The Center for Resilient Communities Welcomes Thirteen Students to the 2026 Resilient Communities Internship Program
13 students have been selected for the seventh annual Resilient Communities Internship at the WVU Center for Resilient Communities, based in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University.
The Resilient Communities Internship is designed for undergraduate students who wish to cultivate their community leadership and participatory action research capacities to contribute to transformative social change in Appalachia. The internship provides students a space to build confidence and capacity in their search for creative solutions to local and global problems. Focusing in three areas of inquiry (Community Economies and Development, Environmental Justice and Climate Action, and Food System Transformation), projects include: Livelihoods and Grassroots Development, Cultivating Youth Resilience Leaders, Nutrition Futures in West Virginia, Farm to School in West Virginia, and Streams of Solidarity.
Read more about the interns below. Meet them at their Spring Symposium on April 24th, 2026!
Abby Armstrong, Environmental Energy Resource Management
“I was inspired to apply for the Resilient Communities Internship because I wanted the opportunity to work with individuals who are also passionate about helping communities become more just, equitable, and vibrant. I look forward to giving back to the state of West Virginia, which has given me so much over the past four years”
Morgan Baker, Data Science and Economics
“I believe West Virginia has a bright and resilient future, and I'm excited to contribute to research that addresses food insecurity and supports equitable access to healthy, affordable food. I look forward to learning from faculty mentors, community partners, and peers who are working toward sustainable economic development across the state.”
Olivia Bolliger, Environmental Geoscience
“I was inspired by the impact I could make on my community from this internship. Growing up in this region and witnessing food insecurity in my community fuels my passion. I am hoping to gain more research skills and learn more about my area.”
Sogol Chekani, Economics and Management Information Systems
“What inspired me is how this internship allows me to connect the financial and analytical skills I'm learning to real-world impact right here in West Virginia, and I hope to gain hands-on experience translating data into clear action plans that make a genuine, tangible difference in our local communities”
Clara DeBastiani, Sociology & International Studies
“’There is no more important support group than a community.’ A strong community is what comes together to care for neighbors when something bad happens, they’re the ones who will celebrate you when there’s something good, and they’re the group who face the most similar societal experiences. I’ve always tried to be part of that, through volunteering, social justice work, and by working and shopping at local businesses. The Resilient Communities Internship interested me because it’s a chance to go beyond participation and learn how to help build and strengthen communities. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience and learn how to bring people together to create lasting change.”
Lana Fais, Agribusiness Management & Applied Economics
“I was inspired to apply for the Resilient Communities Internship by the CRC's unique approach to research and development at the grassroots level. I am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of livelihoods in West Virginia and to collaborate with fellow students, faculty, and community partners.
Katie Kotsay, Political Science
“This internship offers a unique opportunity to inspire, grow, and make change in local West Virginia communities. I am motivated by my knowledge that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Through team development and community engagement, I believe that my peers and I can help shape stronger and more resilient individuals capable of unlocking their leadership potential.”
Logan Pierce, Political Science & International Studies
“I was inspired to apply for the Resilient Communities Internship because of what the Center for Resilient Communities stands for in its pursuit of cultivating vibrant, more equitable communities across West Virginia and the Appalachian region as a whole. I believe in the power of community and the potential of this state, and I want to play an active role in supporting both. I hope to walk away from this experience with a deeper understanding of how I can consistently empower those around me to take an active role in shaping their futures through community-based initiatives.”
Hank Poole, Organizational Leadership & Political Science
“As a lifelong West Virginian, I’ve dedicated myself to providing my service to West Virginia and Appalachia as a whole. The CRC’s mission to connect students, scholars, and grassroots partners in advancing just and equitable development aligns strongly with my goals. I’m passionate about building stronger and fairer communities in Appalachia. I am eager to join the CRC team and contribute my skills while learning from others who share this commitment.“
Joss Poteet, Geography
“The issues facing Appalachia are too complex to be solved by a single person. I want to be part of this initiative to build resilience in a region that I know to be incredibly innovative and creative. I desire to learn about how to build a better future from the experienced members of the CRC.”
Maya Sarich, Psychology
“I was inspired to apply for the Resilient Communities Internship because of the acute need for economic opportunities and financial stability within my own community. I am excited to connect directly with Appalachian residents to identify the root causes of these issues and work with peers, mentors, and community partners to develop and implement solutions. “
Colin Street, Political Science, Environmental and Energy Resources Management, Multidisciplinary Studies
“I applied to the Resilient Communities Internship for the opportunity to make tangible, positive differences in other peoples' lives and to learn how to replicate that level of change-making beyond my time at WVU.”
Elise Vuiller, Political Science & International Studies
“What inspired me to apply for the Resilient Communities Internship is the space it provides for like-minded people to work together on projects that incite real and promising change. Optimism is often looked down upon, but at the CRC it is both shared and encouraged, because without hope we cannot achieve a better tomorrow."