2024 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Kole Fortson, an Albany, Georgia native and 2024 graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), served as a Resource Monitoring Intern at Assateague Island National Seashore through the HBCUI Internship Program in 2024. He earned a degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Policy and Law and was actively involved in campus leadership through the Student Government Association, the FAMU Sustainability Club, the NAACP, and the Blacks in Marine Science (BIMS) Tidal Wave Scholars Program.
Prior to his internship, Kole gained valuable experience as a Youth Advocate Partner with Empower Southwest Georgia and as an intern with the U.S. Department of Energy at the Savannah River Environmental Science Field Station. These experiences helped shape his interest in environmental stewardship, policy, and advocacy.
During his internship at Assateague Island National Seashore, Kole supported long-term natural resource monitoring and research initiatives. His work included collecting data on rare and endangered species, assisting with sea turtle, shorebird, and tiger beetle monitoring efforts, conducting phytoplankton and water quality sampling, and supporting research projects focused on coastal ecosystems. He also gained experience with GIS applications, database management, and environmental monitoring techniques used to inform park management decisions.
Through this hands-on experience, Kole strengthened his understanding of conservation science, natural resource management, and environmental stewardship while contributing to projects that help protect one of the world’s last undeveloped barrier islands. His internship reinforced his commitment to pursuing a career focused on environmental policy, conservation, and public service.
Education & Experience
Education
Florida A&M University
NPS SITE
Assateague Island National Seashore
POSITION
Resource Monitoring
Poster Presentation – Career & Leadership Workshop in DC
Pictured above, Kole Fortson presents his internship project during the 2024 HBCUI Career and Leadership Workshop at the Department of the Interior. Through an interactive poster presentation, he shared the natural resource monitoring and research activities he conducted at Assateague Island National Seashore, including water quality sampling, species monitoring, and environmental data collection. His presentation highlighted the important role scientific research and resource management play in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting informed conservation decisions.
Black in National Park Week: Kole Fortson
Black in National Parks – Facebook | Instagram | Linktree
Kole Fortson is a recent graduate of Florida A&M University, where he majored in environmental studies with a concentration in policy and law. Originally from Albany, GA, Kole was deeply involved in campus life, serving as the Internal Development Committee Chairman for the 53rd Student Senate and as a Freshman Senator in the 52nd Senate, where he was named Freshman Senator of the Year. He also held roles as a Presidential Ambassador, Treasurer, and SGA Liaison for the FAMU Sustainability Club, as well as a Nexus water, food, and energy scholar in residence with the School of the Environment.
Kole’s dedication to environmental advocacy earned him recognition as a 2023-2024 Blacks in Marine Science Tidal Wave Scholar, 2022-2023 Department of Energy MSIPP Scholar, and a Department of Interior, National Parks Service Natural Resource Management Intern. He was invited to the Georgia Institute of Technology Environmental Justice Forum. He participated in various initiatives through organizations like the Jack and Jill of America Alumni Task Force, the NAACP, and the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.
Kole recently accepted a position with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center as a Science Policy Engagement Fellow. He plans to pursue graduate school in Fall 2025 to become an environmental attorney committed to helping marginalized communities gain access to environmental resources.
Outside of academics and professional work, Kole enjoys volunteering, reading, watching historical docuseries, traveling, spending time with friends, attending concerts and festivals, and expanding his knowledge of environmental Issues.
What motivated you to choose an internship at a national park?
When I came across this internship, it was through a simple Google search. Exploring the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship Program website and learning about the program’s purpose and potential internship tasks immediately fascinated me. I was drawn to the opportunity for hands-on experiential learning and the chance to engage with a variety of environmental projects in a national park setting.
How did the internship align with your academic or career goals?
Throughout my collegiate career, I have firmly believed that to advocate for and interpret environmental policies and laws effectively, it is essential to immerse oneself in various scientific opportunities. This internship aligned perfectly with my commitment to engaging in meaningful environmental work that advances environmental justice. My academic journey at Florida A&M University, where I earned a degree in Environmental Studies, has reinforced my goal of becoming an environmental attorney. I am dedicated to protecting the planet and advocating against the environmental degradation occurring around the world.
What did you find most rewarding about your experience?
The most rewarding part about my experience at Assateague National Seashore was the plethora of different skills I was able to accomplish, such as learning more about GIS and how it’s used significantly for the park for mapping saltwater intrusion and land movement. Also, learning how to identify different Phytoplankton Species based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Phytoplankton National Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, which is a community-based network of volunteers monitoring marine phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms.
