2026 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Layla Johnson, a second-year Environmental Science student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), serves as a Natural Resources Intern at Monocacy National Battlefield through the HBCUI Internship Program. Originally from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, Layla brings a strong interest in environmental research, conservation, and the use of science to protect natural resources.
During her internship at Monocacy National Battlefield, Layla works alongside National Park Service staff to monitor the presence and severity of beech leaf disease affecting American beech trees throughout the park. Her work includes locating and assessing trees for signs of disease, collecting and documenting field data, and using GIS mapping technology to help create a comprehensive picture of affected trees across the park landscape. The information gathered through this project will help support future monitoring efforts and assist park staff in prioritizing potential treatment strategies.
As a hands-on learner, Layla is gaining practical experience in plant identification, tree health monitoring, field research, data collection, GIS mapping, and natural resource management. She also has opportunities to learn about invasive plant management and how scientific data is used to inform resource-management decisions within the National Park Service.
Through her experience at Monocacy National Battlefield, Layla is building the scientific, technical, and field-based skills needed to pursue her long-term interests in environmental research and policy. By contributing to the park’s efforts to better understand the spread and severity of beech leaf disease, she is gaining valuable experience applying environmental science to real-world conservation challenges and helping support the long-term stewardship of the park’s natural resources.
Education & Experience
Education
Florida A&M University
NPS SITE
Monocacy National Battlefield
POSITION
Natural Resources Intern
Internship Overview
As a Natural Resources Intern, Layla supports environmental monitoring and natural resource management at Monocacy National Battlefield, helping the park better understand the spread and severity of beech leaf disease affecting American beech trees across the landscape. Her work includes locating and assessing trees for signs of disease, collecting and documenting field data, and using GIS mapping technology to identify prominent and affected trees. The information gathered through her research helps support future monitoring efforts, treatment prioritization, and the long-term stewardship of the park’s natural resources.
Working alongside National Park Service staff and the park biologist, Layla is gaining hands-on experience in plant identification, tree health monitoring, field research, data collection, GIS mapping, and natural resource management. Through her work in the field, she is applying environmental science to a real-world conservation challenge while developing the scientific, technical, and analytical skills that will support her future career in environmental research and policy.
Skills Developed & Accomplishments
Skills Developed
- Plant Identification
- Tree Health Monitoring
- GIS Mapping
- Field Research
- Environmental Data Collection
- Natural Resource Management
- Scientific Documentation
- Environmental Education
Accomplishments
- Located and assessed American beech trees to help monitor the presence and severity of beech leaf disease throughout Monocacy National Battlefield.
- Collected and documented field data to support a clearer understanding of the disease’s distribution and impact across the park landscape.
- Used GIS mapping technology to help identify and map prominent and affected beech trees for future monitoring and treatment prioritization.
- Contributed to natural resource management efforts by applying scientific research and field-based monitoring techniques to a real-world conservation challenge.
- Supported the development of educational materials designed to increase public understanding of beech leaf disease and its potential impact on the park’s natural resources.
Testimonial
Coming soon.
