Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER — The Watershed Foundation (TWF) is welcoming Tyler Strahan and Titiksha Gorhe as summer interns.
Strahan, an incoming senior at Grace College, is pursuing a degree in environmental science.
Gorhe, a recent graduate of Warsaw Community High School with academic honors and a Lilly Scholar, plans to study neuroscience at Notre Dame.
Working alongside Watershed & Special Projects Coordinator Caitlin Yoder, Strahan will develop logistical resources for TWF's Snapshot Water Monitoring Day: assessing and photographing monitoring sites and updating volunteer navigation resources. Strahan will also support outreach for the Healthy Shorelines Initiative.
Strahan grew up fishing and hiking in Florida; his coursework has since broadened that interest from marine environments into freshwater ecology. Work experience before college, he says, sharpened his sense of direction: "It taught me how to adapt and gave me clarity on what I actually want to do with my life,” he said.
What drew him to TWF was its community-first approach to conservation.
"TWF works directly with landowners to reduce negative impacts on water quality," he said. "It draws people of all walks of life together for one cause that directly impacts their lives day to day." He sees the internship as a step toward a career in conservation.
As part of Notre Dame’s RISE Hometown program, Gorhe will spend the summer assisting with TWF's community engagement efforts, working closely with TWF Communications & Engagement Specialist Hannah Godfrey.
Gorhe grew up with the local lakes as part of everyday life and was drawn to TWF's work protecting them.
"I believe it is important to educate people about conservation," she said.
Her interest in neuroscience took root when a close family friend developed Alzheimer's disease: the experience drives her curiosity. For Gorhe, her interest in neuroscience is closely connected to environmental work: "Clean water, healthy environments and public health are all connected," she said. "They both reflect my passion for using science to serve others."
Active in environmental groups throughout high school, including Envirothon, Gorhe plans to minor in sustainability at Notre Dame and hopes to carry that commitment forward.
Since 1997, The Watershed Foundation has worked to protect and improve water quality in the lakes and streams of the Tippecanoe River Watershed. They promote community awareness and engagement, implement effective pollution solutions, and build clean water partnerships across the watershed. Learn more and join them in taking action at www.watershedfoundation.org