How did your internship influence your perspective on conservation and environmental stewardship?
My internship as a Natural Resource Management intern at Assateague National Seashore significantly deepened my perspective on conservation and environmental stewardship. Living and working on one of the last underdeveloped barrier islands in the world has been a remarkable experience. Assateague’s focus on restoring endangered Piping Plover populations, ensuring water quality at public beaches, addressing sea-level rise, and managing wild horse populations has reinforced my commitment to preserving natural landscapes for current and future generations to enjoy. This experience solidified my dedication to environmental stewardship and protecting areas that retain their natural beauty.
What advice would you give to future interns at a national park?
My advice to future interns at a national park is to be a sponge and absorb everything around you. Take full advantage of this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the park’s mission and deepen your understanding of environmental conservation. Stay curious and open-minded and embrace activities or projects that push you outside your comfort zone. Building relationships with park staff and other interns is also essential, as their experience and insights can offer invaluable perspectives. This is a wonderful chance to grow personally and professionally while making a tangible impact on preserving our natural environment.
NPS Intern Spotlight: Kole Fortson
Kole Fortson (HBCUI intern) installing a data logger to record sand temperatures as part of a research project with Virginia Tech and GA Southern University. Photo credit: NPS Photo
I am Kole Fortson, a recent graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where I majored in Environmental Science with a concentration in Policy and Law.
During the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of interning at Assateague Island National Seashore as a Natural Resources Management Intern. I discovered this opportunity through a simple Google search, and it has proven to be one of the most impactful experiences of my academic and professional journey.
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship (HBCUI) program.
The HBCUI program was initiated to provide Historically Black College and University students and recent graduates with opportunities within the National Park Service. Over the years HBCUI has evolved into one of the nation’s most diverse and transformational programs in conservation and career development. The program’s mission aligns with my personal and professional goals, as I am committed to breaking barriers and contributing to fields where diversity is greatly needed.
My Experience at Assateague Island
I was particularly drawn to this internship because I wanted to gain hands-on, experiential knowledge to complement my future studies in Environmental Policy and Law. I firmly believe that to effectively litigate and interpret environmental laws, you must possess a solid understanding of the science behind them. This internship offered me the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing me to see firsthand the work and challenges involved in environmental science and conservation.
Kole and a seasonal technician (Xavier Luciano) take water samples for phytoplankton monitoring. Photo credit: NPS Photo
Throughout my internship at Assateague Island National Seashore, I engaged in various projects designed to support the National Park Service’s efforts in implementing long-term resource monitoring and management programs and supporting research efforts. My role was dynamic, involving a blend of extensive fieldwork and crucial office tasks. During my internship, I collected critical data on rare and endangered species, such as breeding birds, sea turtles and tiger beetles. I also collected bayside water samples for phytoplankton monitoring at several sites throughout the Seashore, to identify harmful algal blooms. These experiences deepened my understanding of species conservation, and this work contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and enhanced my practical experience in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
One of the most significant aspects of my role was the collection of weekly surf water samples at several high-use beach locations across Assateague Island in MD and VA. The water samples were then sent out to be tested for harmful bacteria concentrations (enterococci) to safeguard public health at swimming beaches. This task underlined the direct impact environmental science can have on public safety and community well-being. In the office, I was responsible for data entry and database management; skills that are invaluable for any environmental professional. These tasks allowed me to understand the importance of data accuracy and integrity in informing management strategies.
Looking Ahead
This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career as an environmental attorney and policy analyst. It reinforced my belief that effective environmental advocacy requires a critical understanding of both the science and the legal framework that govern our environment. This internship has equipped me with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for and protect marginalized communities that often lack access to environmental resources.
In conclusion, this experience has been instrumental in shaping my career path and has given me the tools and experiences necessary to make a meaningful impact on environmental law and policy. I am eager to continue building on this foundation as I pursue my goal of becoming a dedicated environmental attorney.
Kole collecting surf water samples for beach water monitoring on a beautiful, early morning. Photo credit: NPS Photo
Written by: Kole Fortson, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship Program (HBCUI) Intern
Park Contact: Lindsay Ries, Biologist
Learn more about Science and Research at https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/scienceresearch.htm
Outstanding Intern Performance Award
Pictured l-to-r Candice Price of SODAS Life Inc., Kole Fortson, Wayne Hubbard of SODAS Life Inc., and Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Park Service (NPS). contributions at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
