Looking for a Summer Research Experience?

Try the National Science Foundation's database of Summer Research experiences in the Biological Sciences at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5047.

The site contains a directory of Summer Research programs for 2017, including brief program descriptions and website links. You may have to search the linked site to find additional information....

Application deadlines vary, and some are soon! Possible programs include (but are NOT limited to):

• Systematics and Evolutionary Biology
• Diversifying Participation in Computational Biology
• Nanomaterials for Biological applications
• Raptor Research
• Interplay Between Genes and the Environment
• Bioinformatics Research and Interdisciplinary Training
• Plant Genome Research
• 3D Invertebrate Herbivory

Check it out!

Science Communication Internships at Virginia Sea Grant Communication Center

Science writing interns work with the Virginia Sea Grant Communication Center to bring scientific and technical information to non-scientists and decision-makers. Interns learn interviewing, reporting, researching, and writing skills. Due to the nature of the work performed in these positions, interns will need access to a vehicle for travel to and from the Virginia Sea Grant Communication Center office in Gloucester Point, VA.

Summer Science Writing Internship

• The intern will report and write about VASG researchers, students, and staff for our website. Interns work from Virginia Sea Grant headquarters at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science over a 10 week period.
• The intern will learn reporting, interviewing, and writing skills, focusing on marine science topics.
• Any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled in, or who has recently graduated from an undergraduate program in communication, journalism, science writing, basic science, or other related field at an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., is eligible for the internship.
• $4,000 stipend.
• Official Internship Announcement will be released early in the year.
• Deadline March 20, 2017.

Read more about how to apply here: 2017 Summer Science Writing Internship

The intern will receive a $4,000 stipend for the 40-hour per week, 10-week summer internship located at VASG’s headquarters at Gloucester Point, along with reimbursement for assignment related travel. There is only one position available.

Eligibility & Application Process
Any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who has recently graduated from a program in communication, journalism, science writing, basic science, or other related field at an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., is eligible for the internship.

All qualified students are encouraged to apply; however, qualified applicants from Virginia institutions will be given priority. There will be no additional allowance for housing costs, so applicants should consider their ability to find housing in Southeast Virginia, and to provide their own automobile transportation to and from work.

Please create an account at http://vaseagrant.ecsion.com (copy and paste url into your browser), and upload the application materials listed below as a single PDF document. (Please use a 12-point font) Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Letter of Interest (2-page maximum): This letter should help us learn more about you. We will want to know (1) why you are interested in the internship; (2) your career goals and how a science writing internship will help you to achieve them; (3) education and experience you have had in science and in writing; (4) examples of previous projects, whether personal, educational, or professional, that you've worked on and enjoyed; and (5) communication skills you have, AND the skills you would like to develop further.
2. Resume (2-page maximum): Include email addresses and phone numbers of two references who can attest to your writing ability (one reference can be the letter writer from #5 below).
3. Short writing sample: Provide a link to something you have written, and available online. You can also provide a document of something you have written if you do not yet have a published article.
4. All transcripts: Unofficial transcripts may be submitted.
5. Letter of recommendation: One letter should be uploaded directly from a faculty member, supervisor, or advisor who can speak to your writing ability and experience. You will be able to notify them directly through your http://vaseagrant.ecsion.com account.

Timeline for the Evaluation Process and Internship:

April – Intern selection, phone and video/in-person nterviews;

Late May/Early June to August – Internship period

Hepatitis B Foundation Summer Research Intern Program

The Hepatitis B Foundation’s College Internship provides a unique opportunity for college students in their junior or senior year who are considering graduate school, medical school, or industrial research careers, to spend 10 weeks in an innovative and educational program.

By pairing the students with scientific research professionals, they are able to gain firsthand experience in research, other scholarly activities. This unique experience allows participants the opportunity to gain a personal perspective on the entire scientific process: from formulating and testing hypotheses, to working with an advisor in a state‐of‐the‐art research laboratory.

