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Assateague Island National Seashore
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
NOTE:
This internship is only
available for preservice teachers.
Length of Internship: 12 weeks
Dates (June 7-August 28)
ON-SITE
HOUSING IS PROVIDED.
Research
Area: Environmental Education
Assateague Island, part of the National Park system, is a 37-mile long
barrier island. The facility is
strongly involved in educating the public about our nation's natural resources
so that people will be inspired to adopt a stewardship relationship with the
environment. The intern will work
alongside naturalists and interns from around the country.
Interns participate in a two-week training program in early June, and
thereafter perform duties in all programs, such as shell-fishing demonstrations,
beach walks, bay discovery programs, children’s programming, aquarium talks,
campfires, visitor center information desk duty, and book shop sales.
The position requires intense interaction with barrier island resources.
Interns learn the basics of marine biology and barrier island ecology and, in
turn, provide interpretation of this knowledge to visitors through the regularly
scheduled programs.
The internship position requires living at the park.
Interns are scheduled for weekend shifts and for evening duty shifts that
include roving contacts in the campgrounds.
The workweek consists of five days with two consecutive days off.
The site provides free housing quarters for its interns, consisting of
dormitory style houses and rooms that are usually shared.
Living quarters are completely furnished, with the exception of linens
and specialized cooking utensils.
Research
Project: Powerpoint park
orientation for visiting educators
Planning is an important part of any field trip process.
Through the creation of an Assateague orientation Powerpoint program,
educators could learn about and see basic park operations like restroom
locations, park regulations, and program offerings. Just as important they might
also have an opportunity to see program locations, and learn about the barrier
island and some of the plants and animals associated with it in advance of the
visit.
Recommended
Background/Skills:
The intern must have an interest in natural sciences, and be ready and
able to exert some degree of physical effort in the nature walks, and to
withstand summer heat, humidity, biting flies and mosquitoes.
Website address: http://www.assateagueisland.com/
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Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
University System of Maryland
Solomons, MD 20688
Length
of Internship:
8 weeks
The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), established in 1925 as a
marine research and education facility, is a marine research facility of the
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.
Its strategic location at the mouth of the Patuxent River facilitates
research and monitoring on the only watershed entirely within Maryland, as well
as the Chesapeake Bay proper. Faculty
research encompasses ecosystem studies (behavior of marine ecosystems, food web
analysis, processes affecting energy and material budgets, physical/geochemical
processes and biotic interactions affecting material cycling and energy flux in
marine ecosystems); environmental chemistry, geochemistry, and toxicology
(sources, transport and fates of nutrients, natural and anthropogenic organic
chemicals, and trace metals in watersheds, freshwater, estuarine, coastal and
marine systems; physiological and biochemical adaptations of marine organisms to
sublethal anthropogenic organic chemicals, and trace metals in watersheds,
freshwater, coastal and marine systems); and fisheries science (fish ecology,
population dynamics, fisheries oceanography, predator-prey relationships, and
recruitment mechanisms of marine and estuarine resources). Please visit our
website www.cbl.umces.edu to become
aquainted with our world-renown faculty and their research interests.
Research Projects:
Specific research projects will be arranged by mentors based on
interns’ interest and may include laboratory and field studies of the Patuxent
River and Chesapeake Bay, water quality monitoring and data analysis; population
biology of fish and shellfish; effects of toxins on organisms and ecosystems;
and ecosystem modeling. Teacher
interns are required to meet with their potential mentors before their
internships are finalized.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Summer research internships at CBL are aimed
primarily at secondary science and mathematics educators.
Educators need backgrounds in biology, chemistry, mathematics, earth
science, or environmental science; elementary statistics and calculus are
desirable. Teachers wishing to work
in environmental chemistry or toxicology need strong chemistry backgrounds.
Elementary IBM/PC or Macintosh experience is required.
Modeling projects will require intermediate programming knowledge;
internet page development will require familiarity with webpage development
software. Evening, overnight,
and/or weekend hours may be necessary, depending on the project.
Teachers
from Southern Maryland are especially encouraged to apply for CBL internships.
