Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Internship: Spotlight on Haley Nickel
In July 2025, Blue Water Baltimore hosted our first-ever cohort of Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper interns for a two-week intensive “bootcamp” style immersive learning experience. The opportunity was generously funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of the Environment under the Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program. Hear how the internship helped shape the next generation of Baltimore’s environmental stewards in their own words.
Hi! My name is Haley Nickel, and I recently had the privilege of participating in Blue Water Baltimore’s inaugural cohort of their Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Bootcamp. I am a recent graduate of Northeastern University, where I majored in Marine Biology with a minor in Data Science. So far, my academic and research journey has centered on understanding the dynamic biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape estuarine and coastal ecosystems, with a particular focus on the intersection of coastal biogeochemistry and microbial ecology.
I’ve had the opportunity to explore these topics through research in an academic lab, as well as industry experience in the bioremediation sector, where I observed firsthand the processes involved in treating emerging contaminants. Up to this point, these experiences have shaped my understanding of how water quality influences both ecosystem function and the health of the communities that depend on these environments.
Though I entered this experience with a strong technical foundation in water quality, I gained new perspectives that broadened my understanding beyond the science. I learned so much about Baltimore’s complex history as an industrial city, as well as the role of our aging infrastructure in perpetuating pollution, particularly in the stormwater and sewage systems. One of the most valuable insights I gained from the Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper Bootcamp was a more profound grasp of the ongoing environmental justice challenges this presents. Although I grew up in Baltimore, I recognize that my experience as a resident of the Mt. Washington neighborhood in the city’s northwest differs significantly from others in the area. Over the past few weeks, I have become more aware of neighborhood-level disparities in pollution and infrastructure through our site visits and conversations with community leaders. I think we all walked away from this experience with a commitment to amplifying these voices, bringing attention to the disproportionate challenges these communities face in order to advocate for lasting change.
I also really valued this opportunity to learn more about the regulatory frameworks that exist to uphold a standard of “drinkable, swimmable, and fishable” waterways, and how we can leverage the Clean Water Act to hold polluters accountable when possible. Our discussions with environmental lawyers and elected officials helped me better understand both the challenges of doing so and the significant impact it can have. In a time when environmental setbacks can feel overwhelming, it’s uplifting to witness meaningful wins!
All in all, these past few weeks have been incredibly impactful and I am so grateful for the experience. To those curious about the intersection of water quality, public health, and environmental justice, I highly recommend applying for this experience when the opportunity comes around again!
