Public health student interns with the conservation district

George Mason University senior Amman Haines grew up spending time with her family on her father’s property in West Virginia, where camping, fishing, and hunting nurtured an early appreciation for the outdoors. 

That connection to nature now informs her work as an intern with Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District (PWSWCD), where she’s gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of resource conservation and community health.  

For Haines, the internship reflects what a George Mason education does best: connecting students with meaningful, real-world opportunities that prepare them to make an impact in their communities and beyond. 

“Interning with the conservation district is such a great opportunity. I was immediately able to apply concepts from my public health courses to the community work I'm doing,” Haines said. 

For example, “I collaborated with local farmers to assess their water quality and already had a foundation to draw from while still learning and absorbing new knowledge,” she said. 

A public health major, Haines said she chose George Mason because of its flexibility, opportunities, and strong academic pathways. Her father, who attended George Mason and described the university as a place with endless possibilities, encouraged her to apply. For Haines, that promise has proven true. 

Her path to the internship began in GCH 310 Health Behavior Theories with Shannyn Snyder, an adjunct faculty member in the Women and Gender Studies Program. Snyder recognized Haines’s curiosity and engagement in the classroom and encouraged her to pursue the opportunity with PWSWCD.  

“I'm so thankful for Professor Snyder who gave me that much-needed push,” Haines said. “Now, I’m here at the conservation district working with amazing colleagues and making a difference in my community.” 

Snyder, who has worked with PWSWCD for more than 10 years, said the organization offers students a powerful way to connect classroom concepts with urgent public health issues. 

“By offering internship and volunteer opportunities, they give our community health students essential experiences that connect what they are learning in the classroom with the real world,” said Snyder. “I hope this experience will give Amman a chance to contribute to public health promotion and education in the community.”  

Snyder noted that the district’s work—from watershed protection to soil health education—has direct implications for human health. That connection aligns closely with the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative’s bold solution to improve human health, well-being, and preparedness.  

At PWSWCD, Haines is researching harmful algae blooms (HAB), drawing on credible sources to create educational materials that explain what harmful algae blooms are, where they come from, and how they’re affecting water quality and public health. The HAB reports contribute to broader public understanding of an issue that’s also under the purview of the Virginia Department of Health.  

The internship also broadened her understanding of how her chosen major can have applications beyond traditional settings.  

“You can't go wrong when you expand upon your major or area of expertise by opening yourself up to other spaces,” Haines said. “Find that space, get hands-on experience, and learn new things.”  

Haines hopes the internship will open doors to future research opportunities. She aspires to work for organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she can contribute to data-driven research and public education. 

“I'm very inspired by the work that NIH is doing,” said Haines when considering careers. “I want to collect and analyze important data, compose health journals, and inform my population.” 

As she continues her studies, Haines said she hopes other George Mason students will embrace the same spirit of curiosity that guided her. “Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you and never be afraid to try new things.”