Website
Address: http://www.cbl.umces.edu/
Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
NOAA/MDNR
904 S. Morris Street
Oxford, MD 21654
Length of Internship: 8 weeks
Research Areas: Environmental Science/Biotechnology
Oxford Cooperative Laboratory is jointly staffed by scientists from NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/NMFS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Located on the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, this facility's main focus is the health and pathology of marine and estuarine fish and shellfish. Other areas of research include environmental ecology of fish and shellfish, marine mammal strandings, and assisting the Chesapeake Bay Program in developing plans and policies for management of living resources.
Research Projects:
Depending on specific interests, interns may participate in laboratory and field experiments related to a variety of topics including: (1) Oyster disease research (histology, immunology) through laboratory experiments, (2) Development of micro-computer information systems for managing aquatic resources (3) Biology and pathology of Chesapeake Bay fish or shellfish, (4) Exploration of Chesapeake Bay bottom habitats using remote sensing and computer visualization techniques.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Mathematics, biology, chemistry, health, or environmental science, General IBM/PC skills highly desirable. Ability to follow directions and think independently. Depending on specific project, some field work (on boats) and/or animal dissections may be required.
Website Address: www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/oxford
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The Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Laboratory
Johns Hopkins Road
Laurel, MD 20723-6099
Length of Internship: 8 weeks
The Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a division of The Johns Hopkins University, is a not-for-profit research and development organization dedicated to solving a wide range of complex problems that present crisitcal challenges to the nation. Located on 360 acres in Laurel, MD, APL employs more than 3,200 people. APL’s Space Department produces unique hardware and software systems and conducts space science for civilian and military customers. APL has designed and built more than 60 spacecraft and over 200 spacecraft instruments. The latest missions managed for NASA are NEAR, TIMED, CONTOUR, MESSENGER and New Horizons. APL also maintains 130 specialized research and test facilities.
The
goal of APL’s Education and Public Outreach Project is to conduct/create
Educational and Public Outreach (E/PO) Materials and Programs for the Johns
Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s Space Department.
Research Project:
There
are a variety of possible research projects at APL, from missile, radar, sonar,
sensor, chemical/biological, and information technologies, to space science and
engineering, microelectronics, communications, navigation, modeling and
simulation, advanced research and technology development. Projects run from
basic research to full-scale operational testing, through all phases of project
life cycles. Interested applicants should browse a sampling of APL's current
projects http://www.jhuapl.edu/aboutapl/projects/currentprojects.html
and identify areas of interest.
Recommended
Background/Skills:
Astronomy,
physics, earth science, physical science, curriculum design, and instructional
design. Interns should have a strong interest in integrating on-going mission
and current science discoveries/developments into the classroom using multiple
deliverables such as lesson plans and web based activities. An Internet account
will be provided. Familiarity with PCs is recommended. Interns will have the
opportunity to participate in APL’s colloquia and on-site conferences to
interface with APL’s space community.
Website Address: http://www.jhuapl.edu
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Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
1361 Wrighton Road
Lothian, MD 20711
Length of Internship:
12 weeks
- Can be split into two consecutive 6-week internships
Note:
On-site housing is provided for those who wish not to commute.
Research Area:
Environmental Science
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is an Anne Arundel County Park that
encompasses about 1250 acres of tidal freshwater wetlands, upland forests, and
farm fields situated along the eastern shore of the Patuxent River.
A diverse set of environmental education programs are offered to
children, families, and adults. A
variety of ecological studies are conducted by staff and volunteers to
investigate the role of wetlands in water quality, monitor animal populations,
and chart the changing plant communities.
Research Project:
JBWS
seeks an environmental education intern to teach science day camps to children
ages 8-17 and lead public environmental programs.
The Intern will develop curricula, educational resources and work on an
independent project. Some weekend
and evening hours will be required. In
addition, interns will assist in on-going ecological field studies related to
wetland, amphibians, turtles, and breeding birds.
Recommended
Background/Skills:
JBWS needs an energetic self-starter who
can work independently with little supervision and who is interested in gaining
diverse environmental education experiences. Must have current First Aid
and Children’s CPR certification (if you do not have this certification,
arrangements should be made to receive certification prior to the internship
period).
