2024 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Ashley Toney, a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a degree in Biology, served as a Natural Resource Management Intern at Valley Forge National Historical Park through the HBCUI Internship Program in 2024.
Throughout her time at Alabama A&M University, Ashley demonstrated a commitment to leadership, service, and scientific inquiry. She held leadership roles in several campus organizations, including the D.I.V.A.S. Mentoring Program, the Marching Band, and the Biology Club, experiences that helped strengthen her communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
During her internship, Ashley worked alongside National Park Service natural resource professionals to support conservation and wildlife management initiatives at Valley Forge National Historical Park. She took a lead role in the park’s Eastern Box Turtle Population Monitoring Project, assisting with field data collection, species monitoring, and research activities designed to support the long-term management of park resources. She also contributed to a variety of ongoing natural resource programs and projects throughout the park.
Through this hands-on experience, Ashley gained valuable exposure to the National Park Service and learned how biological sciences are applied in the field to support conservation, wildlife management, and environmental stewardship. Her internship strengthened her understanding of natural resource management and reinforced her interest in applying scientific knowledge to protect and preserve natural ecosystems.
Education & Experience
Education
Alabama A&M University
NPS SITE
Valley Forge National Historical Park
POSITION
Natural Resource Management Intern
Poster Presentation – Career & Leadership Workshop
Pictured above, Ashley Toney 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 her work as a Natural Resource Management Intern at Valley Forge National Historical Park, highlighting wildlife monitoring efforts, conservation initiatives, and her contributions to the Eastern Box Turtle Population Monitoring Project. Her presentation demonstrated the important role scientific research and resource management play in protecting park ecosystems and supporting informed conservation decisions.
HBCUI Certificate of Completion
Pictured l-to-r Candice Price of SODAS Life Inc., Ashley Toney, Wayne Hubbard of SODAS Life Inc., and Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Park Service (NPS).
