How Science Communication Connects to a Career in Research--Environmental Education Intern Cel Lopez’s Blog
Showing a group of kids a skull that was found near a restoration area.
As a SoCal native, you’d think I would have been a beach lover from the start—but the truth is, I never really appreciated the coast until I left it behind. Growing up in Ventura, I later moved to Central California, where the closest beach was two hours away.
When I eventually returned home, I discovered a new passion for the beaches of SoCal and our local wildlife. Around the same time, I made a big switch in my career path—from nursing to biology. I wasn't certain where this journey would lead, but I was determined to pursue my newfound passion and received a degree in Conservation Biology, focusing on coastal conservation.
Photo of Cel out in the field, checking one of the wildlife cameras placed in the Salt Water Marsh.
However, my degree program was held completely online, and I was lacking in practical field experience. I stumbled across the Ballona Wetlands when I learned of a Conservation Studies Certificate course offered at West Los Angeles College in Culver City. We visited the Saltwater Marsh for a field trip, and I was in such awe, learning how an ecological reserve can thrive in such an urbanized area. I remember learning about the native plants and wildlife as we shuffled through the wetland’s sandy trails towards the creek. Hearing the history of the reserve filled me with hope, as I observed how protecting Los Angeles's last coastal wetland can garner the community's support.
After completing my certificate, I was eager to return to Ballona, so I explored the internships offered by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands (FBW) and applied for their Science Intern program. As a Science Intern, I worked on an independent study using wildlife cameras to monitor the biodiversity of the wetlands. My goal was to collect data that could support FBW’s restoration and conservation efforts, and I quickly realized that there was more to this work than just gathering information—it was also about making sure people understood why this ecosystem mattered and decided to apply as an Environmental Education Intern for the Summer. I had no idea then how much this next step would challenge me—and change the way I approached science and communication.
Cel assisting with the sun prints art station.
My Experience as an Environmental Education Intern
Two Explore Ballona! campers using their field guides to help identify a Great Blue Heron for the wildlife camera lesson created by Cel.
Working with FBW’s education team pulled me far out of my comfort zone, but in the best way. I helped lead nature walks, assisted with weekly science lessons, and joined in on games designed to connect kids with the natural world.
One afternoon, we played a game called “Bat-Moth,” a kind of tag where blindfolded “bats” had to catch “moths” by following sound cues. Midway through the game, a student pointed at my lunar moth tattoo and shouted, “Moth!” I couldn’t help but laugh, watching her eyes light up. Not only did she identify it correctly, since it is often mistaken for a butterfly, but she also connected it back to the activity we had just played. In that small moment, I saw how science education sparks curiosity and encourages kids to see connections everywhere.
Beyond games, I also got my hands dirty in the marsh, learning firsthand the balance between education and action in conservation. My internship included tackling restoration projects at the Saltwater Marsh, such as removing invasive black mustard, watering young native plants to give them a head start, and picking up trash. These hands-on activities reminded me that conservation isn’t only about long-term data collection but also about rolling up your sleeves and directly helping a habitat heal.
One of the highlights for me was designing a lesson based on my wildlife camera research. The kids practiced making observations and inferences about the animals at Ballona, learning how scientists gather clues about wildlife behavior and habitats.
I showed the students real images from the cameras and challenged them to draw conclusions: What clues do the animals' behaviors provide? Why might certain animals be present at night? This experience reminded me that science isn’t just about facts; it’s about asking questions and staying curious. Although some of the animals were common in Los Angeles neighborhoods, the kids really embraced their roles as nature detectives.
What I Learned
Looking back, my time as an Environmental Education Intern gave me tools that I’ll carry into my career as a researcher.
Clear communication: I learned how to take complex scientific concepts and explain them in a way that anyone—kids and adults—can understand.
Confidence: As an introvert, I used to dread public speaking. However, leading lessons and educational sessions helped me become more comfortable in front of groups. I realized when I am passionate about a topic, I am willing to step out of my comfort zone.
Critical thinking: Kids often ask unexpected and silly questions, but they can also be quite thought-provoking. Their curiosity encourages me to think differently and solve problems in the moment.
Knowledge: I wasn’t just teaching; I was learning, too. During a nature walk, a determined student challenged me to help him identify every bird in our guidebook. I wasn’t much of a birder at the time, but by the end, I could confidently identify about twenty new species.
Inspiration: Watching kids light up at spotting a heron or discovering a new insect reminded me why this work matters and how powerful curiosity and asking questions about the world can be.
Cel (right), along with two other Environmental Education Interns, showcasing some of the activity props used at Explore Ballona! Nature Camp.
Carrying it Forward
This experience reminded me that research and communication go hand in hand. As I continue on my path toward becoming a Coastal Ecologist and Research Biologist, I aim to apply these lessons to my future career journey. Science is so much more than just data and facts—it’s sharing knowledge, inspiring others, and making sure that communities understand and value the ecosystems around them.
In the end, the most meaningful part of this journey is knowing that I can help open doors for the next generation—creating public spaces and educational programs, just like the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, where kids—regardless of how urbanized the area they live in—can explore, ask questions, and fall in love with nature and science just like I did.