Communications major applies skills, gains critical experience as intern in national park

Growing up in Chillicothe, James Beatty visited Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (HCNHP) on class trips and family outings, never imagining that he would one day experience the park as a researcher and intern.  

This summer, Beatty is interning at HCNHP, where he collaborates with park rangers, conducts research on Indigenous history and traditions, and provides educational programming for park visitors of all ages. A senior communication studies major in Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, with a minor in Appalachian studies and a sub-focus in health communication, Beatty is gaining valuable practical experience through the Bruce Lombardo Internship.

"I'd been here (HCNHP) a few times through various field trips growing up, and I don't think one thing I really took into account was how much it takes for a park ranger to kind of get these trips together," Beatty said. "It was really cool to see the perspective of the rangers; all it takes for them to get ready and how much they put into those field trips. It was cool to see the kids enjoy it as much as I did a few years ago.” 

Beatty was selected for the Bruce Lombardo Internship, established at Ohio University Chillicothe in 2022 in honor of Bruce Lombardo, a retired teacher, published author, conservationist and biologist who worked at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and several other cultural sites in the area. This annual internship, made possible through a partnership with the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, provides an Ohio University student with the opportunity to learn and teach about the prehistoric people who lived in this area, create and lead educational programs and youth outreach activities, and support communication and research projects.

Getting this experience is giving me the full picture…here's what I'm going to experience," Beatty said. "I'm definitely grateful for this opportunity.

As a student at Chillicothe High School, Beatty began his OHIO journey as a College Credit Plus student at the Chillicothe campus before going to the Athens campus as a freshman. He said the decision to attend Ohio University was an easy one.

"I chose Ohio University because it was close to home, and I knew a lot of people who were going there," Beatty said. "I knew of all the opportunities that were there for me, all the things that could help me grow as a person. After being there for three years, I can definitely say I made the right decision."

His mother spotted the Bruce Lombardo Internship posting on Facebook, and Beatty said the fit was immediate.

"This opportunity seemed perfect for me," he said. "It seemed to be a good way to put everything I've learned through the major to use. I do a lot of research here."

At HCNHP, Beatty researches the site's Hopewell shaman traditions and has prepared a "porch talk," an informal program where he shares his findings with visitors. He also assists with trail safety plans, supports a biological technician on butterfly surveys along the park's nature trail, assists visitors at the front desk, and answers visitor questions while they explore the park, an activity the rangers call "roving."

"Every ranger will say something slightly different. Every tour is different," Beatty said of translating research into public programs, a process rangers call interpretation.

Turning classroom learning into public service

Susan Knisley, director of interpretation and education at HCNHP and a graduate of Ohio University Chillicothe, said Beatty became an integral member of the team at the park.

“He has collaborated with park rangers to create safety plans for our park programs, including atlatl demonstrations and gardening,” she said. “James has led many atlatl demonstrations with the visiting public and is creating his own afternoon program. His work and contributions will assist in the training of future interns and volunteers.”

As he looks ahead to graduation and reflects on his time at OHIO, Beatty said an interpersonal communication class taught by graduate instructor Asmat Khan stands out as one of his favorites, shaping how he now handles visitors who see history differently than he does.

"The teachers and professors who touch you the most are the ones who really care about what they're talking about," Beatty said. "He was very passionate as a grad student. He took the time to make it fun for us to do the research."

Beatty said his internship has given him an early look at what his life could look like after Ohio University.

"Getting this experience is giving me the full picture…here's what I'm going to experience," he said. "I'm definitely grateful for this opportunity."

That opportunity to turn classroom learning into public service is the kind of experience Ohio University wants for every student according to OHIO Chillicothe Interim Dean Michael Lafreniere.

“I'm proud of him and grateful to the people who made it possible: Susan Knisely, whose guidance as director of interpretation and education has meant so much to this internship and to our campus for years; Superintendent Chris Alford, a true partner in this work; and the National Park Service and Dr. Rooney, whose generous support of the Bruce Lombardo Internship enables this continued partnership," Lafreniere said.

Beatty’s advice to fellow students: add an internship to your resume.

"I would definitely encourage them to take the internships, even if it’s not required," Beatty said. "Not only will they be able to stand out more and have a few takeaways, but they'll also be lucky to have that opportunity. I would definitely encourage them to do some kind of experiential learning."