Muskingum News

Muskingum students from majors throughout the University are spending their summers in internships across the country, gaining hand-on experiences in their respective fields.

Geology major Joshua Corwin ’22 is interning at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park and Moffett Field, California. Joshua and his dog traveled cross-country to California in his camper, where they are living this summer.

“This has been an awesome internship,” Joshua said. “I’ve been working on new functions for “Shake Maps” – in-depth maps with critical data that are sent out to the public immediately following an earthquake. I have also worked on improving the accuracy of naming earthquakes based on their location, which will allow first responders to provide help more quickly, and on earthquake prediction models. My internship has included USGS seminars where scientists in different fields discuss their work and field trips to geological field sites, including the San Andreas fault.”

Joshua is a U.S. Army veteran and studied at Zane State University before enrolling at Muskingum. After his December graduation, he hopes to join the USGS in the hydrology field.

Rebecca Walker ’23 is interning at Great Cats World Park in Cave Junction, Oregon.

“Great Cats World Park is home to one of the largest and rarest collections of wild cat species in the country,” Rebecca said. “It houses more than 50 cats from 17 species and subspecies, many of which are threatened, endangered, or extinct in the wild. I’ve learned how to safely feed the animals, take care of their exhibits, provide them with enrichment activities, and help monitor their health. I also enjoy giving tours to park visitors and educating people about the cats. After graduation, I hope to continue in the wildlife rehabilitation field, so this internship has been a perfect fit for me. It is opening many different pathways for my future.”  

Rebecca is majoring in Animal Studies and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Communication. She is a member of the varsity Bowling Team, an Admission Office tour guide, and has worked for Campus Recreation in the Chess Center.

Emma Cepek ’24 is interning in the Office of the Mayor of Lancaster, Ohio.

“This experience has provided so many wonderful opportunities, especially since I plan to work in government after I graduate,”  Emma said. “I’ve helped write press releases, worked on the city website, attended meetings with the mayor, learned about city departments, and toured buildings and operations. I’ve also been gathering data to help Lancaster become certified in the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) Sustainable2050 program. My internship is through a MORPC program involving multiple cities, so I’ve gotten to know other students with similar interests, made connections with government leaders from many areas, and participated in professional development activities.”

Emma is majoring in Public Administration and History and is pursuing multiple minors. She is a John and Annie Glenn Fellow, a radio DJ for WMCO, and a member of Chi Alpha Nu, Women in Politics, and the History Club. She has served as Vice President of Greek Council and on the Student Senate.

Sadie Yurkovich ’25 interned in the school psychology office of the Moon Area School District, in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region.

“This was a great chance to explore my field,” Sadie said. “I was able to work directly with the district’s psychologist, shadowing her during testing sessions with students of all age levels, to see if they needed extra help and determine how best to support them. I also shadowed suicide threat assessments and meetings with parents for student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). I collected data for referrals, evaluation reports, and reevaluation reports for several school years, which showed an increase in the number of students needing assistance for special education and mental health. I also had the opportunity to work with the school resource officer and see the justice and legal side of the K-12 environment.”

Sadie is majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology and plans to become a forensic psychologist. She serves as Secretary of Lambda Sigma Honorary Society and Vice President of the Psychology Club.