Maud Rijks was the RIAS intern from July to September 2024. She is now finishing her Research Master thesis and preparing to start a PhD project at Leiden University on antitoxics movements and environmental justice in the Great Lakes region in the 1980s.
“Working at the RIAS was a wonderful learning experience. I enjoyed the diversity of the responsibilities given to the intern, from managing the library and helping researchers to organizing events and running the social media. Being able to engage in such a variety of tasks is what makes the RIAS unique as a place to learn the ins and outs of an academic institute. The skills I acquired in this short time will definitely be of use for the rest of my life, whether or not I stay in academia.
Some highlights of my summer at the RIAS include organizing an event on the upcoming US elections in November 2024, planning the annual Environmental History lecture, and coffee breaks with the RIAS staff, of course.
Luckily I didn’t have to say goodbye too soon, as I am staying on as Communications Officer until I start my PhD project at Leiden University in January 2025.
A big thank you to everyone at the RIAS for placing so much trust in me and making the internship such a great, educational experience!”
