Spotlight on S-STEM; UNO Student Shana Huebner
UNO student Shana Huebner is currently a Junior, majoring in Environmental Science and Pre-Veterinary. She is also an S-STEM scholar and mentors through the NE STEM program. When describing mentoring and speaking of the challenges that the age of COVID has brought, Shana states, “The passion that kids have for STEM subjects is my favorite thing to see. When mentoring online, it’s difficult to gauge their level of interest or if they are enjoying the activities. I love mentoring in-person and cannot wait to mentor in-person again.”
Shana also has exciting news. She applied for an internship over a month ago at Magical Creatures of Hamakua Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, located in Laupahoehoe, Hawaii. In late April, they contacted her and let her know the position was still open if she wanted it. She jumped at the chance, and left the first week of May! It is a farm sanctuary, and Shana will be working with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats. Her work will consist of daily care of the animals, some vetting/medical care, and even hoof care. She will work five days a week and have two full days off to explore the Big Island or to relax in the housing they will provide.
Shana would like to stay in Hawaii as long as she can (who wouldn’t!) but she is a student in demand. She’s also been offered a position as an Environmental Intern for Kiewit Corporation. She’s connected with their Environmental Manager who is also very passionate about animals. The details are still being ironed out, but Shana hopes to start with them mid-June, as they’ve offered to bring her on as a full-time employee when she graduates.