After the tragic death of FWC small mammal researcher Jennifer “Jen” Eells while performing critical bat monitoring research, our Foundation sought to honor her legacy with an internship for students interested in wildlife conservation. Today, the Jen Eells Small Animal Research Internship is doing just that for its inaugural recipient Lily Hutson. 
Lily, a 19-year-old biology major from University of South Carolina, is just six weeks into her summer internship in Gainesville, but she’s already described her experience thus far as “absolutely life changing.”
“I’m doing something new and different every day,” said Lily. “One day I’m handling bats, another day I’m helping with gopher tortoises.”
Most of her biology classmates in Columbia, South Carolina are pursuing human medical careers, Lily said, which makes her feel a bit isolated being one of the only students interested in a career with animals. But her time during her internship has resulted in countless networking opportunities with FWC researchers and beyond. After her internship ends in August, Lily hopes to return to Florida after graduation for a permanent position.
Lily has even spent time in the field alongside FWC conservation biologist Jess Rodriguez, Jen’s best friend.
The internship was designed to give students hands-on experience in the field to inspire a love of wildlife conservation. Although she’s still unsure which species she’d like to work with in the future, Lily said this internship has without a doubt helped her decide she wants to pursue a career in conservation.
“I can’t say enough about it, it’s all I talk about,” said Lily. “My friends think it’s crazy I’m here in Florida holding bats!”
We’re honored to support the Jen Eells Small Animal Research Internship and help carry forward Jen’s legacy by inspiring the next generation of conservationists. To continue supporting Florida’s bats as Jen did, consider making a donation to our Florida Bonneted Bat Fund.
