Building Bridges for Wildlife and People: My Internship Experience with RRI

By Tracy Chi, RRI Intern

This summer, I had the opportunity to join RRI as a communication intern through an Environmental Policy, Communication, and Research Internship course at the University of Southern California. I mainly participated in learning about RRI’s various works on initiatives like California’s Pathways to 30x30, which connects ecological goals with community action.

My main internship project focused on wildlife corridors—structures that help reconnect fragmented habitats and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Habitat fragmentation is one of the most significant challenges facing California’s biodiversity, and corridors offer a practical solution for ensuring safe animal crossings and long-term ecosystem resilience. To support this work, I researched mapping methodologies like least-cost path (LCP) analysis and resource selection functions (RSFs), reviewed GPS-tracking tools, and compiled case studies of successful projects. The result was a report with recommended methods, visual maps of potential crossing sites, and guidelines for funding opportunities.

An especially exciting part of my internship was preparing for an informational interview with the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing team, the world’s largest wildlife corridor project currently under construction in Southern California. This experience provided me with firsthand insight into planning, partnerships, and funding strategies. It also connected me to professionals working directly on the conservation challenges I care about most.

As a communication intern, I also immersed myself in RRI’s Key Performance Indicator Dashboards, learning how they work strategically to create educational content and facilitate public engagement by connecting different audiences and analyzing results.

Through this internship, I gained not only technical skills in data interpretation but also a broader understanding of the multiple roles in sustainability work—from scientist to storyteller. I learned that tackling climate and ecological challenges requires both rigorous research and effective public engagement.

During the internship, I worked remotely and communicated with my supervisor via Zoom meetings and emails. My supervisor's patience and diligence added power to this internship, helping me feel more passionate about NGO work and boosting my interest in similar jobs for the future. 

I’ve gained not only internship skills but also insight into how RRI and my work contribute to the world’s sustainability. As with the 30x30 goals, sustainable access to public lands is a crucial area to consider; the wildlife corridor project serves as a vital cornerstone for addressing significant ecological problems. The balancing effort between urban development, building highways, and protecting habitat connectivity is also showing people’s progress toward environmental equity and justice. I take pride in my work because I am making real, important progress that makes the world a better place.

Working with RRI was a meaningful step in my journey toward contributing to the 30x30 goal and beyond. I am grateful to have been part of an organization that demonstrates how small, practical steps can add up to real change for our environment.

I feel so grateful for having this precious opportunity to take a step in the right direction and explore my career path! I am grateful for all the supervisors who introduced me to the work.