EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University senior biology major Maddii Desemone, who is pursuing a career in animal conservation, is currently completing an internship at Green Hill Humane Society. This opportunity is helping her gain valuable hands-on experience in animal behavior, shelter work, and community outreach.
We sat down with Desemone to learn more about her journey into animal conservation, the skills she’s developing through her internship, and how her experiences at Bushnell are shaping her career path. You can watch the full interview below on Bushnell’s YouTube channel.
Desemone’s decision to intern at Green Hill was a strategic one, allowing her to apply her academic focus in a real-world setting. “I wanted to go into animal conservation work on a smaller scale, and being close to campus, the Humane Society seemed like the perfect fit,” she said. “I hoped to gain experience in both animal behavior and working with people in a shelter environment.”
At Green Hill, Desemone’s daily tasks range from handling lost and found pets to working with surrendered animals whose owners can no longer care for them. Her work is not only focused on the animals but also on the emotional aspects of the job. “We often deal with the emotional side, helping people who are struggling to part with their pets while ensuring the animals’ best interests are always considered,” Desemone said.
One memorable experience for Desemone was during a particularly busy day when she helped adopt out 10 cats to loving families. “It was a lot of work, but it was amazing to see families grow by one, two, or even three cats,” she said. “Sometimes those cats were bonded pairs, and it was heartwarming to see them leave together to start a new chapter with a great family.”
While Desemone has appreciated the valuable experiences gained at Green Hill, she has also realized that working at a smaller-scale humane society may not be her long-term path. “It’s been a fulfilling internship, but I’ve discovered that I want to focus on larger-scale conservation and animal behavioral work,” she said. “The emotional toll can be taxing, but it has helped me realize that I can still make a significant impact on a smaller scale before transitioning to larger, global projects.”
Reflecting on her internship experience, Desemone emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning. “An internship is incredibly valuable because it provides real-life experience that you just can’t get from a textbook. You get your hands dirty and discover what you’re truly passionate about, whether that’s continuing in the field or exploring something new.”
For more information about internship opportunities at Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development. To learn more about Green Hill Humane Society, visit www.green-hill.org.