The National Deer Association (NDA) is excited to welcome Brooke Phillips as the newest intern on our Conservation team for the first half of 2026. Brooke will support NDA staff through July 1, contributing to our research, education, and conservation efforts. She brings a strong combination of field experience, academic knowledge, deer research, and a personal passion for white-tailed deer conservation.
Brooke, a Maryland native, graduated from Penn State in December of 2025 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences with a minor in biology. Her interest in conservation was shaped at an early age through deer hunting in her home state—an experience that inspired her to pursue a professional career focused on conservation and deer management.
She has developed hands-on skills through her coursework and as a technician at the Penn State Deer Research Facility, where she helped care for a herd of over 50 white-tailed deer. Her background also includes extensive volunteering, outdoor education, animal husbandry, mounted archery and much more. Brooke was also involved in the Penn State chapter of the Wildlife Society and president of Duck’s Unlimited at Penn State.
Brooke will work under the supervision of NDA’s Senior Conservation Coordinator Ben Westfall, and will assist with research development, educational material creation, and support for NDA’s certification programs.
“I am delighted to be working with Brooke for the next six months,” said Westfall. “Her diverse background and extensive experience in hands-on deer research will be a tremendous asset to our Conservation department. The next generation of aspiring wildlife biologists is increasingly impressive, and Brooke has a bright future in our field.”
Future internship opportunities with NDA are offered in six-month rotations and posted on the Employment Page.
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