Pi Phi Summer; Emily

Our sisters sure do some wild things, literally! Our biology-inclined sisters have been doing some fun things. We last heard from senior Brittany, who lived in the rainforest studying biodiversity. Now we'll hear from senior Emily K., who spent her summer working around some slightly less wild animals at the National Zoo in DC.

"This summer I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. No, I didn't play with the pandas or feed the lions. My zoo experience wasn't exactly what you'd expect. I was the web intern in the communications department, which was a fascinating and fun opportunity to explore my interest in field of science communications. I worked on everything from researching zoo history to developing content for our animal Olympic-themed social media campaign. What I loved the most was how unique and strange the day-to-day events and challenges were. Working with animals is unpredictable. Every birth is a media sensation, especially for any of the dozens of endangered species that call the Zoo their home. The Zoo is passionate about conservation and research. They're doing some pretty amazing things for wildlife. It was rewarding to be part of the team that gets to help educate and inspire the public about all of that work. Yes, there were some privileges. I got to help socialize a kiwi bird, go behind the scenes with the Asian elephants, and much more! Plus, I spent my lunch breaks hanging out by the adorable cheetah cubs or Asian-small clawed otters. It definitely wasn't your average summer internship."

Along with that, Emily traveled to Eugene, Oregon to volunteer in the US Track & Field Olympic Trials.

"Volunteering in the trials was an absolute blast. As a track athlete, it was amazing to be around so many people who are enthusiastic about the sport. The trials themselves were very exciting. Watching elite athletes go for their Olympic dreams was inspiring to say the least."

Pi Phi Summer Days; Brittany

The sisters of Maryland Gamma seemed to be trotting across the globe this summer! Last week we heard about Bonnie and her Italian adventure. This week we're hearing about Brittany T., who spent a month in Honduras living in the rainforest studying biodiversity.

Brittany traveled to Honduras with Operation Wallacea, an organization that works toward conservation through various research projects throughout the globe. She learned about biodiversity monitoring techniques for flora and fauna of the tropical rain forests in Honduras.

Brittany mastering jungle living.

How cool is that?

Pi Phi Summer Days; Bonnie

It's August, which means in just one month the ladies of Maryland Gamma will be returning to Hopkins for another year of sisterhood and memories. It seems like summer has flown by! Our Pi Phis have been busy with a wide variety of jobs, internship, and travel. For the next few weeks we'll be highlighting a few women and their exciting summers.

Junior Bonnie E. took her passion for archaeology on the road...all the way to Touscany, Italy.

"The field school I attended was created to study a Classical Archaeology site located just outside of Sienna. I knew it would be a life changing experience because my time there would decide whether I wanted to continue with my archaeology major or find a new career path. However, I loved the hard work it took to excavate. I enjoyed learning to use a pick-axe, and working in the Italian sun all day. Most of all, I loved reaffirming what I had known all along, I wanted to discover the artifacts that would be displayed in museums around the world. "

After a whirlwind adventure digging up the past, Bonnie returned to her native state of Alaska and hit the great outdoors.

"While at home I like to stay fit by hiking and running in local charity races. My favorite place to hike is called Mt. Baldy, because from the summit you can see for miles. To keep up my running I participate in different 5k races that support my favorite charities. These include ones that raise money for breast cancer research and the special olympics."