Meet our Summer 2015 Intern Team!

Every semester, we recruit and train college students to learn the skills of environmental advocacy and work alongside our staff to win real results for Texas' air, land and water. We've got a great group working with us this summer - read all about them below!

We’ve got another great crew of students interning with us this summer! They’re already hard at work, including lobbying at the Capitol for renewable energy, to ban the sale of shark fins and against environmentally harmful water legislation. Here are some of them before one foray in to talk to legislators. 

Learn more about them below and feel free to send them a welcome email! They’re all firstname@….

Mary Ann Casas – Intern, Go Solar Texas

 “I am a fourth year student at the University of Florida studying Sustainability and the Built Environment with a focus on urban and regional planning.  I have been a camping guide for university students for the past year and enjoy spending my free time kayaking,  backpacking around the southeast, and taking in as much sunshine and fresh air as possible.  Through working as an intern with  Environment Texas I hope to learn more about the ins and outs of environmental policy and seeing what it takes to be able to influence  politics for the greater good.  My time and efforts will be spent on clean water initiatives and solar renewable energy.  I am so thrilled to  spend the summer in Austin and get familiar with all the good food, people, and beautiful environment that it encompasses.”

Chris Bourbois – Intern, Keep our Rivers Flowing

“I am a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying environmental science with a focus on biology. I have always been interested in the environment, and I look forward to helping it by working at Environment Texas.  I want to raise awareness for the issues facing our environment today, and hope to make conservation a real priority for Texas. Besides this advocacy work, I enjoy hiking, basketball, live music, and going to the movies.” 


Anna McGee – Intern, No Bees, No Food

“Born and raised in Graham, Texas, I am a soon-to-be graduate of Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA. Spending four years outside state lines only makes me realize how much I love Texas, and how quickly I want to return. I am an English Communications major with a concentration in Public Relations and a passion for conversation, information, and the Great State. I am eager to work with Environment Texas because of their strong beliefs in preserving Texas now and for future generations, so the next generations of my family can enjoy it as much as I have. In addition to work and school I am a Christian, a volleyball player, and a decent cook.”

Helen Kemp – Legal Intern

“I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and I am about to begin my final year at the University of Edinburgh pursuing a Law LLB. I am looking forward to combining my passion for environmental science with my education in law as an intern for Environment Texas this summer. I am especially interested in global warming solutions, clean water and air policies, as well as sustainable and responsible food production. I hope to make a positive impact with legislative action and media outreach, ensuring public awareness and participation in environmental legal issues. I also enjoy running, rowing, doing art, and cooking.” 

 Steve Snyder – Legal Intern, Texas Clean Air Project

“I am a Texas Tech graduate who subsequently served as an officer in the US Navy for 5 years.  I have traveled extensively, and have been mortified by the amount of environmental damage around the world that I have seen.  I recently finished my first year at UT law, and am eager to learn more about the hands on actions involved in environmental activism.  I am very excited to be spending the summer with Environment Texas, and have no doubt I will benefit greatly from the experience.”

 

 

Claire LeCornu – Intern, Global Warming Solutions

“I am a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond in Virginia will I am majoring in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law. I’m thrilled to be spending the summer home in Austin where I can help advocate for environmental issues through Environment Texas. When I’m not trying to stop global warming, I enjoy rowing, attending concerts, playing guitar, and eating lots of tex-mex.”

 

Authors

Luke Metzger

Executive Director, Environment Texas

As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.