Undergrad field internship opportunity:
Spend the summer in Acadia National Park in Maine doing real field research!
Project title: Cross ecosystem subsidies in Acadia National Park: importance of emergent aquatic insects on riparian bird diversity, abundance and mercury exposure. Questions? Ask Dr. Allyson Jackson, [email protected] About Acadia: More than 3.3 million people visit Acadia every year to see the natural beauty of the rocky shore of the Atlantic Ocean and to hike the peaks that give you 360 degree views. It is a truly beautiful place with both a rich ecological and cultural history. Project description: We will be monitoring aquatic insect emergence, terrestrial insect diversity and riparian songbirds at a variety of sites in Acadia National Park. Additionally, we will be working with the park to incorporate citizen scientists into the research, which means a willingness to talk and communicate with the public is necessary. A typical day will include driving, hiking, insect collection by a variety of methods and sorting/classifying insects back at the field house. In late June and early July, I will be leading crews to capture, band, and get blood samples from riparian songbirds. During this period, you will learn bird capture and handling techniques (but be ready for some early mornings!). Housing: Housing will be provided for both full and partial internships. Some students may have to share rooms, but each will get a bed (no camping unless you want to!). The house has wifi, a full kitchen and a washer/dryer (pretty deluxe for field housing!). Work experience: This is not a course or a vacation, you will be participating in real ecological field research that will result in publication (with potentially you as a coauthor!). Because of this, the work will likely be equal parts challenging and rewarding. Students will gain field experience while working alongside me, park biologists and other local experts. For highly motivated students, I will work with you on a side project that could serve for independent senior research. There is no substitute for actual field experience when applying for jobs and grad school in the future! Types of internships:
Funding (for Purchase College students): To be considered for full stipend funding, you must be available for both June and July (entire summer). Students selected for full summer internship will receive at minimum a $1000 stipend for the 2 months of work (dependent on funding and number of applicants, this stipend could be slightly higher). Partial summer interns funding is to be determined (by March at the latest) based on how many students apply. My hope is to provide $100 per week for partial interns. Application due Jan 31, 2018. Please include application form, resume or CV, and a 1-2 paragraph statement about why you are interested in this field opportunity. Download the application form here |