Summer Undergraduate Internship Opportunities

Science communications interns work in collaboration with the communications lead. The science communications intern will identify, propose, and research stories, create and/or curate assets and visual content, and produce content and/or stories for promotion via electronic newsletter, social media, the Pennsylvania Sea Grant website (seagrant.psu.edu), and other outlets as determined.

Specific projects will be assigned. Duties and activities may include,

• Organize and catalog available media resources such as photos, videos, and graphics.
• Gather details about outreach, education, and research events, activities, and opportunities for online and social media promotion.
• Identify, propose, and research stories.

Qualifications: The intern should have strong writing and organizational skills. The ability to work independently, communicate effectively to individuals and larger groups and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is preferred.

Questions? Contact Kelly Donaldson.

Environmental literacy and workforce development (ELWD) is an educational priority across these distinct watersheds and is fostered via educator professional development programs, adult and youth education initiatives, print and online resources, opportunities for college and university students, and community education events. Environmental literacy applicants should be interested in watershed education with a focus on Great Lakes, river, and ocean ecosystems; educator professional development program content and delivery; and action/stewardship project development and implementation.

Specifically, the intern may:

• Catalog and update existing PA Sea Grant K-12 lesson plans and activity guides to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices.
• Refresh and update existing loanable education kits to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices. Additionally, investigate partnership opportunities for implementation of statewide loan distribution protocols.
• Gather and organize resources on a Great Lakes Literacy relevant topic and assist in developing an online, self-paced educator professional development program.
• Assist with in-person and online educator professional development program planning and implementation, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs).
• Attend meetings with formal and nonformal educators and related partners.
• Additional opportunities as appropriate.

If hire is local to Erie, PA:

• Assist with planning and delivery of in-person educator professional development programs, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in Northwest PA.

These tasks will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff and Sea Grant educators in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and national networks, and with relevant partners from state agencies, non-governmental organizations, schools, and more.

This intern should be located in Pennsylvania. This position can be completed virtually and may also have the opportunity to attend programs, events, and meetings.

Qualifications: The intern should have strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work independently and with others, and good organizational proficiencies. An interest in and experience with formal and nonformal educational settings is preferred but not required.

Questions? Contact Michelle Niedermeier.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have a significant impact on the ecology and economy of Pennsylvania. Educating partners, stakeholders, and water users about AIS impacts and ways to prevent their introduction and spread has been a key area of focus for Pennsylvania Sea Grant for twenty-five years.  The AIS outreach intern works with staff to update and revise AIS outreach materials and resources, identify opportunities for in-person or virtual presentations to key audiences, and assist in general outreach efforts to advance AIS education.  This position may attend in-person events in Erie, therefore the preferred location of this position is in the Erie region, with ability to commute to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. There may also be opportunities for travel to events in western or central Pennsylvania. Other aspects of this position can be completed virtually.

Specifically, the intern may work on projects including (but not limited to):

• Identify opportunities (specific groups, established events, virtual meetings) and assist in the development of AIS prevention presentations and events, attend events, and give presentations.
• Help facilitate the annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz
• Compile and draft information for case studies about AIS invasive species management efforts in Pennsylvania.
• Other AIS-focused projects as needed.

These activities will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff, relevant stakeholders, state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others.

Qualifications: The intern should have strong interpersonal, presentation, writing and organizational skills. The ability to work independently, communicate effectively to individuals and larger groups and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is preferred.  An interest in and experience with AIS prevention and management is preferred but not required.

Questions? Contact Sara Stahlman.

Despite the value of natural history collections in addressing current catastrophic global biodiversity loss and environmental change, the growth of collections is declining. Declining growth of natural history collections fails future generations. The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center was established in 2006 to help increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania, particularly in the Presque Isle State Park complex. Due to the presence of habitats that are unique within Pennsylvania, Presque Isle is home to many species that are rare or unusual in the state, including many Endangered and Threatened species. The park continuously undergoes change due to heavy human use, ecological succession, the effects of weather events, and the introduction of non-native species. Monitoring the presence of species on the park is critical to conserving species and habitats in the face of these changes.

The Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is housed in two rooms on the basement floor of the Center and contains collections of preserved organisms primarily from northwestern Pennsylvania. Collection emphasis is on the Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs State Park complex. These collections are preserved and maintained to professional standards to ensure that they provide a high-quality resource for current and future generations of users. They are available to scientists, conservationists, and educators to further our understanding of biological diversity in the region, to provide validity to conservation efforts, and to increase awareness and knowledge of our flora and fauna among students and the public. The Museum is administered by Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the collections are held in trust for the people of Pennsylvania.

The Natural History Museum intern helps increase the availability of specimens in the study of biodiversity and natural history in northwestern Pennsylvania. The intern works with NHM Curator Mark Lethaby to help maintain the collections.

Specifically, the intern may:

• Collect specimens in the field using various techniques (nets, traps, hand capture).
• Prepare and label specimens according to standard museum protocols.
• Use taxonomic keys to identify specimens to the lowest level practicable.
• Enter specimen data into museum database.
• Check specimens and storage areas for pests and condition.
• Assist with maintenance of archival materials.
• Prepare specimens for educational displays.
• Assist other collectors with field collections, e.g., light trapping at night, bait trapping, vertebrate collection, etc.
• Maintain live specimens for display.
• Assist with education programming and events, e.g., Discover Presque Isle.

Qualifications:

• The intern should have strong writing and organizational skills.
• The ability to work independently, and to accurately synthesize and deliver information is preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and own transportation.
• Willing to work occasional weekends or evenings.

Questions? Contact Mark Lethaby.