Welcome to our Summer Interns!

Did you know that DCLT partners with local schools to support young people in developing college readiness in the sciences? In collaboration with Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, DCLT hosts a High School Science Fair Internship that provides students with hands-on research experience. Through this program, DCLT staff provide mentorship, guidance, and support to students conducting independent science projects. Students conduct the majority of their research over the course of the summer, typically taking a couple hours of their week to work with DCLT staff at our headquarters. Students participating in the program have seen great results, with past interns placing at regional and state science fairs, and even earning awards such as the Environmental Protection Agency Award.

Here’s an intro to their summer work:

 

Camille De Puy:

This summer, Camille is conducting a research project at the Dennis Conservation Land Trust to investigate how different soil amendments influence plant growth and soil microbial communities. The project compares a traditional fertilizer, biochar, and a fish and kelp-based soil microbial amendment to determine how each treatment affects plant height, leaf size, flower production, and the abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms. By evaluating how these different soil amendments influence both plant growth and soil biology, the research aims to provide a better understanding of sustainable farming practices and the importance of maintaining healthy soil ecosystems for long-term sustainable food production.

Yacha Watkis:

This summer, Yacha is excited to work with the Dennis Conservation Land Trust on a research project focused on identifying effective ways to repel and prevent flies in our local environment. He is conducting experiments to compare a variety of fly control methods, including both homemade remedies and commercially available products, to determine which are most effective. This research is important because flies are common household pests that are not only a nuisance but can also spread disease-causing microorganisms, including E. coli, Salmonella, food poisoning, dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever, and eye infections. The project will also examine what attracts flies around homes and garbage areas, helping identify practical strategies for preventing infestations and improving public health.

Felix Yiu:

Felix is excited to serve as an intern with the Dennis Conservation Land Trust. While his primary interests lie in physics and engineering, he has always been fascinated by environmental science and its real-world applications. During his internship, he plans to study the effects of global warming on plant growth rates and edible biomass production. He is particularly interested in understanding how changes in atmospheric composition influence plant development and is eager to explore the results of this research.

DCLT’s Summer Science Fair Internship Program is in its fifth year with support from the Bilezikian Family Foundation, and the Cape and Islands United Way.