South Dakota senior interns at Smithsonian

Zach Nelson plans to apply for entry level positions and research fellowships with the Smithsonian.
Zach Nelson plans to apply for entry level positions and research fellowships with the Smithsonian. | File photo

University of South Dakota senior Zach Nelson was recently appointed to an internship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

“My favorite part of my internship thus far has been visiting the museum archives and collections center,” Nelson said. "“It is so extensive and has such beautiful artifacts. I find it really rewarding when we are able to visit pieces accompanied by persons that have a cultural connection or ancestral tie to the artifacts.”

Nelson is working with one of his favorite pieces, a 19th-century Tsimshian totem pole from the Pacific Northwest.

His internship will end in May, when he graduates with his bachelor of arts in anthropology and Spanish with a minor in art.