Balancing Analysis and Adventure: A Week with the Field Work Intern

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My name is Kathryn (Kate) Shiffler and I am the field work intern here at the foundation this summer! I am a rising sophomore at the University of Idaho, with a dual major in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Science. Although, from my work here so far, fisheries and aquatic science is starting to call my name. Crazy how one (or half of one) internship can change your mind so quickly!

So, what does the Field Work Intern do?

Monday – Believe it or not, office work to start the week off!

Usually I will do research, run data analysis, or read scientific papers applicable to the Henry’s Fork. Lately I have been working on some projects for my mentor (Dr. Jack McLaren).

Tuesday – More office work, usually finishing up whatever I didn’t get done the previous day. Sometimes I will get pulled away to help with other field tasks, which is great! It gives me the opportunity to have a variety of experiences.

Tate, Brady, and Kate (me) on the reservoir

Wednesday – Island Park Reservoir data collection!

This is oneof my favorite parts of the week. We take the boat out to five sample sites to collect water quality data. The device we use measures things like depth, temperature, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. Seeing the data in real-time as we collect it is always so cool.

Thursday – Harriman State Park Temperature Loggers!

Every Thursday, a fellow intern (Tate Sargeant) and I will take kayaks out on the ranch to download the data from our temperature loggers in the river. This is my primary responsibility here at HFF. We have sixteen locations we sample, so it’s an all day adventure. We start at the Last Chance Anglers Access and float all the way down to Riverside Campground. A long day and the relentless sun quickly taught us that taking food, water, and lots of sunscreen are essential for these trips.

Friday – The last day of the work week for me is usually used to finish up any extra tasks from the week. I will process the temperature logger data so we can get it pushed to the website for the public to see.

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