Working and learning through a KBS summer: Alex Sills

Alex Sills is the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station’s external communications intern for summer 2022. She is a senior at Michigan State University earning dual degrees in zoology (zoo and aquarium science) and environmental biology (zoology) through Lyman Briggs College. Her current future plans are to apply to vet school this cycle and complete her DVM degree to practice in clinical small animal or exotic aquatic animals. 

This summer Alex is working alongside Sarah Carroll, Cara Barnes, and Misty Klotz. She will be designing promotional materials that promote the significance of KBS research, connecting KBS alumni with current KBS goings-on, drafting, producing and distributing communication pieces and fundraising materials, and assisting with donor related events. She also completed the field class, Plant Systematics, here at KBS. 

Alex’s work at KBS is important because it helps to connect outside audiences with what is happening inside KBS—showcasing the research going on, connecting with KBS alums and showing what is happening in their lives, and documenting summer experiences to show to prospective donors and future students. 

Finding family at KBS

Alex’s favorite experience at KBS so far was in her Plant Systematics class. The class went to Fort Custer and was identifying families, genera, and species of plants. Alex picked a flower and poked it out of her backpack strap. All her friends gave her their flowers throughout the rest of the day and she accumulated a whole bouquet of flowers on her backpack. “I felt so loved,” she recalls.

Alex uses the word ‘family’ to describe her experience at KBS in one word. She’s become so close with all the people here so quickly that it feels like her second family and her home away from home. She’s connected with so many other students and made lifelong friendships with them here. She also has been able to befriend her mentors and see them as people to look up to. 

When commenting on what she likes about Kellogg Biological Station, Alex states, “I love working and learning in the same environment and I am able to do that at KBS.” She also likes the people she works with and their support in everything she does. 

Alex decided to apply to and come work at KBS because she knew a few others who had worked and taken classes at KBS in the past, and their experiences sounded so amazing. She wanted to be immersed in the natural world and knew this was the place for that. 

The biggest thing that Alex has learned this summer is to ask for things. She says she was never one to speak up when something seemed wrong or if she needed help with something, but has learned to do that through her internship and classes at KBS. 

Her favorite place at Kellogg Biological Station is the roof of the Bird Sanctuary apartment that she lives in with fellow intern Marie – best sunrise view ever! She also likes to read and complete art projects here with her friends. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alex Sills, the 2022 KBS external communications intern, contributed to this piece.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~