Internship Program

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER?

Nature Coast Biological Station is partnering with federal and state agencies with UF undergraduate students to work on research in the Nature Coast region this summer. The list below includes the intern and their partnered host affiliate, as well as the project title. To see more information on our previous Interns and their experiences, look at our blog.

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NCBS INTERNSHIPS

“This summer internship was truly an adventure. Fieldwork was exciting, exhilarating, and eye opening. To see and assess the variety of sites along the Big Bend was truly a rewarding and educational experience. Thank you again to the DEP, UF, and NCBS for the adventure of a lifetime.”
– Lisa DeFillips
“I would like to thank everyone involved with the Demopoulos lab, the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and the Nature Coast Biological Station. I am forever grateful for the experiences I had this summer and how they will connect with my future career in the sphere of marine ecology.”
– Meredith Anderson, 2021 Intern
“I want to thank Dr. Carrie Adams, Stephanie Verhulst, and NCBS for providing a one-of-a-kind internship that allows students to gain practical research experience that is useful for a career in the natural sciences!”
– Kassidy King, 2021 Intern
“I would like to especially thank SRWMD staff for providing such fantastic mentoring, a welcoming environment, and endless learning opportunities. I am also deeply grateful to UF/IFAS and the Nature Coast Biological Station for making this internship possible and for their logistical support.”
– Alex Janelle, 2021 Intern

Past Interns

NameSupervisorHost DepartmentProject Title
Walker MarechalMike Allen and Caleb PurtlebaughNCBS & FWCFisheries-Independent Monitoring and Assessment Using Stratified-Random Sampling
Aliyah FormontTimothy Jones, Trisha Green, and Kate SuchaneeBBSAPBig Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve – Coastal Monitoring Internship
Grace HejmanowskiDr. Mark Clark and Travis ThomasUF IFAS SWS & UF IFAS NCBSSturgeon and Terrapin Ecology in the Suwannee River
Megan SanfordMarc C. Minno and Stephanie ArmstrongSRWMDWater Quality Monitoring and Data Collection in the Suwannee River Water Management District
Kyle WilliamsDr. Charlie Martin
UF IFAS NCBS
Estuarine Ecology
Jessie MosesSavanna Barry
UF IFAS NCBS
Marine and Coastal Science Communication
Aadil RahmanJoyce Kleen and Monica ScrogginFWS & CRNWRManaging public use/communications and outreach for the Three Sisters Springs Unit of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Chloe SchwabDr. Mark Clark
UF IFAS SWS
Operation Spatfall: Investigating strategies for the restoration of oyster habitat along Florida’s Nature Coast
Kaitlyn TuckerDr. Laura Reynolds
UF IFAS SWS
Seagrass Ecology
NameSupervisorHost DepartmentProject Title
Kassidy KingDr. Carrie AdamsUF IFAS HortLoss of Cabbage Palms in Coastal Forests
Chloe SpenglerDr. Laura ReynoldsUF IFAS SWSSeagrass Ecology
Grace HejmanowskiDr. Mark ClarkUF IFAS SWSOyster Substrate to Improve Water Quality
Emilee StumpDr. Julie MeyerUF IFAS SWSBacteria associated with seagrass roosts/lucinid clams
Chloe ArbogastDr. Marcus LashleyUF IFAS WECCommunicating Conservation
Meredith AndersonDr. Jill BourqueUSGSMangrove Restoration
Katie EverettDr. Charlie MartinUF IFAS NCBSSnook Expansion
Samantha MormileJoyce Kleen and Monica ScrogginFWS & CRNWRManaging public use/communications and outreach at Three Sisters Springs
Nicolle MonteroAndrew GudeLSNWRLSNWR Summer Forestry Assistant
Ashlyn PoseyDr. Meg LamontUSGSSturgeon and Terrapin Ecology
Erik Van DykeCaleb PurtlebaughFWCFWC Fisheries Independent Monitoring – Marine Research
Lisa DeFilipsTim JonesDEPBig Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve - Coastal Monitoring Internship
Annabel SchreiberDr. AJ ReisingerUF IFAS SWSBiogeochemical dynamics of stormwater ponds
Alexender JanelleDarlene Velez SRWMDWater Quality in Suwannee River Basin
NameSupervisorHost DepartmentProject Title
Anthony MessinaDr. Charlie MartinUF IFAS NCBSEstuarine Ecology
William WareTim Jones and Jamie LetendreDEPSeagrass Monitoring & Assessment - Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve
Juliana NavarroDarlene VelezSRWMDWater Quality and Springs Monitoring
Eric BoveeDr. Mike Allen and Samara NehemiahUF IFAS NCBSSpotted Seatrout Age and Growth
Camila Leon Robert McCleeryUF IFAS WECFinding the Cedar Key Salt March Vole
Sarah TevlinStephanie Verhulst and Carrie AdamsUF IFAS HorticultureSea-level rise mediated Phragmites australis invasion in Juncus roemerianus dominated saltmarsh of the Gulf of Mexico, FL
Shea HusbandCaleb Purtlebaugh and Taj KnappFWCFisheries Independent Monitoring - Marine Research
Samantha Hoskins Peter FrederickUF IFAS WECOyster Research
Jasmine SchwadronDr. Charlie MartinUF IFAS NCBSEstuarine Ecology
Caroline BarnettPeter Frederick and Leslie SturmerUF IFAS ShellfishShellfish Restoration and Extension
Alexandra Reyes-Ramos Joyce KleenUSFWSCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge Manatee Monitoring
Connor MiltonJoyce KleenUSFWSCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge Manatee Monitoring
NameSupervisorHost DepartmentProject Title
Samara NehemiahDr. Mike Allen and Steve GeigerUF IFAS NCBSBay Scallop Population and Recreational Fishery Monitoring
Emma JablonskiDr. Mike Allen UF IFAS NCBSNature Coast Biological Station Intern
Rebecca RashJoyce KleenUSFWSCRNWR Manatee Monitoring
Margaret LongJoyce KleenUSFWSCRNWR Manatee Monitoring
Vita RepinaDr. Mark ClarkUF IFAS SWSInvestigating Strategies, Benefits and Stakeholder Preference of “Living Shorelines” to Stabilize and Ecologically Enhance the Coastline around Daughtry Bayou
Cher NicolsonJosh Patterson and Dr. Savanna BarryUF IFAS NCBSCentipede Bay Oyster and Marsh Habitat Enhancement Project
Sawyer DowneyDr. Charlie MartinUF IFAS NCBSEstuarine Ecology
Brian WhalenDr. Mike Allen and Andrew GudeUF IFAS NCBSImproving Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Methods
Tyler FogtCaleb Purtlebaugh, Johnny Polasik, & Taj KnappFWCFisheries Independent Monitoring - Marine Research
Amy OxtonSteve Geiger & Jennifer GrannemanFWCBay Scallop Population and Recreational Fishery Monitoring
Victoria SteinneckerMark Hinz & Tom MirtiSRWMDWater Quality and Springs Monitoring
Anna SwigrisTim Jones and Jamie LentendreDEPSeagrass Monitoring and Assessment-Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve

