2024 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Alexis Essiaw, a Leesburg, Virginia native and Architecture student at Tuskegee University, served as an Architecture Intern with the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) through the HBCUI Internship Program in 2024.
During her internship, Alexis contributed to the documentation and preservation of historic resources while working on Pharsalia, a historic plantation site in Tyro, Virginia. Her responsibilities included reviewing historical and archaeological records, analyzing site information, assisting with architectural documentation, and supporting preservation efforts through research and technical drawing production.
The internship provided Alexis with hands-on experience applying architectural principles to real-world historic preservation projects while working alongside professionals dedicated to protecting America’s cultural heritage. Through her work with HABS, she gained valuable experience in research, documentation, and architectural recording that complemented her academic studies at Tuskegee University.
Education & Experience
Education
Tuskegee University
NPS SITE
Historic American Buildings Survey
POSITION
Architecture Intern
Poster Presentation – Career & Leadership Workshop in DC
Pictured above, Alexis Essiaw presents her internship project during the 2024 HBCUI Career and Leadership Workshop at the Department of the Interior. Through an interactive poster presentation, she shared the research, documentation, and architectural preservation work she completed as an Architecture Intern with the Historic American Buildings Survey. Her presentation highlighted the importance of preserving historic structures and demonstrated how architectural documentation contributes to the protection and interpretation of America’s cultural heritage.
Testimonial
“My ten-week internship was with the Historic American Buildings Survey as an architect intern. I worked on a plantation site called Pharsalia in Tyro, Virginia. While working this summer, I enjoyed working with other interns from other schools and creating new memories with them. I’m grateful for everything that I’ve learned, everyone I’ve met, and everything I’ve experienced this summer. I’ve learned to be patient with myself whether it’s with people or my work. With patience, I was able to produce amazing drawings for my work and present my work well. As I stated before, I am thankful for this experience, the people I met, and the work that I’ve done. I hope to grow more and accomplish many more in the future.” – Alexis Essiaw
HBCUI Certificate of Completion
Pictured l-to-r Candice Price of SODAS Life Inc., Alexis Essiaw, Wayne Hubbard of SODAS Life Inc., and Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Park Service (NPS).