Website Address: www.jugbay.org
*
* * * *
Maryland DNR
Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division
Tawes State Office Building, B-2
Annapolis, MD 21532
(DNR Also maintains a field office near Westminster, MD in Carroll County)
Length of Internship: 8 weeks
Research Area: Environmental Science
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Monitoring and Non-Tidal Assessment Division (MANTA) is responsible for determining the status and trends of aquatic resources in Maryland. As part of this mission, MANTA is conducting a multidisciplinary, statewide ecological survey of streams and rivers. The survey incorporates state-of-the-art sampling and analytical methodologies as well as a probability-based sampling design.
Research Project:
Intern will receive formal training in stream assessment techniques and participate in field sampling for the Maryland Biological Stream Survey. In the field, interns will work with an interdisciplinary team of professional biologists involved in sampling fish, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic vegetation, freshwater mussels, physical habitats, hydrology and water quality. During the course of the internship, interns will become proficient in stream sampling techniques and become familiar with assessing anthropogenic impacts by visiting numerous disturbed and minimally impacted sites in one or more ecoregions. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in or become familiar with other aspects of the survey, including macroinvertebrate sampling, data management/analysis, interpretations of satellite imagery, and GIS.
Depending on individual interests, the summer internship could also involve office work at either the State Office Building in Annapolis or at the Westminster DNR field office. Possible office projects include participation in a 'State of the Streams' report for Maryland, preparation of a report on stream conditions for a specific county, preparation of fact sheets for the public on various aspects of streams, and preparation of stream data packages for use in classrooms.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, environmental science. Some IBM/PC experience preferred. Field sampling will require strenuous physical activity and a compressed work week (4 days, 10 hours per day). Teachers from central Maryland are especially encouraged to apply for DNR internships, but internships for the stream survey may also be arranged with the Appalachian Environmental Laboratory in Frostburg and the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown.
Website Address: www.dnr.state.md.us
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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Division of Intramural Research
Addiction Research Center
5500 Nathan Shock Drive
Baltimore, MD 21224
Length
of Internship: 8 weeks
Research
Area: Biotechnology &
Biomedical
At
NIDA, basic and clinical research on the mechanisms, determinants, consequences,
and treatment of drug abuse and dependence is conducted in Baltimore at the
Intramural Research Program located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus in
southeast Baltimore. The multidisciplinary research program includes numerous
basic research laboratories, brain imaging (fMRI, PET) facility, a 12-bed
residential research unit, and an outpatient treatment clinic.
Research Projects: (Indicate area of interest on
application)
Cellular Neurobiology:
Cellular studies in animals to understand the basis
for neurotoxicity and addiction and changes that occur with chronic drug use.
Techniques include electrophysiological, molecular, biochemical,
behavioral, and physiological methods.
Behavioral Neuroscience:
Studies of brain circuitry at which drugs of abuse have their addictive
actions using methods such as electrical stimulation of the brain, microdialysis,
voltammetry, behavioral assays, and neurochemical measurement of brain function.
Medications Discovery:
Pharmacological mechanisms that underlie the
reinforcing, subjective, and stimulant effects of abused drugs in animals;
investigation of the endogenous opioid system; development of novel drugs for
therapeutic use.
Molecular Neurobiology:
Molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of abused drugs using DNA
cloning techniques; genetic bases of individual differences in vulnerability to
drug dependence using transgenic animals with altered expression of specific
genes.
Molecular Neuropsychiatry:
Molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity of
drugs of abuse in humans and animals; studies on the consequences of drugs and
HIV in humans using neurological and neuropsychological batteries.
Neuroimaging:
Functional and structural brain imaging (PET, fMRI) in animals and humans
to investigate neurobiological contributors to drug abuse; development
of new receptor probes for PET imaging and novel MRI pulse sequences to image
white matter tracts.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics:
Behavioral
and biological mechanisms of drugs in human volunteers with focus on nicotine
and marijuana; pharmacokinetic profiles of drugs; tests new pharmacological and
non-pharmacological treatments for cocaine, opioid, and nicotine dependence.
Recommended
Background/Skills:
Biology,
psychology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or health.
