Meet IEC's Summer 2021 Interns

Summer is here and that means IEC is once again guiding the work of a talented group of interns once again this year. IEC has always made it a focus to attract and develop the best and the brightest students interested in environmental, policy, and advocacy work in Iowa and beyond.

Much like last year, 2021 requires some different planning and engagement, and we have a full (remote) house this summer. We are thrilled to welcome four interns to work with us in critical areas this summer.

Talera Jensen and Addison Loes, who have both completed their second year of law school at the University of Iowa, are bringing their skills to assist our staff attorney as Law Clerks for the summer.

“I applied to IEC because as a future public interest attorney, I wanted to contribute to improving the environment in my home state,” Talera says.

Both Talera and Addison have already started research to support IEC's appeal of a recent Utilities Board decision and will expand IEC's efforts on CAFOs in the state.

“I was interested in clerking with IEC this summer because I was excited to work with people who share similar values but different perspectives on how best to serve Iowans by working to provide a clean and healthy environment. I’m looking forward to helping IEC accomplish their mission in a place I’ve called home most of my life,” says Addison.

Rachel James, a recent Drake graduate with a double major in political science and multimedia journalism, is sharing her talents in media and design with IEC as the Water and Land Program Intern. Look for fun and engaging educational pieces from her later this summer.

“I was lucky enough to have had the Iowa Environmental Council’s work on my radar for a while now. My passion for environmental justice and a knowledge of the inequities within water quality drew me to apply. It is my hope that I can learn more about advocating for these issues and how to communicate them out to the wider public during my time here,” Rachel James said.

Recent University of Minnesota graduate Claire Pardubsky, with majors in Spanish and psychology and minors in geography and public health, will offer her expertise to support our renewable deployment efforts as the Energy Program Intern.

“I've spent the last year volunteering with a local climate justice organization in Minnesota, where I live for school, but I jumped at the idea of working with the IEC back in my home state this summer,” Claire Pardubsky said. “I'm excited to be working to address climate issues close to home, where I know my family, friends, and neighbors will be directly benefited by the work I'm doing. I'm looking forward to learning how the IEC builds power for change in ways both familiar and new to me.

Please join us in welcoming and thanking these talented students for their work this summer!