Local Internships, Global Policy: How One Senior Mastered Experiential Learning

A prestigious Cater Grant funded Mia Snyder’s research and participation as an accredited observer at the United Nations Environment Programme negotiations.

As the end of her undergraduate career approaches, Mia Snyder ’26 has been diligently working to embody the quintessential Washington College student: a scholar seamlessly translating classroom theory into real-world action. Through a series of high-impact internships, research projects, and fellowships, Snyder has spent her time on campus over the last few years building a legacy of environmental advocacy that extends from communities both local and international. 

Washington College actively supports its students in translating classroom theory into action, providing access to high-impact research and internships that span the local, national, and global stages. These immersive, hands-on experiences serve as a significant launchpad for future careers, offering direct pathways to employment and graduate study while simultaneously instilling the practical skills and civic confidence necessary to become engaged, effective citizen leaders. 

Snyder, an environmental science major, made her mark early by securing a Cater Society of Junior Fellows grant to fund her research on the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. As an accredited observer for the Children and Youth Major Group to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), she used focused ethnography to study the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s treaty talks, which were an attempt to finalize and adopt the world's first-ever international legally binding treaty on controlling plastic pollution, including pollution in the marine environment. Her research, which involved 31 interviews and participant observation, gave her firsthand insight into the complex world of international environmental policy. 

The experience, which included flights and two weeks of accommodation funded by the Cater grant, was a profound learning opportunity. Throughout the trip, she saw how NGOs adapted to frustrations and industry influence by using informal spaces to build coalitions and share information.  

"Overall, I saw both the limits and the resilience of civil society, how NGOs kept finding ways to stay engaged and push for influence despite real barriers," she reflected, nothing that the project was a direct application of her academic knowledge, linking her senior thesis on plastic management to a global context and pushing her to grow as a researcher. 

This international experience is just one piece of a multifaceted Washington College tenure for the White Marsh, Maryland native. Snyder also took part in the annual Spring Lobby Weekend in Washington, D.C. last year, where she learned to be a citizen lobbyist. The trip reshaped her perspective on policy work, as she learned to connect with congressional staffers and use empathy as a lobbying tactic.  

"I realized my view of 'working on the hill' had been jaded," she said, noting how the weekend inspired her to continue "fighting for and securing the safety of communities that I had not been a part of due to my privilege." She plans to use the skills she learned, such as identifying "trigger words" and directing conversations, to help inform policies that will positively impact the "overburdened communities that need it most." 

Locally, Snyder also gained practical experience this past summer as a research intern with the Washington College Center for Environment and Society (CES). During her internship, she had the opportunity to work across several different programs and teams. She supported Food Security & Local Food Systems efforts by sorting and distributing donated goods to local food pantries and collected and mapped local food affordability data using Field Maps to highlight SNAP/EBT accessibility challenges in Chestertown. For the Sustainability & Campus Garden Program, she maintained the space—through weeding and caring for chickens—and designed educational signage on edible and medicinal plants. She also contributed to environmental education & outreach by creating K–12 educational kits, interactive bingo cards on the Chester River, and helping with summer outreach events.  

The internship provided Snyder with a much more holistic understanding of how an environmental organization operates. She learned how the different programs—food security, environmental education, sustainability, and outreach—connect to serve both the campus and the broader community. Furthermore, the experience demonstrated the importance of combining hands-on work with communication and education to make environmental issues accessible to diverse audiences. 

"Having the capability to move around to different programs and teams within CES afforded me a well-rounded experience within the different aspects that go into running and maintaining an environmental organization," said Snyder. 

Snyder’s numerous curricular and co-curricular experiences have become essential components of the well-rounded liberal arts education Washington College offers, noted Aaron Lampman, Dean of Student Achievement and Success.  

“Part of our mission is to be a leader in providing experiential opportunities that open doorways for our current students and alumni,” said Lampman.  “Mia has taken full advantage of everything we have to offer, including internships, independent and collaborative research opportunities, hands-on and skills-based courses, fieldwork, and faculty-led international travel programs. Our goal is for every student to have the same opportunities to engage in multiple activities that enhance the talent, creativity and skills that employers are seeking.” 

With her graduation fast approaching this December, Snyder continues to blend her passion for environmental and community health with practical policy experience. She recently joined the office of Delegate Michele Guyton at The Maryland General Assembly as a part-time Legislative Assistant. Delegate Guyton serves on the Environment and Transportation Committee, a perfect alignment for Snyder’s academic background.  

"I'm thrilled to work with an office that always puts its constituents and community first, while expanding my policy knowledge and contributing to objectives I truly align with," Snyder said of the role.  

Following graduation, she also plans to pursue further avenues for her research and is currently looking into Master of Public Health programs in epidemiology. 

 

 - Dominique Ellis Falcon