Areas of research activity could include translational therapeutics, experimental molecular biology and virology, biomarker discovery, and medicinal and computational chemistry. Since the HBF operates a biotechnology business incubator with 30+ small biotech companies, it is also possible for students to observe, and in some cases, work within these entrepreneurial start ups.

Expectations of the Student Research Intern
This is a 10‐week program that will begin on Monday, June 5, 2017 and end Friday, August 11, 2017. Students will be required to arrange their own housing and transportation to and from the research center.

Interns are expected to participate in faculty supervised research projects as well as other scholarly activities at the Center, including attendance at seminars from professional scientists and research discussion groups.

At the end of the program, students are required to prepare a project abstract summarizing their work and present their data to their peers and to HBF/BSBI faculty and staff.

Application Process 
To apply, please send the following to interns@hepb.org:

• Cover letter stating student’s reasons for interest in the program as well as their housing plans
• Current resume
• Two letters of recommendation that include email contact information for individuals who can comment on the applicant’s scientific potential
• $25.00 application fee. To make a secure online payment please visit http://www.hepb.org/research-and‐programs/education‐and‐training/college‐internshipprogram/

Stipends are available for qualified candidates. Only complete applications will be considered for the program.

The deadline for receipt for this year’s program is February 10, 2017. Internships will be awarded by April 3, 2017.

For information about the program, please visit : http://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/education-and-training/college-internship-program/ or contact:
Polly Ranson
Program Coordinator
215‐489‐4901
interns@hepb.org

National Institute of Standards and Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The NIST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program sponsors  a 11-week summer internship program for undergraduate students enrolled at U.S. 2-year and 4-year institutions majoring in chemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or other STEM discipline.

The program provides students with hands-on research experience under the mentorship of a NIST scientist or engineer in Boulder, CO or Gaithersburg, MD. Students can work on projects in any one of the seven NIST facilities:

• Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology
• Communications Technology Laboratory
• Engineering Laboratory
• Information Technology Laboratory
• Material Measurement Laboratory
• NIST Center for Neutron Research
• Physical Measurement Laboratory

Citizenship Requirements

The program is open to United States citizens or U.S. permanent residents only.

International students are not eligible to apply to the SURF Program.

Classification Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduates in U.S. Colleges or Universities as of the application deadline date. Successful applicants must make arrangements to receive their fellowship and stipend funds from their educational institutions.

Note: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents and enrolled in universities outside the United States, are not eligible to apply to the SURF Program.

Academic Requirements

Students must have a G.P.A. of 3.0/4.0 or better (recommended), and are considering pursuing a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.). Students with physics, material science, chemistry, applied mathematics, computer science, or engineering majors are always encouraged to apply. There may be research opportunities for students with other majors.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nist.gov/surf/surf-gaithersburg/overview

Application

NIST Application Deadline: February 15, 2017

***Note: Your university deadline could be earlier

Applications consist of a student component and university component:

Student Component - Students must complete the following application components and submit to the university contact for inclusion in the institution application.

• Application Checklist
• Student application information form
• Resume (example resume )
• Transcript - Please submit unofficial transcripts only.
• Two letters of recommendation - Please request the letters from individuals who are knowledgeable about your academic achievements and research experience. Feel free to ask your professors (current and past), research mentors, or internship supervisors. 
• Letter of intent or personal statement : The letter should contain information that helps the review committee make an informed decision about the student, such as why the student wishes to participate in the SURF program in Gaithersburg, Maryland and what areas of NIST research interest the student. (example personal statement )
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency: Proof includes a copy of an unexpired U.S. Passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or unexpired green card. 

University Component - The institutional representative completes the proposal and financial forms and submits them with the student application via Grants.Gov. 

• Federal Forms - SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, CD-511, and SF-LLL (optional)  (see instructions)
• Proposal - Provides background information about the academic institution such as degree programs, university accolades, and the names/description of students nominating to participate in the program. (see sample proposal )
• Submits Items 1 and 2 in addition to the student application component via Grants.Gov.

