Randolph-Macon College student Lydia Smallwood ’18 is passionate about the environment—and she knew early on in her college career that an internship would give her valuable experience. So last fall she met with Environmental Studies and Biology Professor Chas. Gowan to discuss internship opportunities.

Smallwood, an environmental studies major and biology minor, talked with Gowan about her interests and hobbies, and about the career path she is interested in.

“With her strong interest in aquatic ecology, I knew that a fieldwork-intensive internship at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) would be an ideal experience for her,” says Gowan, the Paul H. Wornom, M.D. Professor of Biological Sciences.

Smallwood spent January Term (J-term) interning at the DGIF, which is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She worked under the guidance of DGIF Fish Passage Coordinator Alan Weaver, who coordinates the design and construction of fishways and design and removal of fish passage barriers.

New Discoveries
Each day brought new discoveries for Smallwood, who split her time between DGIF’s headquarters in Henrico, Virginia and its Ashland lab.

At the Ashland lab, she worked with Catherine Lim, a leading fish otolith scientist. Otoliths are calcium carbonate structures in the inner ear. By counting the annual growth rings on the otoliths, scientists can estimate the age of fish.

“A very important component of fisheries management is knowing the age structure of a fish population in the defined habitat unit (river, lake, pond) that is being managed,” explains Weaver. “Knowing how fast fish grow is very important to determine if there is enough forage for game fish (for example, bass). Managers need to know if they should stock, increase habitat protection measures, conduct habitat restoration efforts or go with the status quo.”

Smallwood learned about the otoliths of different species and the science behind properly reading and understanding them—no small task. With the help of a special “fish cam,” she identified fish and entered data into a computer program.
She also worked on testing an electronic fish counter—a device that is used to count fish passing through a fishway to provide a run size (population) estimate for a given river. She and Weaver met with Gowan on campus several times to use the biology lab in Copley Science Center.

“We tested the fish counter’s different sensitivity levels,” says Smallwood. “The level of sensitivity relates to the size of the fish you want the counter to detect. Using a brook trout from Professor Gowan’s lab, we had it swim through the tunnel to test whether the counter was accurate. It’s important to test this before spring—that’s when Alan will use it in the river.”

Insight + Future Plans
“My internship helped prepare me for life after RMC by giving me insight into both office work and lab work related to environmental studies,” says Smallwood. “I learned how environmental issues are discussed and handled in real-life situations and experienced what it would be like to work in a field that I love.” Smallwood’s post-RMC plans include a career in the environmental studies world.  “I am looking for a job that allows me to experience new and different things—hopefully one that combines fieldwork and research,” she says.

Weaver says that internships give students something they cannot get in the classroom.

“Lydia was able to join DGIF on educational visits to the Bosher’s Dam fishway on the James River and to check on a dam removal in Charles City County,” he says. “Experiencing how a professional agency operates helps students like Lydia decide if that field is right for them or if they should also explore other professions. In addition, internship experience can enhance a new graduate’s résumé,” he says.

Smallwood, a member of RMC’s International Interest Group, says the best part about being a Yellow Jacket is its strong sense of community. “It extends well beyond the classroom,” she says.

• January Term at RMC
  RMC’s January Term (J-term) gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, embark on an internship, conduct research or explore other areas of study on campus. RMC’s Edge Career Center and dedicated faculty assist students in finding the perfect internship opportunity.

The Edge, a four-year career program, gives students a competitive advantage in the job market or graduate-school admissions process. Workshops, internships, one-on one advising, a career and networking Boot Camp, and other resources ensure that students who graduate from RMC are lifelong learners who can think critically and adapt to new situations.

RMC’s Bassett Internship program offers academic credit and connects students with tailor-made internships to explore a wide range of career fields in various locations. Students can also choose from a variety of paid or volunteer internship opportunities.