SUU Interns Help Save Hiker’s Life

On a July afternoon, beneath the relentless summer heat near Kanab, three participants in Southern Utah University's (SUU) Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) faced a situation no classroom exercise could fully prepare them for: A 67-year-old woman at The Wave was in severe medical distress and needed immediate help.

Interns Brooklyn Bauer, Jake McDonald, and Conner Buchanan were patrolling the popular hiking destination on July 15, 2026, when they encountered the woman. The interns administered first aid, contacted Search and Rescue, and used their emergency supplies to stabilize her until emergency personnel arrived. Their preparedness, teamwork, and quick response helped save her life.

On August 19, 2026, the three interns received the Life Saver Award during the IIC's end-of-season celebration. The celebration honors the students, mentors, and partners whose work shaped the program's 19th season.

"These interns' life-saving actions represent one extraordinary moment in a season packed with many more," said Shannon Eberhard, Assistant Director of Outdoor Pathways. "Across the region, IIC interns have contributed approximately 53,000 hours (and counting!) so far in 2026. By helping educate visitors, protect wildlife, and improve public lands, they have strengthened our surrounding communities as well as their professional skills."

Housed within SUU's Outdoor Pathways, the IIC connects students with hands-on learning experiences through partnerships with land management agencies, outdoor recreation businesses, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and Native American tribes across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

The program creates opportunities for students from a wide range of academic programs and career interests to work alongside experienced mentors in professional fields, including wildlife conservation, engineering, trail maintenance, visitor education, visual communications, and public land management.

For some interns, that work means welcoming visitors to iconic national parks. For others, it means surveying landscapes recovering from wildfire. For the three interns near Kanab, it meant being prepared when a stranger's life depended on it.

Building Careers While Strengthening Public Lands

Among the season's standout accomplishments was the work of Corinne Braley, an engineering intern with the U.S. Forest Service, who received the Impact by Design Award. Braley helped document damage and support the redesign of the Pine Valley Recreation Area following the 2025 Forsyth Fire. Using GPS survey equipment and AutoCAD Civil 3D, she contributed to a recovery project ultimately approved for more than $5 million in disaster funding.

Kaitlyn Esplin, named Intern of the Year, was recognized for three years of growth through the IIC, including an internship with the Bureau of Land Management's Kanab Field Office and two seasons as a visitor services intern at Bryce Canyon National Park. Through engaging conversations about plants, wildlife, and geology, Esplin helped visitors form closer connections with the park. Her creativity also lent itself to designing posters, signs, and visitor materials to enhance the park experience.

At Zion National Park, education intern Joseph Rodriguez received Rookie of the Year honors for a first season defined by enthusiasm, teamwork, and community participation. Rodriguez assisted with Spanish-language translations and supported activities involving SUU's Latino Alliance and Latino Conservation Week, helping more visitors and community members feel welcome on public lands.

Chaz Espinoza, an off-highway vehicle crew leader, received Crew Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Year for creating a team culture centered on safety, collaboration, and support. His leadership helped fellow crew members develop their skills while carrying out important work across the region.

Student Stories Earn Scholarships

The celebration also recognized three interns whose digital showcase projects captured the purpose and impact of their experiences. Each recipient received a $1,000 scholarship, made possible through support from former Cedar Breaks superintendent and one of the IIC's original founders, Paul Roelant.

Tate Walker, a wildlife technician with the Bureau of Land Management in Kanab, received a scholarship for his video "A Summer of Epic Adventure & Learning," which explores his first internship experience studying wildlife, monitoring ecosystems, and discovering the importance of conservation.

Tomi Bundy, a range technician with the Bureau of Land Management in Kanab, received a scholarship for her video "We're Here to Help Life Thrive," showing how responsible range management supports public lands, local communities, and the ranchers who rely on those landscapes.

Ava Knudson, an IIC trail crew member, received a scholarship for her video "A Helping Hand For Public Lands," which showcases the partnerships and hands-on trail work that help keep public lands safe, accessible, and protected for future generations.

Mentors and Partners Help Make the Work Possible

Behind every successful internship is a network of people willing to teach, encourage, and invest in the next generation.

Howie Kinman-Howard, the IIC's youth and crew coordinator, received Mentor of the Year after taking on the challenge of leading two off-highway vehicle crews and a trails crew while working with multiple federal land partners. The award is based on intern nominations and recognizes mentors who make an important influence on their interns' professional and personal growth.

Bryce Canyon Association and the Zion Forever Project each received Agency Partner of the Year recognition for sustaining internship opportunities during funding uncertainty. Bryce Canyon Association's support helped secure new youth programming and future trail maintenance and GIS internships. At the same time, the Zion Forever Project continued supporting student experiences at Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Pipe Spring National Monument.

The celebration also honored the season's visual storytellers. William Becker, a trail member intern at Great Basin National Park, received Photo of the Year for "Side Questing," photographed by Gretchen Baker. Alexa Plummer, a visual information intern at Zion National Park, received Scenic Photo of the Year for "Desert Jewel," featuring a hummingbird perched on a flower. Great Basin National Park received the program's traveling trophy.

Nineteen seasons in, the IIC's impact is clear: students rise to meet meaningful challenges, and communities are better because of it. Sometimes the impact can be seen in a restored trail, a rebuilt recreation area, or a visitor who feels welcomed for their first time. And sometimes, the impact can be measured in a life saved.

About SUU Outdoor Pathways

Southern Utah University's Outdoor Pathways connects students with hands-on learning and career opportunities across the region's public lands. Through programs like the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative, students work alongside experienced professionals to develop practical skills, serve local communities, and help protect the landscapes and wildlife that make Utah and her surrounding regions extraordinary. Learn more about SUU Outdoor Pathways.

Tags: Student Outdoors

Contact Information

SUU Marketing & Communications
435-586-5400
kimberlysawyer@suu.edu