Meet our Staff: Maggie Nesbit

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

MITPPC Communications Intern | she/her/hers

What are some of the projects you worked on this summer?

This summer, I worked on writing blog features for a soybean-related series. These blogs focused on projects being done by our MITPPC researchers on insects, plants, and pathogens affecting soybean production.

Another project that I worked on this summer was a printed brochure piece. I worked on the layout design of the brochure as well as the copy that describe our projects related to natural resources.

Lastly, I worked on creating social media content that was posted on our Twitter account as well as the Biotweeps Twitter account.

Maggie was a communications intern with the MITPPC in the summer of 2019. Check out some of her work on the "In the News" section.

What has it been like to interview scientists about their work?

At first, I was pretty nervous about interviewing the scientists about their research because I did not have a solid background in science. However, once I sat down for my first interview, I started to get excited about how much I was learning from the researchers. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge about environmental science and biology this summer and have become much more aware and passionate about the invasive species issues impacting Minnesota and beyond.

What new ideas and experiences are you taking away from this internship?

I was able to expand my knowledge on communications and learned an incredible amount about science communication and science writing. I was able to develop into a better communicator and strategic thinker. I broke out of my comfort zone and had the opportunity to interview scientists about their work, which helped me evolve into a bolder individual.

Favorite invasive species research fact?

My favorite invasive species to learn about was the soybean aphid. It’s insane how many aphids can infest a single soybean plant (1000, easily)!

What are your future plans, at the University of Minnesota and beyond?

I plan on finishing my English and Strategic Communications degrees. To my excitement, I was asked to continue my communications work with MITPPC throughout the upcoming school year. I'll also be continuing in my Content Creator position at the student-run communications agency on campus, CLAgency.

During the rest of my time at the U, I want to keep pursuing activities and internships that will deepen my interest in communications and advance me in my career. After graduation, I plan to look for internships and jobs in the communications and public relations fields.

Any tips for future science communications undergraduate interns?

If you don’t have an extensive background in science, that’s okay! You’ll get to learn something new every day.