Meet Victoria Quinn, an SIS Senior majoring in Environmental & Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation & Sustainability and minoring in Legal Studies. Read more to learn about her internship experience at the Greenhouse & Gardens Program at George Mason University.
What was your internship experience like?
This past spring semester, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Greenhouse and Gardens Program at George Mason University. I contribute to various tasks in this role that keep the Greenhouse running smoothly. My advisor recommended this placement because it aligns with my environmental interests and major requirements, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience.
Each day, I arrive at the Greenhouse, receive my assigned tasks for the shift, and get to work. My responsibilities range from harvesting and transplanting to composting, pest management, and more. This experience has strengthened my leadership abilities and scientific research skills. Additionally, I am currently running a tabling project to bring awareness to our program as well as give out free produce. This project has allowed me to engage with students and faculty while promoting sustainability on campus.
I highly recommend this internship to anyone passionate about the environment. If I had to sum up my experience in one word, it would be rewarding. There is nothing more fulfilling than deepening my understanding of sustainability and recognizing why it is my passion.
How did you decide on the EVSS program?
I’ve always had a passion for nature and wildlife, and I knew I wanted to make a real difference through policymaking. My goal is to become an environmental lawyer, so when I was evaluating programs, I was looking for something that combined science, policy, and hands-on experience. George Mason’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies program stood out as top-tier. It offered the interdisciplinary approach I was looking for, with opportunities for real-world conservation work. I was also accepted into the Smithsonian-Mason Scholars program, which was an incredible opportunity I couldn’t wait to be a part of.
What have you learned in an EVSS class that really surprised you or changed your perspective?
Something that really surprised me was realizing how many ways you can actually make a difference right on campus. Through one of my EVSS classes, I learned about the issue of bird strikes or how birds fly into windows because of reflective glass, and I had no idea it was such a serious problem, even here at Mason. That project opened my eyes to the fact that real environmental impact doesn’t always have to start on a huge scale. At the same time, working on solutions has shown me how complex change can be. You have to navigate different departments, budgets, and priorities, so it's not just about having a good idea; it’s about learning how to work with people and systems to make it happen.
What do you think prospective EVSS students need to know?
I think it’s really important to branch out and get involved beyond the classroom. Mason’s Office of Sustainability, for example, has tons of volunteer opportunities and events, whether you’re into gardening, zero waste, sustainable agriculture, or outreach. Getting involved in those kinds of things not only helps build experience but also helps you find what you're most passionate about. Plus, it's a great way to connect with like-minded people and actually see the impact you're making in the community.
September 19, 2025