For JMU the contact person for the University Component is: 

James Madison University

Office of Sponsored Programs

E-MAIL: jmu_grants@jmu.edu

Internships at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond

Are you interested in pursuing a career in public health or laboratory science?  Now YOU can help promote and protect the health and safety of all Virginians!  Internships at DCLS provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the most diverse public health laboratories in the Nation.  As an intern, you will have the chance to participate in a variety of laboratory activities and interact on a daily basis with public health and emergency response laboratorians.  The experience gained from the completion of a DCLS internship will strengthen your credentials as you prepare for a career in public health.

DCLS internships are project-oriented and are designed to be mutually beneficial to the intern and the laboratory. DCLS does not offer internships consisting solely of “shadowing” experiences.  Projects will vary based upon DCLS initiatives.  Successful candidates will be assigned to a project within one of the analytical or support sections at DCLS!

Internship Program Areas:

• Biomonitoring
• Clinical Microbiology
• Emergency Preparedness (biological and/or chemical)
• Environmental Microbiology and/or Chemistry
• Food Microbiology/Food Safety
• Immunology/Virology
• Infectious Disease Pathogen Detection
• Informatics
• Molecular Subtyping
• Newborn Screening
• Quality Assurance/Auditing

 Internship Eligibility:

• Applicants must be a Virginia resident, at least 18 years of age and either:         
• Be enrolled as a rising Junior, Senior, or Master’s degree candidate in a science or public health-related program at a College or University. 
• Have recently graduated from a science or public health-related Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree program at a College or University OR a Virginia resident attending an out of state College or University. 
• Applicants must submit a current resume or CV. 
• Applicants must submit a transcript from each higher learning institute attended that is listed on the application (official or unofficial will be accepted). 
• Applicants must submit a letter of reference from an academic professional with knowledge of the applicant’s coursework. 
• Applicants must have maintained a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA. 
• No hand-written, late, or incomplete applications will be accepted. 
• Applicants must be able to provide immunization records, as requested, if applicable to area of work. 
• ALL selected candidates must successfully pass a criminal background check. 

Application deadline: Friday, February 3rd 2017. To apply, please visit: 

http://www.dgs.state.va.us/DivisionofConsolidatedLaboratoryServices/tabid/1569/Default.aspx

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Climate Science - Penn State

The climate system involves highly complex interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere; unraveling the mechanisms that control the Earth’s climate is one of the most intellectually challenging scientific problems of the day!

Program dates: May 31 - August 4, 2017

Gain first-hand knowledge and research experience around topics such as:

• floods and droughts
• regional and global climate change
• storm surge
• terrestrial and marine carbon cycling
• tropical cyclones
• weather and climate risk
• atmospheric aerosols
• paleoclimate reconstruction
• atmospheric waves and storm tracks

Research may involve fieldwork, laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, data analysis

Research suitable for a variety of undergraduate majors, including: atmospheric science, chemistry, ecology, engineering, geography, geology, mathematics, oceanography and physics

**Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors considering graduate school or a career in climate science. Students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

This REU program is administered by Penn State's Department of Meteorology
and Atmospheric Science. Learn more and apply online at the Penn State Climate REU Website:
http://micromet.psu.edu/reuclimate/

Apply between December 15, 2016 and February 15, 2017

Program students receive a $5000 stipend, furnished housing, and reimbursement for travel to/from Penn State and a scientific conference.

