Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventure here on the Zoo’s website! Hello! My name is Ahmad and I’m really excited to be able to take part in this awesome learning experience. I been intrigued with life on earth for as long as I can remember. I wanted to be an animal trainer when I was seven and then a paleontologist for all of middle school. One thing led to another and I found myself discovering the impacts of agriculture on the social and physical environment. Using food crops to fix damaged environments is one of the most unique things that I’ve come across. Using crops like beans to add nitrogen to soil or using mushrooms in Mycoremediation to remove toxins from the environment astounds me. Scientist have even used fungi to filter pathogens like E. coli out of water. Food systems can be used in so many different ways and in so many different combinations to help the environment and feed people. On top of remediation with food, I’m very interested in studying the relationships between pollinators, their natural habitat and people. I hope to be able to educate people about pollinators in the near future. My biggest aspiration as of now is to develop methods for growing food that benefit from native organisms. When I’m not working in my school’s garden, I’m heavily involved with my school's N.J.R.O.T.C. helping out other kids. I like to sing and dance like no one’s watching, even if everyone is. I play rugby and run hurdles in track. I’m really, really excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to learn more! Ahmad Winter Session 2016