Some proficiency with computers (IBM PC or Macintosh) is preferred.
Interns will have an opportunity to participate in weekly seminars and
interact with other summer interns on staff.
Website
Address: http://www.nida.nih.gov
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Towson University
8000 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21252-0001
Length of Internship: 8 -10 weeks
Research Area: Biology
Research Project:
Interns will work in tandem with participants in the SURB (Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology) program. Specific projects will be determined by participating faculty and their areas of research interest. Interested applicants should browse http://www.towson.edu/biology/reu/res_topics98.htm for a list of research topics and indicate which area(s) is of greatest interest.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Basic knowledge of skills and processes of scientific research; working knowledge of bench skills helpful. Candidate should have a willingness to learn in a collegial environment and an enthusiasm for science.
Website Address: http://www.towson.edu/biology/REU/
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US Army Research Laboratory
Aberdeen Proving Ground
and
Adelphi, Maryland
Length of Internship: 8 weeks
Research Area: Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Human Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Telecommunications, and Robotics
The Army Research Laboratory (ARL)is the US Army’s premier research laboratory. It conducts world-class basic and applied research laboratory. It conducts world-class basic and applied research in the basic sciences, mathematics, computer science, human factors and all engineering disciplines. ARL has two campuses located at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Adelphi, Maryland (please state site preference on application).
Research Projects:
A wide range of potential projects are available in a number of areas. Specific projects will be arranged based upon the interests of the Intern and the mentor in the discipline selected. State-of-the-art facilities are available for the Intern to conduct individual research projects or segments of ongoing projects and document results. Opportunities will be available at both campuses (Aberdeen Proving Ground and Adelphi). Not all disciplines will be available at each site. (Please state areas of interest on application). Examples of past projects:
Environmental Chemistry - basic science in laser spectroscopy of large molecules in combustion and environmental chemistry, as well as analytical and thermal analysis of pollutants and combustion products.
Mathematical and Computing/Modeling - research involved the use of mathematical models and high speed digital computers to predict real-world problems using Cray supercomputers to run numerical models of complex physical processes.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Chemistry, physics, environmental science, computer science, electronics, engineering, or mathematics. Because research programs are related to national defense, participant must be a US citizen.
Website Address: http://www.arl.mil
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Washington
College
Center
for the Environment & Society
300
Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
Length
of Internship: 8 weeks
Research
Area
The Center for the Environment and Society brings a significant new
perspective to the study natural and human-influenced systems, their mutual
interdependence, and their reciprocal development past, present, and future.
Its programs use the Chesapeake Bay region as a prime example and natural
laboratory for the study of cultural history, changing land use, environmental
policy, and resource conservation.
Research
Projects:
Interns will have the opportunity to work with several faculty members
affiliated with the Center and its programs.
In summer 2003, the available projects will be as follows: field
censusing and data management for the Maryland Breeding Bird Atlas Project and
possible bird population monitoring at the Poplar Island Restoration Project
(Dr. Wayne Bell, Center Director and Atlas Project Coordinator for Kent County);
archaeological field survey and excavation at the Harriet Tubman birthplace,
Dorchester County or similar site on the Eastern Shore (Dr. John Seidel, Dept.
of Anthropology); and bird banding, plant identification, and population studies
on the Native Grassland Restoration Project, Chester River Field Research
Station, Chino Farms, Queen Anne’s County (Dr. Douglas Gill, Dept. of Zoology,
University of Maryland College Park). Research
activities may include the following: conduct field studies, compile and analyze
data, perform statistical or GIS analyses, interpret the results, and organize
the information for presentation. Teachers
can expect to work with undergraduate and graduate students as well as the
faculty principal investigator. Contact
Dr. Wayne Bell for additional information regarding any of these projects.
Recommended Background/Skills:
Biology, chemistry, environmental science, earth science; knowledge of
archeology not necessary and necessary field and laboratory techniques will be
taught. Intermediate IBM/PC experience strongly recommended.
Some projects require extensive fieldwork.
Early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be necessary depending on
the project.
Teachers from Eastern Shore school districts are especially encouraged
to apply for these internships.
Website Address: http://ces.washcoll.edu/
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