Meet Our Interns
2025 Cohort Alumni
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Danielle Crawford | University of Maryland (Animal Science)
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Focus: Equine studies, livestock management, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
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Matt Parson | Auburn University (Agricultural Business & Economics)
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Focus: Agribusiness development and regional community connections.
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Megan Zalesak | University of Kentucky (Animal Sciences – Equine Studies)
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Focus: Farm management and Southern Maryland agricultural operations.
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Featured Intern Projects & Community Workshops
1. SMADC Agricultural Lending Library
With guidance from SMADC staff, the 2025 intern class collaborated to design, organize, and launch the SMADC Agricultural Lending Library. Working as a team, the interns created all supporting documentation, organized the library catalog, and planned the website layout to expand agricultural education access across Southern Maryland.
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Public Access: Free for the Southern Maryland community to borrow specialized books on agricultural production and agribusiness for a two-week period, featuring titles not typically available in local county library systems.
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How It Works: Community members browse titles via a digital FlippingBook catalog on the SMADC website. Requests are submitted through an online “Book Request” form for scheduled pickup and drop-off at the SMADC offices in Hughesville, MD (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM).
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Resource Link: View the Interactive Lending Library Catalog
“We’re excited to debut the SMADC Lending Library. By offering free access to specialized agricultural books, the library will directly support learning and innovation in a cost-efficient manner for participants.” — Shelby Watson-Hampton, SMADC Director
2. Boating & Water Safety Workshop
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Event Location: Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD
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Workshop Overview: A interactive 4-hour community workshop designed to educate the public on water safety, local waterway navigation, and responsible boating practices.
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Key Topics Covered:
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Hands-on practice for man-overboard procedures
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Proper life jacket fitting and essential onboard gear
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Boat registration requirements and state licensing/titling steps
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Basic boat care and maintenance presented in partnership with local watermen and representatives from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
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Attendee Perks: Participants aged 16 and older received a catered dinner, a boating safety swag bag, and practical, hands-on instruction.