By Drew Thompson

Some interns have big shoes to fill if they follow in a predecessor’s footsteps. Others, like Emily Colbert, blaze the trail.

The Virginia Commonwealth University senior charted new territory this summer with one of the esteemed organizations in higher education: the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, whose more than 250 member organizations advance the mission of public research schools. Colbert initiated an internship with the APLU’s Board on Health and Human Services, which focuses on research, outreach and other programs that aim to enrich human life.

Colbert was happy to make a new mark with the Washington-based association.

“Being the first intern for the BHHS has been a great experience, but it was a little intimidating to start a position without a clear structure,” she said. “My bosses at the BHHS have been amazing in helping me figure out how this internship would benefit me the most and making me feel like a truly important part of their work.”

As an environmental studies student in the College of Humanities and Sciences, Colbert had experience maximizing data and spreadsheets, and that work translated smoothly into her internship. At the APLU, she helped create a database for member organizations to seamlessly access information about their work in human sciences, human development and human ecology.

Colbert notably worked on creating a map that aligns with the database. She pitched the idea when she noticed that the previous map was outdated and hard to navigate.

“I was excited to take on this project, as I recently finished taking a cartography class at VCU,” Colbert said. “I loved that class, and I enjoy using my knowledge of mapping software outside of class assignments. I have had a lot of fun messing around with the software and trying to create a map for them that accurately represents their membership.”

Colbert is scheduled to graduate next spring with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a minor in biology. She credits a UNIV class from freshman year with helping her develop tools, including résumés and cover letters, that propelled her growth, including pursuit of the APLU internship.

“I had already had my mind set on VCU before I even knew what I wanted to study,” said Colbert, who grew up in Arlington, Virginia. “I was excited about the opportunities that came with going to school in a major city, and I still feel confident in my decision. I’ve had the chance to explore my interests not only in the classroom but in field studies and engagement with the community.”

Colbert is now considering graduate school to expand her journey.

“Living and studying in Richmond has been an amazing experience,” she said, “as I have been able to prioritize my greatest interests in the field of environmental studies.”