Making waves in Matagorda County: Meet Texas Sea Grant Intern Trinity Jones

   Trinity Jones is set to make waves throughout Matagorda County this summer as the new Texas Sea Grant intern. 
  With a strong academic background, hands-on research experience, and a passion for coastal conservation, Trinity is ready to dive into projects that support the region’s environmental and educational goals.
  A dedicated student at Texas A&M University, Trinity is currently pursuing a dual-degree program: a Bachelor’s in Environmental Geoscience and a Master’s in Ocean Sciences and Technology, both expected in May 2026. 
  With a flawless 4.0 GPA, she brings not only academic excellence, but also genuine enthusiasm to her role.
  As the Texas Sea Grant intern for Matagorda County, Trinity will be mentored by Amy Nowlin, the county’s Coastal and Marine Resources Extension Agent. 
  She will collaborate with local partners to strengthen coastal education, promote sustainable fisheries, and support community resilience efforts.
  Her background includes field research with the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI), where she contributed to statewide watershed health assessments using advanced monitoring tools such as the EXO Sonde and M9 Doppler Boat.
  Trinity’s professional experience also includes working as a survey enumerator for the National Academies of Sciences Gulf Research Program, where she collected and analyzed data on community perceptions of water and food insecurity, and air quality concerns.
  Beyond her technical skills, Trinity stands out as a campus leader and community organizer. She currently serves as Programs Chair for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and is actively involved in the Gulf Scholars Program and Women in Geosciences. 
  Her strengths in communication, collaboration, and outreach will be key as she engages with students, educators, and local stakeholders throughout her internship.
  Trinity’s placement is part of the Community Engaged Internship (CEI) program, a national Sea Grant initiative designed to broaden participation in coastal and marine sciences. 
  CEI provides paid, hands-on opportunities for undergraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain experience in community-focused environmental work. 
  Interns like Trinity engage in fieldwork, education, outreach, and professional development while working on locally relevant projects.
  Trinity is eager to support the YMCA Environmental Summer Camp Program - an initiative that aligns with her long-term goals. 
  “This opportunity aligns with my goal of fostering environmental awareness in younger generations while contributing to important initiatives,” she said. 
  “It’s a critical step toward my long-term goal of advancing coastal science solutions that benefit both ecosystems and people.”
  Through this internship, Trinity Jones will not only gain hands-on skills in outreach and sustainable practices, but will also contribute meaningfully to Texas Sea Grant’s mission and the Matagorda County community.