Samantha Guzzetta: A Commitment for Stewardship Driven by GIS Mapping and Environmental Compliance Strategies as an Intern with Georgia-Pacific

August 2026

By Sarah McCord

For the last 10 weeks, NextGen NRCS Pros Fellow Samantha Guzzetta relocated to Gurdon, Arkansas to pursue an Environmental Engineering internship with Georgia-Pacific, one of the world’s leading manufacturers in products ranging from wood and paper products including bath tissue, paper towels, packaging, construction materials, and more. For her internship, Samantha supported environmental compliance efforts, engaging in reading, inspecting, mapping, and testing strategies of air, water, and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) programs. Samantha said, “On a typical day, I conducted Method 9 visible emissions readings, performed inspections of oil storage tanks, spill kits, and secondary containment areas, collected scrubber water samples, monitored stormwater pH and temperature, and assisted with sander dust and other environmental testing.”

One of the largest and most rewarding opportunities Samantha was tasked with was developing a GIS map and inventory of nearly 200 company HVAC units. Samantha documented the GPS coordinates, equipment information, and created an interactive Google Earth map complete with photos for each HVAC unit. This mapping strategy will allow employees to track and access information for refrigerant equipment and improves the organization’s preparedness for changing ozone-depleting substance regulations. Overall, Samantha’s daily activities contributed to minimizing environmental compliance, leak detection, and inspection maintenance challenges. “Knowing that the company will continue using and updating a system I built long after my internship ends is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of,” shared Samantha.

Additionally, Samantha gained tremendous hands-on experience while working with Georgia-Pacific, applying both knowledge and theory to real-world practice while collaborating with influential environmental stewards, engineers, and scientists. Samantha described the impact her NextGen NRCS Pros internship and program support had on her motivation for environmental stewardship in her prospective career. Samantha elaborated, sharing “I am more motivated than ever to continue building my knowledge of environmental regulations, conservation practices, and sustainability so I can pursue a career where I help protect our natural resources while supporting responsible industry.”

As Samantha completes her undergraduate degree in Plant and Environmental Soil Science at Texas A&M University, she takes pride in completing her internship and has enthusiasm for what comes next. Samantha’s internship experience and passion for environmental conservation continues to inspire the next generation of agriculture and natural resources professionals, as supported by programs such as the NextGen NRCS Pros.