Smithsonian Marine Station Marine Science Camp Internship

The Smithsonian Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium in Fort Pierce, FL is located on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), one of the most diverse estuaries in the U.S., and less than one mile from the Atlantic Ocean. This unique educational facility provides a window into these underwater worlds, offering a variety of hands-on experiences to daily visitors, as well as on-site education programs. Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environments. The six main exhibits are models of local Florida ecosystems (seagrass bed, mangrove forest, coral reef, etc.) and vary in size from 500 to 3000 gallons. The Aquarium also features a touch tank and a variety of interactive exhibits. With the help of our dynamic model ecosystem displays we strive to provide the public with a better understanding of the fragile marine ecosystems of the IRL and surrounding area and the impact humans are having on these fragile ecosystems.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Aquarium serves as home base for eight week-long sessions of day camp for ages 6-16. Smithsonian Marine Science camps immerse youth in hands-on, feet-wet learning in local estuarine and marine ecosystems in the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Campers spend a significant amount of time outdoors engaging in activities including kayaking, seine netting, and snorkeling in various locations throughout Florida’s Treasure Coast region. The Marine Science Camp Intern will work with education staff to develop age-appropriate marine science camp curriculum, create new and engaging hands-on games and activities focused on marine science content, and co-facilitate eight weeks of summer camp. Additional objectives can be developed based on intern’s personal interests, strengths and/or experience.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learning objectives for the intern include familiarization with Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, best practices in outdoor environmental education, and an understanding of local marine science research.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in a summer camp setting (preferred) and/or coursework in
science education, a demonstrated ability in effectively communicating with others, a strong interest in marine science, and a willingness/ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including weekends. Intern must be comfortable working outdoors in the Florida summer heat and humidity. Experience supervising children in water is preferred, but not required.

TIMETABLE
12 week, full-time (40 hours per week) appointment, May 15 – August 4, 2017

INTERNSHIP STIPEND
$4,200 (housing is not provided)

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter and current resume (package limited to 3 pages) to Cristin Krasco at KrascoC@si.edu no later than Wednesday, February 15, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.smithsonianofi.com/smithsonian-marine-station-marine-education-internship/


CONTACT
Cristin Krasco
Education Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
772.465.3271
KrascoC@si.edu

Summer Internship at Wetland Studies and Solutions - Gainesville, VA

Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc. (WSSI) is seeking interns for Summer 2017.

Internship duties will include, but not be limited to, invasive plant control, groundwater monitoring, vegetation monitoring/transplanting, erosion control, stream enhancement/ restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, hydraulic dredging, and general maintenance of constructed wetlands. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in many in-house training courses.

The applicant should have a strong interest in and knowledge of wetland ecology and possess a strong work ethic with the desire to gain experience in different aspects of environmental consulting. This internship involves a large amount of outdoor work with rigorous physical labor and may occasionally involve working long hours. Interns will be required to become Virginia Pesticide Applicator certified (involves a written test).

Our internship program is an excellent opportunity to develop and improve on plant identification skills and provides the opportunity to rotate through different departments at WSSI (i.e., Environmental Services, Surveying, Archeology, etc.).

Interested applicants should email cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references to Rebecca Konow at the following email address: rkonow@wetlands.com. Applications accepted through March 1, 2017.

Summer Research Experience in Coastal Biology at University of North Florida

The UNF REU Program offers paid research training experiences in Coastal Biology to 10 undergraduate students during a 10-week period from late May-late July.  REU participants are paired with Coastal Biologists at UNF and the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) and conduct mentored research projects related to their advisor’s expertise.  Prior to this, students will complete a 1-week orientation on performing research in Coastal Biology to prepare them for their directed research projects.  Students will also gain experience in science communication by presenting the results of their project at a departmental-wide research poster mini-symposium.  Participants will attend research seminars and workshops on career skills in science.  Students may also have the opportunity to present their research findings at professional conferences.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for participation in the 2017 UNF REU program, students must be

• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions

• Enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate degree

• Available for the full duration of the program, from May 22^nd to July 28^th (some exceptions possible)

Freshman- and Sophomore-level science students and students from minority groups underrepresented in science (African Americans, Latinos and Hispanics, Native Americans, Native Pacific Islanders, and Alaskan Natives) are especially encouraged to apply!

TRAVEL, STIPENDS, AND HOUSING

Students participating in the REU program will receive:

• Stipend of $5,000 over the 10-week period

•  Free housing in a UNF dormitory and meals

• Support for transportation between UNF and their home institution

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Students interested in applying to the 2017 UNF REU program can acquire information on the application procedure from the program website.  The deadline for applications is March 20, 2017.

See: http://www.unf.edu/coas/biology/coastal_biology/REU-Apply.aspx