“I am extremely excited to contribute to the protection and restoration of one of the most important estuaries in the U.S. and apply what I have learned at UVA through the Environmental Science program,” Miller said. “CBF is a nonprofit that I have always admired for its combination of fieldwork and policy efforts that directly impact the region where I grew up. This internship aligns perfectly with my passion for environmental advocacy and supporting ecosystem resilience through science-based action.”

As part of his summer internship at CBF, Miller will assist with research on acoustic monitoring and larval settlement and perform hands-on restoration and resilience activities including shell production, oyster planting, and shell recycling.

According to CBF, Miller will be supporting the planning and implementation of an oyster reef in the Severn River to serve as an offshore breakwater near Annapolis to help reduce wave energy, erosion, and flooding.

“CBF is grateful to the Environmental Institute for providing an intern this summer. The vital restoration work that we do every year cannot be done without a huge team, including interns who often take the lead on event management, data collection/analysis and always come away with new, unexpected skills,” said Julie Luecke, Maryland Coastal Resource Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and manager of the oyster restoration program in Maryland. “As someone who also started out in this field as an intern, I understand how important it is for young people to learn about restoration careers hands-on. We are greatly looking forward to having Charlie join the team for summer 2025!”

For more information on all undergraduate student opportunities, visit environment.virginia.edu/explore/student-training-engagement. For information on how to get involved in, apply for, or support student internships in green careers, email environment@virginia.edu.