Marcus McNeil Jr.

Marcus McNeil Jr., a student at the University of the Virgin Islands with aspirations of pursuing a career in Aerospace Engineering, serves as a Visitor Services and Public Affairs Intern at Virgin Islands National Park through the HBCUI Internship Program. He brings a technical and analytical perspective to his internship, with experience and interests that include risk management, facility oversight, problem-solving, and the application of engineering principles to real-world challenges.

During his internship at Virgin Islands National Park, Marcus works alongside National Park Service staff to support visitor services, public engagement, environmental outreach, and public communications. His work includes interacting with visitors at the park’s Visitor Center and beaches, supporting community events and educational outreach, gathering content for digital and social media, and helping communicate information about the park’s natural resources and environmental stewardship efforts.

Marcus also has opportunities to gain hands-on exposure to natural resource monitoring and other areas of park operations. Through collaboration with the park’s Visitor Services and Natural Resources teams, he can participate in activities related to water-quality monitoring, air and rainwater data collection, environmental education, and field excursions that provide a broader understanding of how different disciplines work together to protect park resources and serve the public.

Through his HBCUI experience, Marcus is expanding his technical background while developing skills in public speaking, visitor engagement, environmental communication, teamwork, and public service. His internship provides an opportunity to apply his analytical and problem-solving mindset beyond traditional engineering settings while exploring how science, technology, communication, and responsible stewardship can work together to protect important places and serve communities. As he prepares for a future in Aerospace Engineering, Marcus is building leadership and professional experience that reflects his commitment to protecting both history and the future.