NewsDrop-July-August-2026

AQUIFER MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Where are they now?

By: Gizelle Luevano Principal Geoscientist - Aquifer Science At the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), internships are designed to give students real-world experience that can help shape their career. Through fieldwork, research, and mentorship, the EAA’s internship program provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Former interns Phillip Valladolid in the field at the Texas Water Development Board as their Groundwater Quality Team Lead and Joe Kortan are examples of how those experiences can leave a lasting impact. What began as an opportunity to learn about water resource management at the EAA became the foundation for successful careers dedicated to protecting our natural resources in both the public and private sectors. Helping to train the next generation of scientists.

Joe Kortan in the field as an EAA intern.

hile pursuing his master’s degree at UT San Antonio, Phillip gained firsthand experience in both field and laboratory work during his EAA internship with the Aquifer Sustainability team. During his time at the EAA , Phillip performed conservation easement inspections, visited remote sites, ran tedious chemistry titrations, and cleaned up messy databases. Looking back, those long days were entirely worth it. Joe’s experience was equally impactful. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UT San Antonio, he interned with the Aquifer Science Research team where he sampled wells for water quality analyses and measured water levels. He quickly learned how to handle the unpredictable nature of working outdoors without compromising data quality. Dealing with changing weather conditions and tough environments helped him to develop the confidence and adaptability he needed to manage complex regulatory reporting after graduation. W “ That hands-on work completely shaped my career,” Phillip reflects. “I developed a genuine appreciation for everything that goes into fieldwork—the early morning planning, the long drives, and building real trust with private landowners.”

Phillip Valladolid in the field at the Texas Water Development Board as their Groundwater Quality Team Lead.

“Always make sure you do not leave any field equipment behind and use a checklist to confirm you have everything before leaving a site,” Phillip advises. “Leave private property in the same condition you found it. Most importantly, being respectful, professional, and friendly with private landowners goes a long way. When faced with a choice between an easy task and a challenging one, try to tackle the more challenging option first. Taking that path promotes growth and learning.” Joe echoes that sentiment, emphasizing how much the little things matter when you are out in the elements. “Attention to detail in the field matters, small observations can have big impacts later,” Joe notes. “Stay engaged, ask questions, and take advantage of hands-on opportunities, they make all the difference.” For students interested in science, water resources, or environmental management, an EAA internship can provide a meaningful first step toward a successful career.

Those demanding field days built a foundation that paid off down the road for both former interns. Phillip eventually joined the Texas Water Development Board, where he now serves as the Groundwater Quality Team Lead, overseeing major water initiatives across the state. Joe applied the skills he developed during his EAA internship to a career in environmental consulting as a Field Geologist, managing fieldwork for large scale underground storage tank cleanups. “It’s incredibly rewarding to do work that actually leaves the environment safer and helps communities rebuild,” Joe says. Today, Phillip and Joe are building careers rooted in the lessons they learned at the EAA. Their stories highlight the lasting value of internships in helping students gain practical experience, build confidence, and develop professional skills needed for successful careers.

Scan this QR code to browse EAA internship opportunities or job openings:

As they reflect on their internship experiences, both Phillip and Joe encourage future interns to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.

10

11