Senior communication studies major Josie Kleemeier began her academic journey at West Virginia University as a wildlife management and fisheries major. While studying wildlife may seem like an unlikely background for a communication studies student, Kleemeier has found her place at the intersection of communication and environmental advocacy, using both her background from West Virginia University and work from her time at Temple University to forge her own path. 

She spent two years navigating science, math and engineering courses. Toward the end of her time there, she decided it was time for a change—both in her major and her school.  

The Bucks County native transferred to Temple University and joined the communication studies program at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Adjusting to a completely new set of classes took time. 

“At first, bridging those two majors was kind of weird for me,” Kleemeier said. “For wildlife management and fisheries, I had been skinning deer, electroshocking fish and lakes. To now, learning how to give a good presentation.” 

Despite the adjustment, she quickly found herself energized by the class work and discussions. With her background in wildlife management, she took the tools she learned in the classroom and from her previous experiences to make her future career.  

This past summer, she had the chance to do just that. Kleemeier put her skills to work during her internships with both the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation.  

At the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, she focused heavily on social media and assisted with a silent auction held this fall. One of her biggest tasks was securing donated items and packages for the event. She sent emails and made phone calls to secure donated packages for the auction, one of which she successfully assembled at a value of $34,000. 

Similarly, at the Arthritis Foundation, she is helping to organize a run and has secured food trucks as well as donated auction items for the event. 

Scott Gratson, chair of the Department of Communication Studies, finds joy in seeing students pursue internships outside traditional media settings.  

“You can take the skills you’re learning in communication studies and apply them to so many different fields,” said Gratson. “It isn’t just one kind of internship, and students think there are a limited number of organizations you can apply to.”  

For Kleemeier, these internships cemented her desire to use communication to support mission-driven work. She hopes to continue collaborating with both foundations after graduation.  

Her long-term goal is to stay connected to the environment, community health and public outreach with volunteer opportunities and advocacy work.  

“I think it is really important that the community is engaged in environmental issues,” said Kleemeier. “I am passionate about doing advocacy and outreach to people to try to show them the issues and why they should care about them.”