Improving community engagement with access to the natural world

Ella Wang (she/her)
Hometown: Belvedere, CA
Major: Computer Science and Mechanical Science and Engineering, ‘24
Internship: The Natural History Institute

Ella Wang reflects on helping communities connect with and learn about the natural world at Prescott's Natural History Institute

This summer at the Natural History Institute (NHI) has been a valuable experience in discovering and gaining a new appreciation for the natural world. While working on improving the user experience on NHI's website and digital platforms — through community surveys, user interviews, and developing a more accessible and user-friendly site — I’ve also had the chance to explore and appreciate the ecological diversity of the Mogollon Highlands in Arizona and New Mexico.

Attending NHI events like the speaker series talks on local plants and bats, as well as our bat netting and birding camping trip, was really exciting. These opportunities allowed me to meet new people and see the region's varied ecosystem — from desert to green forests to species like javelinas, bats, nighthawks, and scorpions. To me, the region’s rich biodiversity highlights the importance of conservation and educational efforts here.

Meeting people and building relationships has been a meaningful aspect of my internship. I’ve enjoyed getting to know and working with the NHI team — Bob, Jennie, and Carly — and interacting with community members who volunteer at NHI events. Through user interviews and surveys, I’ve gained insight into people’s stories and their connections with nature, which has helped improve the user experience at NHI. Chatting and connecting with older community members has been particularly rewarding; their experiences have broadened my perspective beyond everyday conversations with people my own age.

This internship has shifted my view of the American West. Initially, I thought the Southwest, particularly Arizona, was all desert. However, hiking at Thumb Butte, Canyon Creek, and Granite Basin has shown me a landscape that’s much greener and more varied than I expected. The Southwest’s forests and diverse wildlife are remarkable, and my experiences have deepened my appreciation for conservation efforts and the importance of understanding these unique ecosystems.