Out West student blog

Web and Flow

Greyson on a hike at Castle Rock. (photo credit: Greyson Assa)

By Greyson Ayi Francks Assa '21
Hometown: Bunn, North Carolina
Major: Earth Systems
Water Innovation Intern, Washington Water Trust

Why did you want to do this internship?

Water is the most crucial natural resource the Earth has, so why aren't we treating it as such? I wanted to work for the Washington Water Trust (WWT) because I recognized the importance of protecting this resource for future generations. WWT works to achieve this by studying many diverse water related issues including: aquifer recharge, streamflow restoration and recycled water outreach/education, to name a few.

How does your role support the host organization’s mission?

My role as a Water Rights Intern supports WWT's mission by creating deliverables and reviews that will be used as guidance for the organization’s many projects. The most amazing part about my role is knowing that the work I do will be used for the years to come, helping WWT and other entities plan and develop solutions to the increasing environmental concerns of Washington.

Describe one project you will be working on this summer.

Most of my time this summer will be dedicated to the Sammamish Recycled Water Project. This project is the education of and outreach to agricultural producers and consumers. We’re trying to relate how recycled water can be used as an alternative to ground or surface water sources. Involved in this work is the literature review of existing frameworks for recycled water, outreach to irrigators and the development of our own educational materials for the communities of Sammamish.

How does this project relate to your studies and/or career goals?

This project is quite relevant to my own interests, while also exposing me to work outside of my usual comfort zone. From my studies, I have cultivated skills in environmental research and field work. WWT combines these skills and adds on community engagement, environmental communication and systems understanding. I have already dived deep into these topics and others and I am excited for what else the rest of my time with WWT will bring.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Almost all of my spare time is spent working on converting a 1996 GMC Vandura box truck into a mobile tiny home. This has been a very challenging and rewarding project and I can't wait until it is finished and I can begin traveling to national parks!

 

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