This summer, Frost Science hosted three interns through two Smithsonian-sponsored programs. Sarah Polanco and Gianna Hutton González joined us as Smithsonian Leadership for Change interns for eight weeks, during which they developed a new “Science Short” video about Florida’s Coral Reef and the museum’s ReeFLorida conservation initiative. Angeline Alvarez interned at the museum for four weeks as part of the Smithsonian Young Ambassadors Program, aimed at fostering young community-oriented Latinx leaders in the arts, sciences and humanities. Angeline did a rotating tour of our education, conservation, exhibit, and animal husbandry departments, spending one week with each to learn about their work. We asked them to share their experiences in their own words.
Sarah Polanco | Florida State University, Environmental Science and Policy
As an intern for the Smithsonian’s Leadership for Change program, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Frost Science for eight weeks. As a child, I developed a deep fondness for science through museum visits, during which I loved exploring exhibits and engaging in the many activities offered at these institutions. Moreover, I learned about the ancestry of various cultures present in my community. I had the privilege of viewing vital artifacts that were not only important to our culture but also pieces of history that helped preserve Earth’s past. So, it is safe to say that museums and cultural organizations have played a significant role in shaping my worldview.
As I began my internship at Frost Science, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, unsure of what to expect but eager to learn and meet the incredible people working at the institution. Together with Gianna, I worked on a project focused on the museum’s ReeFLorida initiative. We created an immersive short video for the Frost Planetarium to tell the story of the museum’s programming to protect Florida’s Coral Reef. As a South Floridian, the beach and coral reef have always held great significance for me. Our goal was to inspire people to take action and learn more about Florida’s Coral Reef. This experience was truly eye-opening, allowing me to grow as a person and gain valuable insights that I will apply to my future career in environmental law.
Gianna Hutton González | Pomona College, Environmental Analysis, Race, Class, Gender Concentration
Working with Frost Science through the Smithsonian’s Leadership for Change Program was an honor, allowing me to continue developing climate change communication strategies in my hometown. Growing up in Miami, my visits to the former Miami Science Museum were filled with awe and wonder. Now, as an intern, being introduced to the inner workings of various museum departments—from exhibits and collections to education and outreach—has reignited that sense of wonder and given me renewed hope for addressing environmental challenges beginning with public engagement.
During our eight-week internship, we created an immersive planetarium video titled “Diving into ReeFL” to communicate ongoing conservation efforts for Florida’s Coral Reef. The video aims to spark curiosity about the museum’s ReeFLorida initiative. By informing guests about this unique ecosystem and the museum’s efforts, we hope to inspire them to actively participate in coral conservation and restoration, viewing their museum visit as just the beginning of their involvement.
As a Cuban-Dominican American, Miami holds a special place in my heart. My family’s history is woven into the fabric of this city, yet intensifying climate change threatens my family, community, and irreplaceable home. Our video project is rooted in the belief that disseminating accessible knowledge is a crucial climate solution. This knowledge serves as the foundation for building the community power needed to protect our people and our cherished home.
Angeline Alvarez | The Honors College at Miami-Dade College
This summer I was an intern for the Young Ambassadors Program, which is a program hosted by the National Museum of the American Latino. Through this program I got the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for one week, followed up by a four-week internship at Frost Science. I am beyond grateful for the chance to participate in such an amazing program and internship. At Frost Science I not only met and learned from many people but also found a place where I could share my passion for science and the environment, which is something I will forever cherish.
During my internship I assisted different museum departments. Here are some the highlights of each week. I started my journey as an intern helping the education department. I had the opportunity to interact with kids in summer camp and learn alongside them about the importance of Florida’s diverse ecosystems. In my second week I shadowed various members of the exhibitions department, which includes the museum’s collections specialist. I was exposed to all the work that goes into building an exhibition and saw how teamwork is necessary to ensure a successful outcome. In my third week,
I was introduced to the husbandry department, where I helped with numerous daily tasks, such as cleaning the aquariums and feeding the animals and ensuring they are healthy. Lastly, during the fourth week I worked with the conservation department. I spent a couple of days in the WetLab, cleaning aquariums, helping set up an experiment and talking with guests about the importance of corals. I also visited Virginia Key and Haulover Park with MUVE to do plant restoration and surveying.
We are grateful to our Smithsonian interns and the myriad others who collaborate with us throughout the school year for their contributions to Frost Science!