Internship availability varies in subject matter, length of commitment, and location throughout the year. They are designed to provide valuable skills and mentoring for students. Mentors help interns sort through the often overwhelming challenge of how to reach their professional goals in a competitive field.
Internship opportunities are posted on social media and the MCERC YouTube channel. Please navigate to the YouTube channel for videos describing internships. Programs are often “open ended”. Start and finish dates are opened as spots become available. The “Curriculum” tab in this section will have the latest information regarding which internships available for enrollment.
Ready to commit to a program? Submit a Letter of Interest (maximum 2 pages double spaced) in this section. Include your name, email address, physical address, and the name of the internship you are interested in. Include a description of why you are a match for the program with very brief summary of your academic background. Include how this program will benefit your career goals. You will receive an email response. Please be patient. The amount of time it takes to receive a response indicating a match and available spot depends upon the number of letters we receive. Potential interns will meet in a Zoom call with faculty to discuss details and answer questions before a decision is made to accept an intern and enrollment is completed.
Program fees for internships are supported, in part, through available MCERC funds. Program fees posted for each internship vary according to current, available resources for subsidies, the varying length of time and commitment by instructors, and the cost of administration. A letter confirming an internship is available to accepted interns who choose to apply for grants or sponsorships from outside resources. Be sure to check the description in this section to find the cost of enrollment for internship. MCERC programs typically have less than 10 spaces available for enrollment. Experience has taught us that fees for all MCERC programs must be paid in full and non-refundable to assure spaces are reserved by those who are able to commit to attending. We appreciate the opportunity to support students in their goals!
Curriculum
- 8 Sections
- 2 Lessons
- 16 Weeks
- Upload Letter of Interest HereSUBIT YOUR LETTER OF INTEREST HERE. Label your word or pdf file in the following format: LastName_FirstName_InternshipName_DDMMMYYYY For example: Trolley_Sea-More_CetaceanResearch_17JAN2024 Internship applications that are not labeled correctly cannot be considered. The number of applications received makes it impossible to open and relabel files for rapid identification. You may submit up to 3 DIFFERENT letters of interest. Be sure to follow the instructions for the internship that you are interested in being considered for and include your availability and start date in the heading of your document.1
- Photo Identification of Marine MammalsLearning objectives: 1) Become proficient in processing data for photo identification of several marine mammal species; 2) Understand the application of photo identification for marine mammal behavioral ecology; 3) learn how to take images of marine mammals for research. Commitment is 6 weeks (16 - 40 hours per week) in Spring Hill, Florida. Program fee : $25/week0
- Malacology/ConchologyLearning Objectives: 1) Become proficient in identification of a broad range of species collected globally; 2) Learn methods for cataloging species for the purpose of research and education; 3) Understand the ecological pressures that have resulted in convergent evolution of species of Mollusks. Commitment is 6 weeks (16 - 40 hours per week) in Spring Hill, Florida. Program fee : $25/week0
- Marine Biology OutreachLearning Objectives; 1) Develop a foundation in developing visual, audio, and tactile resources for outreach events in marine biology and ecology using the collections of fossils, bones, images, and other resources at MCERC; 2) Develop skills for presenting scientific information in a variety of settings including outreach, professional conferences, and other public speaking events. Commitment is 6 weeks (as least 16 hours per week) in Spring Hill, Florida. Distance learning (Zoom) internships may be possible on a case by case basis. Program fee : $25/week0
- Marine Fossil IdentificationLearning Objectives: 1) Become proficient in identification of a broad range of fossils including shark teeth, cetacean bones, Mollusk fossils, and several other species of marine flora and fauna; 2) Learn methods for cataloging fossils for the purpose of research and education; 3) Understand the process of fossilization and the significance of fossils for understanding extant species of marine flora and fauna. . Commitment is 6 weeks (as least 16 hours per week) in Spring Hill, Florida. Program fee : $25/week0
- Cetacean Research - Data analysisThis internship includes several hours of mentoring in research skills related to data collection, research methods, and analysis in marine mammal behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, anatomy and physiology, and marine mammal communication. This is an upper level internship suitable for those who are currently enrolled in a related master's degree program or have completed a related master's degree. Undergraduates in their last year of university may be considered. NOTES: 1) Exceptional students may request to apply this program as partial fulfillment of master's degree requirements for research projects. 2) MCERC faculty may agree to serve as advisors for participants wishing to petition their university for course credit as an independent study (contingent upon a written agreement between the student and the MCERC internship instructor). 3) Commitment: A minimum of 120 hours in blocks of at least 6 hours/day, 2 days per week until the 120 hours are fulfilled. Location: Spring Hill, Florida. Program fee : To be determined on an individual basis.0
- Comparative Coastal Ecology through Microscopic Analysis of Sand SamplingOver 150 samples of beach, coastal, offshore and deep sea substrates will be examined, photographed, and cataloged. Particles in the substrate will be identified and compared in this ongoing study. Learning objectives include topics of marine resources management and coastal ecology as interns explore the direct and indirect microscopic evidence of human activity in coastal and marine habitats. This internship is flexible to meet the needs of university students and adults interested in becoming citizen scientists. Program fee varies with the level of instruction agreed upon between accepted applicants and faculty. Commitment: at least 8 hours/week for at least 6 weeks.0
- More Information:1
Requirements
- A keen interest in marine biology, ecology, and related research
- See each internship description for requirements.
- Distance learning (remote) internships require internet access
- Interns are responsible for their own travel and accommodations unless otherwise indicated in the description.
- Must be comfortable using a computer and the internet
- Must be physically able to safely participate in internships
- All MCERC program participants must submit a completed Internship Agreement and Release. A preview will be provided and reviewed during the Zoom meeting prior to acceptance into any MCERC program.
Features
- Internships are open for enrollment as spots become available.
- Requests may be made for an internship that is not listed.
- Posted program fees are already discounted to reflect available support by MCERC based on current resources.
- Opportunities for remote learning are available to reach students who may not be able to participate in person.
- Acceptance is based on interest, availability, and a match between the program. Academic scores will not be the basis for matching potential interns to a program. We encourage all interested students who meet the requirements for programs listed in this section to apply.
Target audiences
- Internships are designed for university students and graduates; however, exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.
- It may be possible to accommodate adults who are seeking an opportunity to participate in a project related to a passion for the subject matter.
- Graduate students seeking a research opportunity that will fulfill their degree requirements are invited to submit a letter of interest clearly describing their objectives.