Bug Note Episode 27: Internships feat. Moss Yeager
Many bug enthusiasts want to turn their love for insects into a career, but it can be hard to know where to start. On this episode of Bug Note, host Daniel Potter talks about educational pursuits and internships with Moss Yeager, an entomology intern at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Listen to the podcast here or scroll down to watch the video version.
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Yeager has been working at the Museum for about three years, assisting Christy Bills, NHMU’s Invertebrate Collections Manager, in the care for specimens and organization of the collections space. “I'm acting a little bit like a librarian,” Yeager said, “taking things in and adding them to our sorting system so that they're accessible.”
Being part of the entomology team at NHMU has given Yeager a wide range of experiences. From examining specimens under a microscope to participating in field work, this internship has given Yeager a solid foundation of real-world experience to bolster his career after graduation. “It’s been life-changing for me,” he said.
These foundational experiences are invaluable, but for students, it can feel overwhelming to find good internship opportunities. As a recent graduate, Yeager shared some advice on this front.
“Make some connections. Becoming connected with other students is really valuable because [they might] have other opportunities you're not aware of. You can help boost each other up.”
Additionally, students can take advantage of career fairs, on-campus lectures, and community events where they’re likely to learn from (and network with) professionals in the field. For bug lovers, that includes attending NHMU events like BugFest.
Students gain invaluable, real-world experience during their internships, and the NHMU team also benefits tremendously from their assistance. "What made Moss such a great intern was his willingness to try new things, learn on his own, have a positive attitude and communicate really well," said Bills. "Moss has been such a joyful, dependable member of our team."
Since the filming of this podcast, Yeager has graduated and moved on to a full time job with TreeUtah, cheered on by all of us here at NHMU.
Bug Note on YouTube
Check out the extended conversation on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to receive notice of upcoming episodes.
About Bug Note
Bug Note is hosted by Daniel Potter, a science writer who's also worked in the world of public radio for many years, and who loves fresh air and storytime. He's joined by Dr. Jason Cryan, NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist, and Christy Bills, NHMU's Invertebrate Collections Manager, as well as other bug-loving guests. Video production by Blank Space. The podcast is created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Utah, with the expertise and support of its scientific, philanthropic, marketing, and education teams. Special thanks to NHMU friend and insect enthusiast Ted Fridirici.
Authors
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By Olivia Barney
Olivia serves as NHMU’s Marketing Copywriter/Coordinator, where she collaborates across departments to craft engaging stories that help bring groundbreaking research projects to life. She might be the Oxford comma’s number one fan.
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By Dan Potter
Daniel Potter is a science writer and audio producer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He's reported for Nashville Public Radio and KQED in San Francisco, and has appeared on Science Friday and PBS NewsHour. He's also written for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of his writing appears in the 2023 book Bay Curious: Exploring the Hidden True Stories of the San Francisco Bay Area.
