Meet Our Interns

Hi I’m Jack and I am from St Louis, Missouri (it doesn’t come up often, though). I am majoring in Russian, and Environmental Science and Sustainability, while also pursuing a certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy. I moved to Montana because I played the video game Far Cry 5, which takes place in Montana and I thought “Wait I could just live there” so I moved to Montana. I speak German and Russian and am currently learning Irish and Spanish. In my free time, I like hiking, fishing, camping, or really just anything outside. My indoor hobbies include film and literature, and I love cooking. I am very social and outgoing and will never pass up a chance to socialize. One weird thing about me is that I collect camouflage from different countries. I joined MontPIRG to get practical experience in environmentalism and politics, and hope one day to promote sustainability and green energy, particularly in former-Soviet states.

Jack Baranski

Hi! My name is Ben Hanford. I am currently a sophomore at Montana State University studying Political Science and Sustainability. I am originally from the small state of Vermont but moved to Bozeman about a year and a half ago to start my freshman year at MSU. Some of my favorite activities are skiing, fly fishing, hiking and camping, so saying I have a passion for the outdoors would be an understatement. I wanted to be a part of the MontPIRG team to connect with other passionate peers and have my voice heard. I am passionate about protecting the natural environment and I hope to help spread awareness and make a difference during my time with MontPIRG. 

Ben Hanford

Hello! My name is Courtney, and I have just completed my first year as a graduate student in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana. I am originally from Florida and moved to Colorado immediately after high school to complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Boulder. Driven by a deep commitment to equity and advocacy, I want to use my voice to champion environmental justice and inspire systemic change. I am deeply passionate about using education, storytelling, and grassroots organizing to amplify marginalized voices in the environmental movement. My academic interests include climate resilience, environmental health, and the social dimensions of conservation. Through my graduate work, I aim to develop inclusive, community-driven solutions that prioritize equity and sustainability.

Courtney Rosenberg

Hey! I’m Haylie Wood, and I’m a sophomore studying Political Science at Montana State. I am originally from Joliet, Montana. After graduating I plan to attend Law School! In my free time I enjoy hiking, skiing, and hanging with friends. I joined MontPIRG because I can truly see myself making a change in the community through this organization.

Haylie Wood

Hi everybody! My name is Rob Brown, and I am a political science and public policy student at Montana State University. In my free time I love to watch documentaries or go fly fishing in Montana's beautiful rivers. At MontPIRG, I hope to apply my academic interests to real world advocacy by supporting practical, people-focused solutions for Montana communities.

Robideaux Brown

Hi! My name is Abby Brown, and I am a senior at the University of Montana. I am studying Native American Studies and Climate Change Studies. I am originally from Northern California and decided to come to Missoula because of how similar it is to my home and because of the outdoor opportunities it holds. I am also the president of the women's ultimate frisbee team here at UM! I am excited to work with MontPIRG because I am passionate about the power of voting and having a political voice in our society. I hope to assist others in participating in their community and hope to learn about what more I can do in my own community as well.

Abby Brown

Hello, my name is Eva Santos, and I am a student at the University of Montana. I am studying environmental studies with minors in business administration and wilderness studies. I am from Helena, MT, and moved to Missoula because I love the close community and river/trails access. I am excited to work with MontPIRG because I am very interested in working with the community to understand things such as policy and public input. In my free time, I love to be outdoors doing pretty much anything!

Eva Santos

Hi! My name is Maria Kouidi (she/her), and I am just now starting my second year as a graduate student in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana. In 2015, my family and I immigrated to the US from Athens, Greece, due to the economic crisis. Having the privilege to pursue my graduate studies because of my mother's sacrifice is something I will always be grateful for. My thesis is on tourism and local public access on the beaches of Parikia, Paros, Greece. The purpose of my thesis is to evaluate how tourism development has impacted long-term residents' access to and enjoyment of beaches on the island of Paros, Greece. I spent two weeks on Paros in July 2025 conducting interviews as part of my fieldwork. In my free time, I enjoy throwing pottery, reading fiction books, and taking nature walks.

Maria Kouidi

My name is Emma Tibbetts, and I'm entering my second year at the University of Montana, where I am Majoring in Wildlife Biology and Minoring in Climate Change Studies! I grew up about 6 miles outside of Washington, D.C., but I moved with my family to Washington state about 4 years ago. I came to Missoula to be surrounded by the mountains and all the wonderful outdoor experiences Montana has to offer! When I'm not in class, you can find me white water kayaking, Backpacking, skiing, or climbing. I joined MontPIRG because I have a deep passion for environmental justice and want to create change within my community.

Alyssa Ferring

My name is Catalina and I’m from Albuquerque.  I am a sophomore at Montana State and I’m studying political science. I love to go snowboarding, hiking, camping, and scuba diving.  I’m really excited for the opportunity to take the skills that I am learning in school and use them to make a positive difference in my community.

Catalina “Cat” Martinez

My name's Molly! I am an honors pre-law student at Montana State University, studying Political Science and Sociology. After graduation, I plan to attend law school for international humanitarian law. I'm a fifth-generation Montanan, I grew up in Billings and am originally from Joliet. When I am not running around busy with student government or local politics, you can find me out on a run, in the climbing gym, or on the ski hill! I am eager to work with MontPIRG to make a real difference and to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Molly Forney

My name is Madison Panek, and I am a third-year pre-law student at the University of Montana, pursuing majors in history and philosophy. Originally from the greater Seattle area, I chose UM for its strong academic programs and vibrant community. I am particularly interested in civic engagement and am eager to contribute to and learn from my involvement with MontPirg.

Madison Panek

Hi! My name is Vera Grabow and I am a sophomore at MSU, studying History and Political Science. While skiing and hiking are my usual, I am excited about learning and engaging with MontPIRG’s mission. I grew up in Montana, and am passionate about making local and impactful change in our state.

Vera Grabow

Hi! My name is Ava Wanker; I was born in Oregon and moved across the state as a kid, before ending up in Billings at fifteen. I then proceeded to move to Missoula to attend the University of Montana as an Environmental Science and Sustainability major, and should hopefully be graduating Spring 2027. I joined MontPIRG to explore different learning opportunities outside of traditional college lectures, and to work with environmental and political advocacy throughout Montana.

Ava Wanker

Hello! My name is Kelly Hammaren and I am a second year student at MSU! I am originally from Long Island, New York but came to Bozeman for school. I am studying Political Science and Global Studies and I hope to attend law school and eventually work in the International Law sector! I love to hike, snowboard, paint, camp, surf, anything related to the beach or mountains. I joined MontPIRG to help the community I have come to adore so much, Bozeman is truly one of the best places on earth and I cannot wait to see what this semester has in store! 

Kelly Hammaren