2025 HBCUI Intern & 2026 HBCUI Intern.
BIOGRAPHY
Kamal Epps, a Baltimore, Maryland native and graduate of Bowie State University, served as a Historic Interpretation Outreach Intern at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine through the HBCUI Internship Program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and built a strong academic record while pursuing interests in technology, cybersecurity, leadership, and public service.
During his time at Bowie State University, Kamal maintained a GPA above 3.2, earned Dean’s List recognition multiple times, served as Student Government Association Student Elections Chairman, participated in cybersecurity competitions, and volunteered through CHOICE Fighting Childhood Obesity. He was also selected as a recipient of the prestigious CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service, a National Science Foundation-supported program that prepares students for cybersecurity careers in federal, state, and local government.
During his internship, Kamal worked across multiple divisions within the National Park Service, gaining exposure to a broad range of park operations and public service functions. His responsibilities included supporting interpretation, visitor engagement, outreach activities, and special projects throughout Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and its associated sites.
Through this experience, Kamal strengthened his communication, public engagement, teamwork, and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how National Park Service employees preserve, interpret, and share America’s history with visitors from around the world. The internship broadened his perspective on public service and reinforced the value of connecting communities to historic places and stories.
Education & Experience
Education
Bowie State University
2026 NPS SITE
Shenandoah National Park
POSITION
Visitor Services Intern
2025 NPS SITE
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
POSITION
Historic Interpretation Outreach Intern
2026 Internship | SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
As a Visitor Services Intern, Kamal supports historical research, visitor engagement, and interpretive programming at Shenandoah National Park, helping connect visitors with the park’s history, surrounding communities, and the people whose stories are tied to the landscape. His work includes researching primary sources, gathering and documenting community stories, supporting educational programs and special events, and helping develop interpretive experiences that deepen public understanding of Shenandoah’s history and significance.
Working alongside National Park Service staff, community members, and park partners, Kamal is gaining hands-on experience in historical research, oral history, public speaking, digital storytelling, archival practices, and community engagement. Through research and direct interaction with visitors and local communities, he helps bring lesser-known stories to public awareness while strengthening the connection between Shenandoah National Park, its history, and the generations of people who have shaped and experienced the park.
Skills Developed & Accomplishments
Skills Developed
- Historical Research
- Oral History & Documentation
- Community Engagement
- Interpretive Programming
- Digital Storytelling
- Primary Source Research
- Public Speaking
- Special Event Coordination
Accomplishments
- Conducted historical and primary-source research to help identify and share stories connected to Shenandoah National Park and its surrounding communities.
- Supported efforts to gather and document community stories, helping bring greater public awareness to the people and experiences connected to the park’s history.
- Contributed to educational programming, interpretive activities, and special events commemorating Shenandoah National Park’s 90th anniversary.
- Applied previous National Park Service experience to strengthen visitor engagement, public speaking, historical interpretation, and program support.
- Expanded his understanding of National Park Service operations through hands-on experience in research, community collaboration, digital storytelling, and public programming.
2025 INTERNSHIP | FORT MCHENRY NATIONAL MONUMENT AND HISTORIC SHRINE
As a Historic Interpretation Outreach Intern, Kamal supported a variety of projects across multiple National Park Service divisions. Working alongside park staff, he assisted with visitor engagement activities, outreach initiatives, interpretation projects, and operational support efforts designed to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen public understanding of the history preserved at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
His rotational experience provided valuable exposure to the many functions required to operate a national park, including interpretation, education, visitor services, and community outreach. Through these experiences, Kamal developed a broader understanding of the National Park Service mission and the importance of preserving America’s cultural and historical resources.
Skills Developed & Accomplishments
Skills Developed
- Public Speaking
- Visitor Engagement
- Historical Interpretation
- Community Outreach
- Team Collaboration
- Leadership Development
- Professional Communication
- Project Support and Coordination
Accomplishments
- Supported multiple National Park Service divisions through rotational assignments.
- Assisted with visitor engagement and outreach activities.
- Gained experience working within a nationally significant historic site.
- Strengthened communication and leadership skills through public-facing projects.
- Expanded understanding of National Park Service operations and interpretation.
Looking Ahead
Kamal plans to continue building a career in public service and technology, drawing on the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills developed through both his cybersecurity studies and National Park Service internship experience. His participation in the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program reflects his commitment to serving communities through government and public-sector work.
