This fall legal interns and fellows will lend important support to our legal and policy work. They will work closely with our legal and policy team on issues related to water, infrastructure, and climate injustices affecting communities across greater Houston. Learn more about our fall Legal Interns and Fellow below.
Legal Interns
Emily Wells
Emily Wells is a second year student at the University of Houston Law Center. With an undergraduate degree in biology from the Virginia Military Institute and experience in environmental cases, Emily seeks to pursue a career in environmental law. In particular, Emily’s interested in promoting sustainable practices through technology-industry synergy and nature conservation. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, and hanging out with friends. She is a military brat and hopes to use her knowledge and experience with the Army and Corps of Engineers to better advocate for prioritizing sustainable practices, minimize ecological impact, and collaborate with non-profits for a greener future. Emily is excited to immerse herself in the realm of water justice and learn more about addressing water law issues in a comprehensive way—bringing together science, law, and advocacy at Bayou City Waterkeeper.
Nathanael “Gage” Thomson
Nathanael “Gage” Thomson is a third year student at the University of Houston Law Center where he is a head senior articles editor for the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy. Before going to law school, he majored in anthropology and archaeology. Through these studies, he was exposed to diverse human stories and experiences which fostered an interest in advocacy. Following his first year of law school, he became heavily interested in environmental law and environmental justice due to its impactful mission, holistic nature, and similarity to anthropology. Nathanael is a Houston-native, growing up learning about and experiencing the challenges and boons of the sprawling city. In his career he hopes to provide avenues for justice in critical communities, advocate for improved infrastructure in Houston, and face the unique challenges of mitigating the effects of climate change in a major urban area. Outside of school, Nathanael spends his time playing sports, like volleyball or weightlifting, or playing video games. At BCWK, he hopes to get exposure to water law and learn about the watershed, as well as learning how to use law and policy to promote EJ goals.
Policy Outreach Fellow
Leah Blankenship
Leah Blankenship is completing her final year in the social work graduate program at the University of Houston. With an undergraduate youth and social studies degree, Leah has worked in nonprofit and educational settings. She desired to pursue further education after witnessing disparities in the communities she worked with. After living in Minnesota her whole life, Leah chose to move to Houston to broaden her lived experience. Since arriving, she has been fascinated by the new world around her, specifically the physical environmental differences between Houston and Minnesota. In the spring of 2024, she took an environmental justice course that lit a fire in her soul for climate justice, migration, and advocacy. Leah is energized by the work BCWK is doing and excited to join them on their mission of protecting the waters and people of the Houston region.