NewsDrop-May-June-2026

AQUIFER SCIENCE

From Interns to Colleagues Highlighting current employees who originally started with us as interns.

By: Gizelle Luevano Principal Geoscientist Aquifer Science

Karen Mendiondo | Geoscientist II

Erica Martinez | Groundwater Use Coordinator I

Shortly after completing their internships, Erica and Karen were both hired as full time employees of the EAA. Erica now serves as Groundwater Use Coordinator I, where she oversees the Limited Production Well (LPW) Program. “One of my most significant accomplishments has been coordinating and supporting the LPW Program and unauthorized withdrawal cases” Erica said. Through her field investigations and data management, she has already resolved two unauthorized withdrawal violations; her efforts directly contribute to tracking groundwater usage accurately. Karen transitioned from education to research and now serves as a Geoscientist II. She recently managed a project that reached a major technical milestone for the team. “One highlight has been a project to convert a windmill water well that was no longer operational to a solar-powered monitoring well on a conservation easement”, Karen shared. This first-of-its-kind initiative at the EAA provides insight into how the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers may interact.

Now that they’ve successfully transitioned from students to staff, Erica and Karen are dedicated to supporting the next generation of interns. Their advice for success is straightforward, practical, and rooted in their own experiences. “Take advantage of every opportunity to learn,” Erica says. “Get involved in as many different projects as you can—field, lab, or office—because each experience adds to your understanding.” Karen emphasizes persistence and the importance of just getting started. “Start with one manageable step at a time to reach your goals; each little achievement is a stepping stone,” she suggests. “Take hands-on classes and labs... and don’t disqualify yourself! Keep applying, learning, and trying.” While the primary purpose of the EAA Internship Program is to serve the community and provide valuable career experience for students, some find it to be the starting point for a meaningful career.

Erica began her journey with the Aquifer Management Services (AMS) Team. During her internship, she conducted well inspections, measured water levels, and helped to develop and implement an atmospheric deposition monitoring effort from concept to completion at EAA’s Field Research Park. “During my internship, I had the opportunity to work with staff across multiple departments,” Erica says. “It helped me become more comfortable asking questions, a confidence that carried over into my current role.” Karen took a different route, joining the Communications & Engagement Team as an intern for the Education Outreach Center. In her role, she translated complex groundwater water science into clear, engaging information that visitors could easily understand. This experience gave her a unique perspective when she eventually transitioned into her current technical role with AMS. “From my first day as an EAA intern, I felt valued,” Karen notes. “Input from interns was routinely requested on team projects.”

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) offers a vibrant internship program that has long been supported by its Board of Directors and provides meaningful benefits to both the EAA and university students across the region. Our internship program provides interns with valuable hands-on experience that can serve as a pathway to future employment with the EAA. Two examples include recent hires Erica Martinez and Karen Mendiondo . Both Erica and Karen began at the EAA as interns, gaining practical experience in water resource management that led to full-time roles, where they continue to support our mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

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