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

Hello! My name is Ruby Evans and I am a student at the University of Montana. I am studying environmental science and sustainability with a focus on climate science and environmental change. I’m originally from Minnesota and I moved out to Missoula to pursue my love for the outdoors (academically and physically)! I am excited to work with MontPIRG to connect with my community and grow my confidence within the political atmosphere of environmental sustainability. I hope to inspire others to realize their individual power in a world where everything feels out of reach. I’m thrilled to be a part of and learn from this organization!

Ruby Evans

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

Hi! My name is Mollie and I’m going to school at UM. I grew up near Ronan, Montana and decided to attend school here to study Environmental Science and Sustainability. I’m enjoying learning about climate justice, ecosystem conservation and restoration, botany, and music among other things! I’m interning for MontPIRG because I want to learn about grassroots organizing and campaigning, and I believe there’s a lot of power in being an engaged citizen and building strong communities. When I’m not busy with school I like adventuring (especially with my dogs), card game nights, watching sunsets, and playing guitar.

Mollie Sydnor

Hi there! My name is Lucas Wilson and I am going into my Junior year at the University of Montana, I have been working on my bachelor's degree in history for the past few years. I am originally from Larimer County Colorado but have traveled all over the country. I am very passionate about history and the outdoors as well as football. At MontPIRG I look forward to becoming involved in local issues and helping others any way I can!

Lucas Wilson

Hello Y'all, My name is Byron and I am attending the University of Montana for a bachelors in Political Science to help pursue my goal of going into law school. Currently, I am a sophomore that had originally come from San Antonio, Texas, but has moved to Missoula to find more opportunities to hike and enjoy the mountains of Montana. I tend to find enjoyment in being a part of the community and taking in the simple things, whether that's going fishing or stargazing into the night.

Byron Allen

Hello, my name is Sophia Harron, and I am originally from the border town of El Paso, Texas but moved to Missoula from the Seattle area. I am in my third year of studies at UM with a major in political science and I am also pursuing a certificate in forensic sciences! I am excited to work with MontPIRG and I hope to engage with my community in a deeper sense, learn about the inner workings of the polis in an informative and non-partisan way, and learn to be a better advocate for myself and my community. When I am not in the office, in class, or doing homework, I may be attending to one of my MANY collections, rocking out to music, geocaching, painting, or hiking with my friends!

Sophia Harron

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.

Emma Tibbetts

Morgan is a junior at the University of Montana. He is majoring in Political Science with concentrations in International Relations & Comparative Politics and Public Administration & Public Policy. He is also pursuing minors in History and Chinese. Morgan was born and raised in Dillon, Montana, before deciding to make Missoula his home. He enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard in 2020 and deployed to Iraq in 2023. Through his deployment, Morgan discovered a passion for teaching and helping others. He became a MontPIRG intern in the fall of 2025 to connect with other students and help build a fair and equitable future for everyone. He strongly believes in the importance of education and civic engagement and that positive change in the world begins at the individual level.

Morgan Larson

Hello! My name is Rylin Wilde (he/him), and I am from Kalispell. I was drawn to MontPIRG after seeing their impressive impact on civic engagement in our community, and I look forward to working with the voices of Missoula directly. This is my third year at UM, and I am currently studying Political Science/International Relations, Chinese, and Ceramics. I also love going to concerts, a good board game, and playing in the water! I think a better world is attainable if we are willing to make it, and I want to work with other people who agree!

Rylin Wilde

Hi! My name is Dylan McKay (she/her) and I am in my junior year of undergrad at the University of Montana. I am majoring in Political Science with a concentration in public law and political theory. I am a born and raised Missoulian and enjoy spending time outside hiking, swimming, and playing pickleball with my roommates in the summer. In the winter, you will find me curled up on the couch with a book and some hot chocolate. I am looking forward to getting some hands-on experience in advocacy work with MontPIRG and using my voice and knowledge to educate those around me!

Dylan McKay

Hello. My name is Eddy Anthony Alvarado, and I'm entering my last
semester at MSU. I am studying Latin American and Hispanic studies.
Bozeman has been my home for the last nine years. I am originally from
East Los Angeles. I'm not a rich Californian :(. I love a good hike.
I'm not really a fan of the snow, but I love cats. I joined MontPIRG
because it is more important than ever to allow people to exercise
their rights.

Eddy Anthony Alvarado

Hello! My name is Evangelia Minadakis, and I am currently working towards my Hospitality Certificate at Gallatin College, meaning I will graduate this coming Spring! I am originally from Minnesota and moved out to Montana around 5 years ago. I graduated high school in a rural town called Bridger with a population of 800 people, so Bozeman is my Big City College Town. So far, I am absolutely loving it! I love getting outside and meeting new people and this is the place for it. I love doing anything in community, whether it be studying, dancing, or cooking, and I am a firm believer that surrounding yourself with people you can connect with is essential to a fulfilled life. When I first heard about MontPIRG, I thought it was just a regular volunteer organization until they called me for an interview, and I realized most volunteer groups don’t do this. I soon learned about all the incredible qualities of this organization and signed right up! I cannot wait to learn as much as I can here and carry it with me throughout my life.

Evangelia Minadakis

Hi, my name is Charlie Bratton. I grew up in Missoula and am currently pursuing a B.A. in Political Science at Montana State University, with minors in Sociology and Psychology, while also participating in the Honors Program. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors and spending time with friends. At MontPIRG, I am excited to engage with local issues and am particularly passionate about environmental topics.

Charlie Bratton

Hi! My name is Lauryn Kelly, and I’m in my final year at Montana State University, pursuing a degree in Applied Psychology. Originally from Northern California, I moved to Bozeman nearly a decade ago and am grateful to now call Montana home. When I’m not on campus, you’ll usually find me exploring local trails with friends or curled up with a good book and my two cats. I’m passionate about helping others and aspire to build a career in the therapeutic field where I can make a meaningful difference. I joined MontPIRG to expand my understanding of nonpartisan issues that impact both my local community and our nation as a whole.

Lauryn Kelly

Hello my name is Lacey Norstrand, I am returning to University as a Latin American studies major after taking a significant break to raise my children and explore the world.  I was born in New Hampshire but have called Bozeman home, off and on for the past twenty years and Plan to finally graduate in the Spring 2026.  I have joined the MTPIRG hoping to gain more knowledge about the local governmental process and broaden my understanding of legislation. .  With my youngest child now a teenager, I am looking for a new role in life and to make a positive impact within our community through a new career in nonprofits and joining civic organizations.

Lacey Norstrand

Hello, my name is Erin Alexander. I’m a Psychology major at Montana State University after transferring from Florida International University. I plan to attend grad school for Mental Health Counseling when I’m done here. I’m grew up in Florida and Mississippi. After spending a few years in the Navy, I traveled around to try to figure out where home was for me. I fell in love with Montana and now call Belgrade home. I joined MontPirg to get me out of my comfort zone and to learn how to help make changes in my community through policy especially for mental health and veteran services. I’m looking forward to using my personal experiences to be a force for good in a world that so desperately needs it. When not in school you can typically find me traveling, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, or hosting dinner and game nights with friends. 

Erin Alexander

Hello! My name is Caleb Szajkowski and I’m a Freshman at Montana State studying Politcal Science and History. I am orignally from Eagle River, Alaska and decided to come to Montana out of my love for skiing and climbing. After my undergradate work I hope to pursue enviromental or immagration law, as well as graduate work within Politcal Science. MontPIRG originally caught my eye because of it’s commitment to nonpartisan, grassroots community involvment, as well as it’s past success within Montana broadly and Bozeman specificlly.

Caleb Szajkowski