The DNR’s Urban Forestry program is again thrilled to welcome two interns this summer. Priscilla Loh and Taylor Colman, both students at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are based in the Milwaukee office, where they work on inventory and assessment projects to improve our understanding of local forests. Meet them below.
Priscilla Loh is a second-year PhD candidate studying urban forestry, Environment and Natural Resources at Southern University and A & M College, where she previously earned her master’s degree. She originally hails from Ghana, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Geography and Resource Development at the University of Ghana, graduating with first-class honors. In fulfillment of her class assignments, Ms. Loh has participated in tree inventory exercises and assessed tree benefits using i-Tree Canopy tools.
The highlight of Ms. Loh’s academic career has been her considerable contributions as a first author and co-author to multiple publications in peer-reviewed journal articles while working as a Graduate Research Assistant. In addition to her academic pursuits, Ms. Loh is an active member of professional organizations including the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute and the Louisiana Academy of Sciences (LAS).
In her leisure time, she loves to thread beads, watch movies or spend time with friends and family.
________________________________________________________________
Taylor Colman will be an urban forestry intern at the Milwaukee DNR Service Center. In college, she recently gained experience conducting tree inventories and risk assessments. Also, she volunteered countless hours in the Environmental Honor Society during high school. Taylor is looking forward to gaining exposure to additional urban forestry fieldwork.
Taylor is a sophomore attending Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana majoring in Urban Forestry and expects to graduate in May 2027. She is also a member of the Human Jukebox Marching Band, where Taylor plays the trumpet. Taylor is also an active Alpha Lambda Delta Academic Honor Society member.
Taylor was born in Georgia due to Hurricane Katrina but grew up in various states from Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana and currently resides in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. She lives with her father and mother, who also attended Southern University and A&M College. She has one younger sister who is also in the marching band. Taylor enjoys roller skating, practicing nail art and watching various reality TV shows. Interestingly, she has run seven 5k runs in Louisiana and Florida.