While earning her master’s degree in Conservation Ecology and Environmental Informatics at the University of Michigan, she interned at the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum where she performed natural area management and restoration techniques and furthered her plant identification skills.  Before WCCD, Summer worked as an environmental consultant.  Using aerial photographs, soil maps, and available GIS data as well as conducting field verification surveys to collect GPS coordinates, photographs, species lists, and landform notes, she would advise clients on best land management practices to reach their desired goals.