University of Alaska and Alaska BHA

Meet our Spring 2025 University of Alaska Southeast Intern!

 

Lillian Thorington, Spring 2025 Intern from UAS.

Lillian Thorington is the Spring 2025 intern for the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers; she is a first semester senior pursuing a B.A. in environmental studies. Lillian was asked to submit a person introduction for the program. Here's what she has to say:

I am very excited to start my internship! It is an incredible opportunity for me to learn more about hunting and fishing in Alaska. I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, which is where I first developed a passion for the outdoors. I am a proud recipient of both the Girl Scout Gold Award and the Eagle Scout Award, with each of my projects focusing on animal conservation. I moved to Juneau, Alaska to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Outdoor Leadership at University of Alaska Southeast, and I plan to stay in state after I graduate. I want to pursue a career as a Wildlife Trooper because I am passionate about protecting our environment and wildlife in order to preserve it for future generations. I am also a very active community member, and I love volunteering, and am the current president of the volunteer club at UAS. I spend almost all of my free time outdoors. I love skiing, fishing, and pretty much any sport that gets me in nature. I also love dirt biking, but I sadly had to get rid of my dirt bike before moving to Alaska. I grew up bass fishing, but I have pivoted into fly fishing and now I spend my days chasing salmon and trout. Fun fact: University of Alaska Southeast (Juneau Campus), is one of the only colleges with a wild Coho stream on campus! I recently began learning to hunt with a bow, which I am excited to continue working on. Finally, I am an advocate for people with disabilities, mainly working to improve access to nature for everyone. Through this internship I hope to develop a deeper understanding of Alaskan fishing and hunting culture from both a personal and professional perspective.

Alaska BHA is excited to have Lillian on board this semester. She is working closely with the Alaska Chapter Coordinator on policy issues and local Juneau events. She will be also be participating in the AK Chapter Board Meetings and helping out on social media. At the end of her internship, she'll provide a recap of her experience.