Welcome our Summer 2026 interns and fellows

Brenda is a rising 3L at the University of Texas School of Law. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Social Policy Analysis from Rice University where she developed a deep understanding of how environmental and economic inequities disproportionately affect underserved communities and a strong connection to Houston, TX. After receiving her J.D., Brenda hopes to pursue a career in public interest, focusing on advocating for underrepresented communities and advancing equitable environmental protections. By understanding the intersection between environmental and civil rights issues, Brenda plans to use her law degree to promote justice, accountability and meaningful change. Brenda is excited to begin her work with Bayou City Waterkeeper this summer and learn how to think creatively in evolving legal landscapes to further environmental justice.

Aaliyah Jackson is from Fort Worth, Texas by way of Missouri and Illinois. She is a recent graduate of Texas Southern University with a degree in Political Science. She is currently pursuing her master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy. Aaliyah has a passion and dedication to advocacy work; this has been displayed through her contributions as a student leader in Texas Rising and the executive branch of Student Government Association. Aaliyah is drawn to this work through the impact of environmental disparities. She plans to pursue a career in Environmental Law to advocate for those facing environmental injustices and discriminations.

Emily is a law student at the University of Texas School of Law with a passion for environmental justice and water policy in her hometown of Houston. Growing up in Houston, she witnessed firsthand the unequal impacts flooding and natural disasters had on communities across the region, which sparked her interest in environmental advocacy and equitable infrastructure solutions. Emily earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder. After graduating, she returned to Houston and worked with the SSPEED Center at Rice University, supporting research and public engagement initiatives related to flood resilience and nature-based solutions. She was drawn to Bayou City Waterkeeper because of its community-centered approach to protecting Houston’s waterways and advocating for communities impacted by flooding and water injustice.

Georgia is a rising 2L at the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Originally from Florida, Georgia graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Polk State College while she was in high school. Georgia previously shadowed at the County Attorney’s Office of Polk County and volunteered as a library assistant at the Polk County History Center & Genealogical Library. Georgia entered law school interested in pursuing public interest law and in advocating for underrepresented and underserved communities. She is looking forward to working with Bayou City Waterkeeper to help protect communities’ access to clean water and safeguard our natural resources using the legal system. Georgia is also currently on the Texas Southern Women’s Soccer Team as a student athlete while in law school. In her free time, Georgia enjoys crocheting, painting, and spending time outdoors.

Michiya is a senior at Texas Southern University majoring in Biology with a minor in Communications. She is passionate about environmental stewardship, public health, and community engagement, and is excited to join Bayou City Waterkeeper as an HBCU Sustainable Justice Fellow through a partnership with the Sustain Our Future Foundation. Michiya is Bayou City Waterkeeper’s second fellow through this program. Through this experience, she hopes to strengthen her skills while supporting efforts that advance environmental awareness and water protection within the community.