Meet the Summer 2026 SOS Interns!

Save Our Springs is excited to announce the beginning of the 2026 summer internship program!
Every summer, Save Our Springs brings on a small team of college interns for our outreach programs. This internship is pretty competitive; this spring, we had nearly 50 qualified applicants and only 6 slots. Some of the most passionate young environmentalists in Austin apply for this, and we are happy to nurture that passion!

Over the next few months, these students will spend their weekends at Barton Springs engaging with the public. They had extensive training on our waterways, and they have more opportunities for growth and learning throughout the summer, such as speaking at public meetings or going on salamander field trips. Many of these interns are creating their own outreach or advocacy projects, such as zines, reports, or documentaries, to connect even more deeply with Barton Springs. 

We look forward to seeing what they accomplish this summer, and invite you to get to know them below!

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Juliana Strickland, Field Manager

​I graduated from UT Austin with a BS in Biology in May 2025 and have been involved with SOS since my internship last year. One of my favorite parts of this work is connecting with the local community and helping people experience the magic of Barton Springs. Outside of SOS, I enjoy photography, roller skating, doing small creative projects, and hanging out with my two kitties!

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Aspen Frisch, Outreach Intern
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Aspen Frisch is a senior studying environmental science at the University of Texas. Aspen joined the Save Our Springs Alliance to engage with their community and get people interested in environmental issues. Outside of Save our Springs, they work at the LBJ Wildflower Center and volunteer at the UT Microfarm. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, making music, and hanging out with friends. Aspen’s favorite tree is the American Sycamore.

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Sophia Rangel, Outreach Intern

Hello, my name is Sophia Rangel! I am pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Statistics and Data Science at the University of Texas at Austin. I am extremely passionate about water systems and their connection to agriculture, community well-being, and public health. Through my coursework at UT, I have developed a strong interest and curiosity about the Barton Springs ecosystem and the Edwards Aquifer.  Ever since moving to Austin, Barton Springs has been the place I go to feel at home and reconnect with nature. As a rising junior, I'm excited to keep exploring the intersection of science, conservation, and environmental advocacy. I'm incredibly grateful to be part of the Save Our Springs Alliance and contribute to protecting the resources that make the Austin community so unique! 

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Kimberly Parra, Outreach Intern

I'm an incoming third-year environmental science student at UT Austin who's a strong advocate for bridging the gap between public policy and lived reality, especially within Hispanic communities. I'm super excited to expand my understanding of freshwater ecosystems while contributing to protecting Central Texas water resources at SOSA!

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Autri Ormond, Outreach Intern

My name is Autri and I am a rising senior at UT Austin! I am majoring in Government with a minor in Global Sustainability and Leadership, and a certificate in Human Rights. Growing up in the Rio Grande, I saw how certain communities felt the impacts of drought at a disproportionate rate. Water is tied to power, and coming to UT Austin I learned how true that is through governance and social systems. I'm super excited to be working with Save Our Springs Alliance, because I believe in the importance of maintaining our natural resources and protecting those who rely on it for daily life. 

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Carlos Piña, Outreach Intern

Hello guys! My name is Carlos Piña, I’m currently a senior studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. I love traveling and learning about different cultures around the world. I’m passionate about helping the community and putting people first – especially when it comes to education. I’m also deeply interested in sustainability and enjoy learning about new environmental efforts. In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, hiking, and I’ve recently set a goal to learn Italian. 

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Nelda Acosta, Outreach Intern
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Hi! My name is Nelda M. Acosta, but you can call me Nelly. I'm a first-gen, Texas-born-and-raised rising junior Geography major at the University of Texas at Austin (Hook em!). 

Throughout my life I have lived all over Texas. From San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Frisco, Little Elm, El Paso, and now Austin- I have seen all the wonders that our big beautiful state has to offer! Including its spectacular natural environment and water systems (such as the Edwards Aquifer and Barton springs that SOS works tirelessly to protect). These sights and experience of Texas ecosystems in camping or beach trips while growing up have shaped my understanding for the enhancement of protection of these wonders for the future generations of Texans. And have also been the catalysts for beginning my journey towards becoming an Environmental attorney. Especially with the rise of industrialization as our state grows. 

As an intern for SOS Alliance, I am beyond ecstatic to be apart of a community of professionals and fellow interns striving towards the same or similar goals of ensuring a protected natural environment for generations to come. All while gaining valuable experience necessary to achieve my career goals.

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Layla Jackson, Outreach Intern
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Hello, my name is Layla, and I’m an intern this year at Save Our Springs. I’ve had experience working on farms and in national parks, and I plan to go to school to be an environmental lawyer. I recently graduated high school and am on my way to finishing an associates degree. I love to read and watch the water birds at the Springs early in the morning.