This week marked the first of ten of my summer internship at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk County. This was an exciting week where I became oriented with the research station and what my summer duties would entail. After a brief introductory session on my first day, I jumped right into work on the research plots digging up potatoes, laying irrigation, placing seeds, and counting hundreds of beetles!  I also gained experience in pest scouting for strawberry and sweet corn crops on local farms. Next week I look forward to beginning work on an additional project that works to identify grower perception and availability in regards to expanding their cultivation systems to include broccoli. I had an informative and enjoyable first week and am eager to see what the rest of the summer has in store for me.