Veda Sanhai

Week 5 of my internship was jam-packed with hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable learning opportunities at two CMREC (Central Maryland Research and Education Center) locations. This week stood out not only for the variety of tasks I completed, but also for the amount of time I spent in the field and working alongside experienced professionals.

One of the week's highlights was attending a Rainwater Harvesting and Irrigation Workshop at the Upper Marlboro CMREC site. The event was both engaging and informative, providing a firsthand look at sustainable water management practices. Farmers and construction contractors gathered to learn how to design and install rainwater harvesting systems, which are becoming increasingly important for agricultural sustainability. Watching the systems being built and explained on-site helped me understand how these practices can be applied to both small and large farms.

Later in the week, I moved to the Clarksville CMREC site to work on two exciting projects. The first required collaboration with fellow intern Elizabeth Karides and our shared supervisor, Dr. Dave Clements. We began by touring a nearby farm, which houses an impressive mushroom cultivation operation run by Mr. Walker Santo. The facility was eye-opening, from the well-organized growing rooms to the meticulous substrate preparation process. It was fascinating to see how mushrooms are grown at scale. After collecting substrate materials, we returned to Clarksville to begin the Bubba Barrel experiment, which involved mushroom bags. We combined the materials and processed approximately half of the bags we produced. It was a rewarding combination of science and manual labor, and it helped me understand the behind-the-scenes work involved in mushroom farming.

On the final day of the week, I helped fellow intern Elizabeth Karides again, this time with the installation of an irrigation system for six rows of native shrubs. Ms. Lisa Kuder guided us through the installation of the drip irrigation lines, which will support the growth of native plants over time. It was satisfying to see the water flow through the system after a lot of trial and error problem solving. I'm looking forward to returning to see how the shrubs are doing with the new irrigation system in place.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced was transitioning into unfamiliar territory. Whether it was a new role, skill, or environment. Instead of shying away, I made a conscious decision to take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. Even when I felt unsure or inexperienced, I pushed through the discomfort and took on the task. That mindset enabled me to gain a diverse range of experience, and grow in ways that would not have been possible if I had remained in my comfort zone. Saying yes even when it was difficult, was one of the most important decisions I made.

Overall, Week 5 was a fulfilling and enriching experience that deepened my understanding of sustainable agriculture, and strengthened my hands-on skills through meaningful, real-world projects.