Each summer, the Idaho Statesman's newsroom welcomes a group of aspiring journalists. They bring new energy and perspectives to our community and add another layer to our reporting. This year, we have two interns, Elena Gastaldo and Samuel O'Neal, and a summer scholar, Elizabeth Walsh.

We asked them to introduce themselves to our readers.

Elizabeth Walsh

Hi, I'm Elizabeth and I'm a PhD student at the University of Nevada, Reno, studying biochemistry.

My research focuses on the interaction of viruses with the immune system of mosquitoes. While we know a lot about how mosquito-borne viruses infect humans, we don't really know how they infect mosquitoes.

Growing up in Washington, I have always loved nature and been curious about how things work, which led me to science.

During my graduate studies, I became interested in science communication and spent time telling people not only about my research but also about the research of other scientists.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science's Mass Media Fellowship allows me to write about Idaho science at the Idaho Statesman and learn more about journalism from experts.

Contact Elizabeth at [email protected].

Read Elizabeth's latest story.

Samuel O’Neal

My name is Samuel O'Neal and I am one of the news interns at the Idaho Statesman this summer.

I'm originally from Laurel, Delaware, about 20 minutes from the shores of Rehoboth Beach, but I've lived in Philadelphia for three years.

I am a senior journalism student at Temple University and the editor-in-chief of The Temple News, the university's student-run newspaper. Last summer, I interned in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital, covering the state's politics for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Spotlight Pa, PennLive and LancasterOnline. I also interned at NBC10, the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia.

I'm excited to continue reporting on the Treasure Valley and its residents. Please feel free to contact me with tips, suggestions, or Boise recommendations!

Contact Samuel at [email protected].

Read Samuel's latest story.

Elena Gastaldo

My name is Elena Gastaldo. I'm originally from Italy and just graduated from Columbia Journalism School in New York, where I covered the South Bronx and immigration.

This summer I will be working as a general assignment reporter on the business and local government team.

I love talking to people and learning about life in a new place, so I'm thrilled to be part of this newsroom and learn more about Boise and Idaho every day of this internship.

Contact Elena at [email protected].

Read Elena's latest story.