By Anika Vinayak
Science Communication Intern, Summer 2026
There’s nothing quite like a Pacific Northwest summer — when the clouds finally part and the whole region remembers what sunshine feels like. This year was no exception. I spent it hiking Lake Serene and Snow Lake, swimming in Green Lake and Lake Union, and taking nature walks all over the city to soak in the sun. However, what made this summer especially special was the fact that I got to bring my passion for nature into work. Working as a science communication intern at the UW Center for Nature and Health through the Earthlab Summer Internship Program has left a lasting impression on me.
As a psychology major, I wasn’t sure I’d ever find work that sat at the sweet spot of nature, environment, and mental health. This summer proved me wrong. I spent it researching how time in nature shapes our well-being, and the barriers that keep too many people from accessing it. I wrote three stories, each tailored to a different audience, translating real research into language people could actually use. I pulled from my own experiences, and I practiced writing accessibly — a skill that doesn’t come naturally after years of academic jargon. And to help more people find their way outside, I built resource directories for each audience, designed with accessibility and inclusivity front and center.
I’ve been fortunate to live near nature my whole life, no matter where in the world I’ve been. This summer internship made me realize that what makes summer so special for me — being able to spend meaningful time outdoors — is an experience many people simply don’t get. Most cities weren’t designed with our well-being or our need for nature in mind, and that means access to green space can be painfully limited. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to help more people feel the health benefits of the outdoors and build lasting connections with the natural world. This resource directory won’t single-handedly change how people access nature, I know that. But if it helps even one or two people discover resources they never knew existed and find their way outside, that’s enough. That feeling is exactly what tells me this is the career path I’m meant to pursue.
I’m just as grateful for the mentors — the professionals at the Center and EarthLab who helped me sharpen my science communication skills. Now that I’ve seen firsthand how much accessible communication matters, I’m committed to keeping at it. This summer has really set the foundation for my future, the skills I wish to further develop, and has put me one step closer to one of my long-term goals — spreading awareness about the connection between nature and mental health — and making sure that knowledge reaches everyone who needs it.
Below are the three stories and directories I worked on this summer. If you have any feedback about them, please email natureandhealth@uw.edu.
Connecting Children With Nature
These days, screens can swallow a childhood. When kids spend their most formative years immersed in technology, there’s less time left for playing, building, and exploring outside. And that matters — because time in nature helps children grow up happier and healthier. This story shows parents and caregivers why the outdoors matters for kids, and how to weave it into everyday life — one small adventure at a time. Keep reading
Connecting College Students With Nature
College is a pressure cooker. With the job market tighter than ever, there’s constant worry about what comes next, all while trying to keep grades up and navigate the world on your own for the first time. No wonder so many students feel anxious, burned out, and disconnected. When everything feels heavy, it’s easy to forget to step away and breathe. This story is a reminder to take that break, get outside, and let nature do what it does best. Keep reading
Connecting Older Adults With Nature
Getting older comes with a lot to juggle — retirement, new health considerations, staying connected to the people you love. In the middle of it all, time outdoors tends to slip down the list. But stepping away from nature can quietly take a toll on both body and mind. This story offers older adults and their caregivers simple, safe, and accessible ways to get outside. Keep reading
This series was co-developed by Anika Vinayak in summer 2026 during her internship as the Science Communication intern at the UW Center for Nature and Health, through the EarthLab Summer Internship Program. This post originally appeared on the Center for Nature and Health blog and is republished here as part of NextGen Narratives with her permission and that of the Center for Nature and Health.
