbies: Running, reading mysteries, and a sunrise ocean dip.
Why did you choose your team?: I joined this team to be able to contribute to the protection of this beautiful species and continue to grow my skills in field research and data collection.
Favorite animal on BHI?: I love all of BHI’s frogs !
