Meet the 2023 Sanctuary Summer Interns and Fellow!

Ashley Leckrone

Ashley Leckrone is an undergraduate studying Fisheries and Wildlife. She is Avian Care Intern at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary for 2023. Some of her duties include daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning) and assisting the other animal care staff with tasks. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, walking, reading, video games, and talking to the birds.

Ada Varga

Ada Varga is the Visitor Experience Intern this summer. She is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University, studying environmental biology/plant biology. Ada has a passion for creating the change she want to see in the world, including inspiring other native youth to pursue their dreams. After graduation, she is excited to take the knowledge learned and showcase it with her tribal community in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Corinn Rutkoski

Corinn Rutkoski is a PhD candidate in Dr. Sarah Evans’ lab at KBS and the 2023 Social Media Fellow for the Bird Sanctuary. Corinn’s dissertation investigates how converting zones of agricultural land to native prairie impacts soil health and soil microbial communities. This summer, Corinn is helping to manage the Bird Sanctuary’s social media platforms, creating content that advertises Sanctuary events, connects the Sanctuary with KBS science, and engages with the local community.