Possehl was awarded funds from the National Science Foundation to conduct research through University of Wisconsin-Stout on the Red Cedar River Watershed. Possehl hopes to shed light on the serious phosphorus pollution problem in the area, caused mainly by agricultural runoff and lakefront lawn fertilization, by conducting interviews with farmers and lakefront property owners to better understand the complicated realities they face.

By engaging a variety of local stakeholders in-person, Possehl will learn about individual land management practices and grapple with differing perceptions on conservation in the area. She says she plans to interview conventional ‘cash crop’ farmers, large dairy farmers, small organic farmers, and alternative ‘back to the land’ farmers to fully understand the issues they face. “I am hoping to understand if there are common conservation initiatives happening between these vastly different groups, ultimately in an attempt to find common ground in the community,” she says.

Possehl credits the research opportunity, passed along by her advisor, Professor Cheryl Morse, with allowing her to apply classroom learning to real-world issues, becoming more comfortable talking to people, and learning how to find common ground in a divided community.

“This experience has prompted me to think extensively about the deeply intertwined connections that exist between people, their landscape, watersheds, culture and conservation,” she says. Possehl looks forward to starting back at UVM this fall and hopefully completing a senior thesis in her final year at UVM.

As for advice for fellow students seeking a similar experience? “No matter where an internship or job takes you, there is always something to be learned about the landscape, community and about yourself.”