Idyllic Setting, Ideal Opportunity for Royal Experience Intern

For a history major with a strong appreciation of the outdoors, a summer internship at a national historic landmark seems optimal. Just ask Robert O'Gorman '28, of Ocean, New Jersey, who, from June through August, completed a University of Scranton Royal Experience as a historical educator intern at the site of the largest field artillery battle of the American Revolutionary War: Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, New Jersey.

"I’ve always loved history! I’ve spent much of my life visiting historic sites and experiencing history from a visitor’s perspective, so I was excited about this opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes. I gained a deeper understanding of how parks and museums operate and explored the different career paths available in history, preservation and public service," said O'Gorman, whose University studies include a minor in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.

One of Robert O'Gorman's favorite locations at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, New Jersey is Perrine Hill, shown. 

"Monmouth Battlefield State Park is interesting because ecology and historic preservation are closely connected. The park isn't simply a preserved battlefield—it is also a large working rural landscape containing forests, meadows, farmland, orchards, wetlands and wildlife," said O'Gorman, a Royal Sustainability Summer Internship recipient whose experience was funded through the University's Laudato Si’ Ecological Education Subcommittee.

"The park now encompasses 2,764 acres of land. A major part of the park's sustainability approach is maintaining its historic agricultural landscape. Farmers who lease the land still grow crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans. This allows the landscape to continue functioning as farmland.

"When recently threatened by the sale of a private parcel of land (original to the battle) to developers, in August 2026, New Jersey was able to purchase it and added another 22 acres to the park through funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Green Acres Program. The newly acquired former strawberry farm contains open fields and wooded trails and will be managed for recreation, education, research and preservation."

In his role at the park, O'Gorman assisted park staff during the annual Battle of Monmouth reenactment in June by distributing props for children’s musket drills, staffing the information booth, providing directions to visitors, and assisting with general maintenance and event logistics.

"I also contributed to ongoing research on the Scottish Highlanders of the 42nd Regiment, also known as the Black Watch, who served with the British Army during the battle. ...I examined materials from the battlefield library and archival collections, including the journal of John Peebles," said O'Gorman, referencing Lt. John Peebles, a British military diarist during the American Revolution who was a participant in the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.

"I would like to thank Laudato Si’ Ecological Education Subcommittee for providing me with this opportunity. Whether I pursue a career in museums, historical interpretation, archives, education, or cultural resource management, the skills and knowledge I gained have helped me better understand how history is preserved, interpreted, and shared with the public," he said.

"Most importantly, this experience has reinforced my passion for history and shown me the many ways historians can contribute to their communities outside of traditional academic settings."

"Experiential learning, such as internships, are invaluable," said Stacey C. Laniewski, career development coordinator with The Roche Family Center for Career Development at the University.

"Since 2016, the Royal Experience Summer Internship Program has been instrumental in providing students with the opportunity to pursue internships that have helped to enhance their skills and advance their career journeys." 

The Royal Experience provides students with a stipend up to $2,000, supporting their participation in meaningful, otherwise-unpaid internships during the summer of 2026. The program was initially established through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and donations by alumni and friends of the University.

The Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program is funded by the Department of Psychology, and The Royal Sustainability Internship Program is funded through the University's Laudato Si’ Ecological Education Subcommittee. Otherwise, both follow the same guidelines as the Royal Experience.

Having been selected from a competitive pool of candidates, this year’s six interns are writing about their experiences in a blog published on the University’s Roche Family Center for Career Development webpage.
Four students participated in the 2026 Royal Experience Summer Internship Program:

William Burke '27, a business communication major from Port Carbon, who completed an internship with the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office in Wilkes-Barre.

Peyton Germaine '29, a psychology major from Endicott, New York, who participated as a clinical social work intern with Guthrie Lourdes Emergency Department, Binghamton, New York.

Hannah Horn '27, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Newton, New Jersey, who completed an internship with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Newton, New Jersey.

Alexander Steele '27, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Dunmore, who completed an internship with The University of Scranton Information Technology, Scranton.

One student participated in the 2026 Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program:

Lizeth Ortega '27, a political science/psychology double major from Pearl River, New York, completed an internship with the NYS Unified Courts 9th Judicial District, White Plains, New York.

One student participated in the 2026 Royal Sustainability Summer Internship Program:

Robert O'Gorman '28, a history major from Ocean, New Jersey, participated as a historical educator intern at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, New Jersey.