Chantal Banfield, an Environmental Science and Geography student in the College of the Sciences at Central Washington University, is Farallon’s 2017 intern. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Chantal has a passion for the outdoors and for learning about the complexity of the ecosystems unique to Washington. After working as a litigation assistant at a local law firm, she decided to make a career change to pursue those passions. Upon returning to school, she channeled her love for nature, her desire to help make a positive change in the world, and her fascination with maps into earning an Environmental Sciences degree, specializing in Geography. “Our local environment is so diverse and special to me,” she says, “and I’m excited to be directly involved with the health of our ecological community.”
As part of her internship, Chantal assists with groundwater sampling, monitoring well installation and development, and subsurface investigation drilling, and is increasing her understanding of health and safety procedures, project management, and the complex world of environmental regulations. The Farallon internship teaches skills that can’t be learned in a classroom setting and allows Chantal to gain on-site experience while working on a variety of environmental projects. This exposure to Farallon’s suite of environmental consulting specialties will enable Chantal to progress toward her long-term goal of making a positive contribution to the sustainability of our local environment, and will better prepare her to re-enter the workforce after graduation.
While not at a project site learning all she can, Chantal enjoys working on her ever-growing garden and making mechanical repairs to her 1984 Toyota Pickup.