When Danella Funk enrolled in Principles of Environmental Soil Science at Kean University during the Spring 2025 semester, she had no way of knowing that the course would set her on a path toward a career in soil conservation. What began as a college class soon grew into an internship, an academic research project, and ultimately a full-time position with the Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD).
Today, Danella serves as an Inspector I with OCSCD, but her journey began in the classroom.
Discovering Soil Science
Danella first became interested in soil science while taking Principles of Environmental Soil Science with Professor Becky Laboy at Kean University, on the Kean-Ocean campus, as part of her coursework towards earning her BS in Environmental Science degree. In addition to teaching at Kean University, Professor Laboy serves as the Education Coordinator for OCSCD, creating a unique opportunity for students to connect classroom concepts with real-world conservation work.
The hands-on nature of the Principles of Environmental Soil Science course further fueled Danella’s interest in the subject. Throughout the semester, she and her classmates dug mini soil pits to examine soil horizons, describe soil profiles, and identify native vegetation associated with different habitats. Students learned from environmental professionals who visited the class, including Edwin Muniz, New Jersey State Soil Scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who demonstrated specialized equipment used to investigate soils beneath the surface and shared insights about careers in soil science. Field experiences also took students beyond campus, including visits to the Ocean County Compost Center where they explored composting operations, examined vermicomposting systems, and learned how organic matter contributes to healthy soils. Students were encouraged to think critically about the connections between soil health, water quality, nutrient cycling, agriculture, habitat conservation, and sustainable land management. By combining classroom instruction, field investigations, guest speakers, and hands-on activities, the course provided a well-rounded introduction to the science beneath our feet. These experiences helped transform soil science from a classroom subject into a living, dynamic field of study and strengthened Danella’s interest in pursuing a career connected to soil conservation and environmental stewardship.
As part of the course, OCSCD staff members Ben Hayden and Brittany Moore visited the class to introduce students to the mission and responsibilities of New Jersey’s Soil Conservation Districts. They discussed the importance of protecting soil resources, preventing erosion during construction, and implementing soil erosion and sediment control measures that safeguard water quality and natural resources. Students learned about the District’s role in reviewing development plans, conducting site inspections, working with engineers and developers, and applying New Jersey’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards to construction projects throughout Ocean County.
The learning experience extended beyond the classroom when students participated in a field trip led by Laboy, Hayden and Moore. During the visit, students toured active project sites throughout Ocean County and observed firsthand how the concepts discussed in class are implemented in real-world settings. They examined erosion control measures, stormwater management practices, and construction activities designed to minimize environmental impacts while allowing responsible development to move forward. Students gained a firsthand look at how conservation principles are applied every day to protect soil, water quality, and surrounding ecosystems.
For many students, the field trip offered a new perspective on environmental protection. For Danella, it sparked something more.
Connecting Soil Conservation and Jersey-Friendly Yards
Inspired by what she learned from District staff, Danella chose to focus her Principles of Environmental Soil Science final project on the relationship between New Jersey’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards and the principles promoted through the Jersey-Friendly Yards program – one of OCSCD’s key initiatives.
Her project explored ways the 10 Vegetative Standards used by Soil Conservation Districts could complement Jersey-Friendly Yards practices to promote healthier soils, improve stormwater management, and create more sustainable landscapes.
The project (Report and Presentation) demonstrated not only her growing understanding of soil conservation but also her ability to connect concepts across disciplines and programs. The quality of her work led to the project being featured on the OCSCD website. The field trip itself was also highlighted in a District blog post celebrating the collaboration between OCSCD and Kean University students.
Through these experiences, Danella began to see soil conservation not simply as an academic subject, but as a meaningful career path.
Taking the Next Step: An Internship with OCSCD
Building on her experiences from the Principles of Environmental Soil Science course, Danella pursued an internship with OCSCD the following year.
From January 14 through May 7, 2026, she worked alongside District staff, gaining hands-on experience in both field and office operations. Her internship provided an opportunity to follow the complete lifecycle of a project, from permit application and plan review through site inspections and project closeout. Working with inspectors and administrative staff, Danella observed how Soil Conservation Districts help protect one of our most valuable natural resources: soil.
Throughout the semester, she learned about the history of soil conservation in the United States, including how the Dust Bowl of the 1930s led to the creation of the Soil Conservation Service and eventually local Soil Conservation Districts. She also gained an appreciation for the critical role Districts play in modern environmental protection by reducing erosion, controlling sediment runoff, and helping safeguard waterways during land development.
Her internship exposed her to a variety of District responsibilities, including:
- Permit application processing
- Initial site inspections
- Soil erosion and sediment control plan reviews
- Review letter preparation
- Construction site monitoring
- Compliance inspections
- Stormwater basin evaluations
- Project closeout procedures
- Data management and record retention
Through these experiences, Danella developed a deeper understanding of how the New Jersey’s Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards are implemented in the field and why they are essential for protecting natural resources. She learned how measures such as silt fences, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, and stormwater basins work together to reduce environmental impacts associated with development.
Sharing the Experience Through Field Studies
At the same time, Danella continued her academic studies at Kean University. During the Spring 2026 semester, she enrolled in Field Biology: Terrestrial Systems with Professor Nina Sassano, Associate Director of Education for the Barnegat Bay Partnership and Adjunct Professor at Kean University at the Kean-Ocean campus. For her final Field Studies project, Danella chose to focus on her internship experience with OCSCD.
Her Report and Presentation, The Impact of Soil Districts and Site Assessments, examined the history of soil conservation, the development of Soil Conservation Districts, and the role site assessments play in protecting environmental quality. Drawing upon both her academic studies and hands-on experiences with OCSCD, Danella explored how soil conservation practices have evolved from the lessons learned during the Dust Bowl era to the modern-day standards used to protect soil and water resources. She detailed the permitting, inspection, compliance, and project closeout processes she observed during her internship and highlighted the importance of erosion and sediment control measures in preserving soil health, reducing sediment runoff, and protecting nearby waterways during construction activities. Her project provided a comprehensive overview of the many responsibilities carried out by Soil Conservation District staff and the important role they play in balancing environmental protection with responsible development.
In her final project, Danella reflected on the knowledge she gained through the internship and emphasized the importance of collaboration between Soil Conservation Districts, engineers, developers, and regulatory agencies. She noted that the experience expanded her understanding of soil conservation, site inspections, erosion control standards, and stormwater management while preparing her for a future career in the profession.
Equally important, the internship allowed her to connect concepts learned in the classroom with real-world environmental challenges, strengthening her appreciation for the practical application of science in protecting natural resources. Through both her coursework and internship experiences, Danella developed a deeper understanding of the critical role soil conservation plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems – both terrestrial and marine systems – and sustainable communities.
From Intern to Inspector
Danella’s internship officially concluded on May 7, 2026. Just days later, on May 11, she began her full-time career with OCSCD as an Inspector I.
Her transition from student to intern to staff member demonstrates the value of experiential learning and professional mentorship. It also highlights the important role partnerships between educational institutions and conservation organizations can play in developing the next generation of environmental professionals.
Danella’s story is a testament to where curiosity can lead. A classroom lesson sparked an interest. A field trip provided real-world perspective. An internship offered hands-on experience. Academic research deepened understanding. Together, these experiences opened the door to a rewarding career dedicated to protecting New Jersey’s soil and water resources.
As Danella begins this next chapter with OCSCD, we are excited to welcome her as a member of our team and look forward to supporting her continued professional growth. Her journey reminds us that conservation careers often begin with a simple question, a willingness to learn, and an opportunity to explore the world beneath our feet.
