• No School - Spring Break - Mar.14 - Mar.18
  • No School - Spring Vacation Day - April 15
  • HS Theatre Spring Show - April 8-9
  • End of 3rd Quarter - Mar. 31
  • HS One Act Plays- April 13 at 7pm
  • No School - Prof. Development Day - April 25
The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

Q&A with Alexis Corcoran, 12, on summer internship

Alexis Corcoran, 12, participates in a Biology Club meeting earlier this year. This interest in the sciences has motivated her to intern at the EPA over the summer. There, she will be doing field work and participating in government laboratories. Photo Courtesy of Alexis Corcoran.
Alexis Corcoran, 12, participates in a Biology Club meeting earlier this year. This interest in the sciences has motivated her to intern at the EPA over the summer. There, she will be doing field work and participating in government laboratories. Photo Courtesy of Alexis Corcoran.

Q: What are your plans for the summer?

A: Aside from working as a lifeguard at the Blue Ash swimming pool, I will be working at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a student volunteer and intern.

Q: What will you be doing there?

A: I’m working in the ecology branch. Mainly I will be working in the field but I will also get some lab experience as well. The group I am working with is focused on identifying DNA sequences in certain fish.

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Q: What is the purpose of identifying the DNA?

A: They use this data to identify the best environments for these fish in rivers and streams. The ultimate goal is to protect our aquatic ecosystems, and it is a long and unfinished process, so they can use as much help as they can get.

Q: What fueled your interest for environmental science?

A: I took AP Environmental Science this year and really enjoyed it. Next year I plan to study and major in environmental science or public health at Wellesley College.

For more information on the EPA, visit EPA.gov.

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About the Contributor
Ellen Martinson, Staff Writer
As a senior, this is my fourth year on staff. In previous years, I’ve served as the fun and games chief, as an associate editor, and now I help edit the articles that go online. Outside of journalism, I can usually be found either running or in between second and third base on the softball field. I run cross country for our school team, but also enjoy running on my own. It’s very stress relieving after a long day of school!  In college, I plan on pursuing some health-science related field. Even though this field isn’t directly related to journalism, my experience on The Leaf will definitely help me with anything I chose to do. I’m excited for this year and looking forward to a great year on staff!
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Q&A with Alexis Corcoran, 12, on summer internship