Valerie Wilke is a GBI Research Associate currently serving as an administrative intern at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF). This is unique position at a facility that engages in important, innovative work. Valerie kindly provided a detailed overview of her work.
From the moment I stepped into my role with the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) on June 10, 2024, I knew I was in for a transformative experience. Fresh off my graduation in April 2024 with an Associate of Business Administration from Oakland Community College (OCC), I was eager to dive into a role that promised both challenges and opportunities for growth.
My journey with BGNDRF has been one of meticulous organization, creative exploration, and engaging communication—each element further solidifying my passion for design and innovation. At the start, I was assigned the task of bringing order to a sea of physical records that had accumulated over the past two decades. My goal was clear: to bring our office into full compliance with all physical records. After two months of hard work, I can proudly say that every file is now neatly organized and securely stored in its final home. It was a daunting challenge, but I threw myself into the work, methodically labeling, sorting, and filing every document to create a functional database.
With the physical records under control, my role has shifted to the next pile of files living in our digital drives. The aim is to ensure that all background data is accurately accounted for so we can streamline future tasks and better predict costs. Alongside this, I began drafting a Standards of Practice (SOP) manual—a guide that would serve as an official blueprint for whoever steps into my role next. This project was not just about organizing data; it was about laying the groundwork for long-term efficiency and success.
But my work at BGNDRF has been more than just spreadsheets and files. I’ve had the opportunity to use my arts background especially when I was tasked with redesigning our facility’s newsletter: The Salt. The challenge was to create something visually engaging while adhering to Reclamation’s identity and accessibility guidelines. This project allowed me to blend my organizational skills with my visual art knowledge, resulting in a product that’s both informative and appealing. It’s projects like these that remind me of why I love design—because it’s not just about making things look good; it’s about making information accessible, engaging, and memorable.
One of the highlights of my time at BGNDRF was presenting my findings at Reclamation’s Denver Technical Service Center (TSC) intern poster symposium. I titled my study “Yes, There’s an Art in Administration,” a nod to the creativity and structure I’ve found in this role. I was excited to showcase how even administrative tasks can be approached with a designer’s eye. Another nod was the inspiration from vintage Reclamation project postcards, like the Hoover Dam, to keep past themes alive. From my research in finding the proper artist to credit, I was fortunate enough to meet Joseph Giliberti and Lauren McCaulou who work in Museum Property & Culture Resources. When I visited, they introduced me to technological artifacts, Reclamation’s Fine Arts Collection, and even a dam sculpture conservation effort that was actively taking place.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize how pivotal my decision to move from Michigan to New Mexico has been. Between applying for the Great Basin Institute (GBI) and finishing up at OCC, I stumbled upon the NASA National Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program. NASA has always been the ultimate dream for me, but as an artist, I had my doubts about whether there would be a place for someone with my background in such a scientific environment. Still, I met the STEM course requirements and decided to throw in an application. To my surprise, I was accepted into the 5-week program, which began in early August 2024.
The NCAS program has been an eye-opening experience, designed to introduce students to NASA’s directorates, missions, and the incredible history and future of space exploration. It all culminates in creating an infographic based on our chosen field, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. This experience has rekindled my passion for space and design, and I’m hopeful that it will lead to further opportunities within NASA.
This fall, I’ll be continuing my studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in design with a concentration in fashion. I’m interested in technical design, while exploring a combination of soft and hard goods, with a focus on using biomaterials, like ceramics. It’s a lofty goal, but one that I’m determined to chase with everything I’ve got.
In parallel to my work at BGNDRF, I’m also a resident artist with the Arquetopia Foundation, where I’m currently focusing on studying uniforms through the lens of biomimicry in design. Biomimicry is a sustainable way of solving human problems by looking at how nature has already solved similar issues. It involves studying plants, animals, and ecosystems to bridge the gap between artistic inspiration and practical innovation. Interestingly, it was this very interest in biomimicry that led me to GBI in the first place, as I sought a way to apply my business degree to nature and environmental conservation efforts. Nature influences my practice everywhere I go, and some of my work can be found on my website: www.valeriewilke.com.
None of this would have been possible without the guidance and trust of the incredible people I’ve worked with at BGNDRF. Dr. Malynda Cappelle and Crystal Bing have been instrumental in supporting my abstract ideas and allowing me the creative freedom to explore new approaches at our facility. Their trust has been invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for their mentorship.
And, of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my friends—Amy Patel, Jessica Hoffmeyer, and Jacob “Ringo” Stocking. Depending on the day, they’ve been my moral support, my editors, and my comic relief. Their belief in me has kept me sane, motivated, and smiling, and I undoubtedly wouldn’t be here sharing my story without them.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s to come. My 12-week contract with GBI has been extended until the end of the year, giving me the opportunity to immerse myself even further in my work. I’m particularly looking forward to helping plan the 7th Annual Water Innovations and Networking (WIN) Workshop in October. It’s going to be a challenging project, but one that I’m ready to tackle with enthusiasm.
I’m also planning some colorful updates to our facility—new posters, displaying historical drawings found from the records project, and perhaps even creating postcards for visitors to take home from a visit to Alamogordo, NM- offering something engaging and educational to the community.
My journey with GBI has been one of growth, creativity, and accomplishment. It’s shown me that there’s a place for art and design in even the most unexpected of environments—whether it’s organizing records in a water research facility or dreaming up innovations for natural spaces. Although the path hasn’t always been straight, I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be, and I hope it’s only above and beyond from here.