JOIN THE UF/IFAS NCBS SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Application Details

The UF/IFAS NCBS summer internship program is intended to give undergraduate students at UF an opportunity for real-world, paid experience in research and/or extension activities. Selected students will work alongside practicing researchers and natural resource managers. These internships are for a 10-week duration during the summer (May to mid-August); however, schedules may vary depending on host/project need. Selected interns will be paid $15.00 per hour for up to 40 hours per week (i.e., 400 hours total). The hosts include UF/IFAS researchers as well as our state and federal agency partners. Interns will participate in an orientation meeting with NCBS staff and hosts, as well as a summer wrap-up event where interns will summarize their experiences with a short presentation. This is a great opportunity for students to enhance their skills and explore career options in natural resource fields. Application materials and host information for the program are found below. These internships are open to current UF undergraduates only. Applications are due: January 19th, 2024. Details and application instructions are found below. To see information on previous internship projects, including experiences from some of our previous interns, see our blog.

Application Resources

These internship application resources can help you with writing CV’s, cover letters, personal statements, and more!

* IMPORTANT – The application should include: 1) a cover letter describing why you’d be an ideal candidate, 2) a CV covering your major, GPA, transcript, and details of experience and skills relevant to the position, and 3) a personal statement discussing your background and interest in this field. Please compile into a single PDF file. *

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 2 MB, Max. files: 1.

Diversity & Inclusion

The UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station will be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution for the benefit of UF members, our partners, and the communities we serve. We strive to (1) develop and maintain faculty, staff, and students that value and include people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences, (2) promote equitable opportunities through the work we conduct, and (3) make continuous efforts to review, self-critique, adapt, and improve.

The success of the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station’s academic and research programs are sustained through genuine dialogue among faculty, staff, and students with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We strive to create an open, inclusive, and equitable environment for all employees, partners, and volunteers.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications Due: by midnight January 19th, 2024
Candidates will be notified: February 1st, 2024
*Intern Orientation for Selected Candidates: April 26th, 2024 
*Intern Wrap-Up Workshop: August 16th, 2024
*(In-Person, attendance required)

2024 UndergradUATE Internships

*Applications for the 2024 internship positions below are due by Midnight on January 19th, 2024.*

Host: Department of Environmental Protection, Big Bend Aquatic Seagrass Preserve

Start Date: Middle May

End Date: August 15th

Supervisors: Timothy Jones (BBSAP)

Responsibilities: Assist DEP staff with field work including but not limited to monthly water quality monitoring, annual seagrass monitoring and hardbottom monitoring.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to swim (snorkel) comfortably in water up to 10 feet deep sometimes with limited visibility (snorkel gear NOT provided)
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.)
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Flexible work schedule

Other Information: Position is based in Crystal River, Florida with work range from Keaton Beach south to Homosassa, Florida.

Required equipment: mask, fins and snorkel.

Suggested equipment: rain gear, hat, polarized sunglasses, UV protective clothing, field bag.

Host: FWC Fisheries Independent Monitoring

Start Date: Early May

End Date: August 15th

Supervisor: Caleb Purtlebaugh – Research Administrator and Stephanie Winn – Intern Coordinator

Responsibilities: The intern will assist biologist in all aspects of fisheries independent monitering (FIM) program with emphasis on conducting statistically valid research experiments and surveys in estuarine habitats to evaluate relative fish stock abundance, age composition, movement, growth, and condition. This will primarily include field work deploying and retrieving gear, fish species identification, and data collection.  Office work includes fish identification using microscopes and dichotomous keys, specimen work-up (otoliths, life history, diet, mercury samples) and data processing. Field and office work will be during weekdays.

Qualifications: The applicant must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license as well as an interest in marine fisheries and the ability to work in a team setting. Must be able lift up to 50lbs and work under adverse and strenuous conditions (e.g. inclement weather, rough seas, high temperatures, biting insects and shoreline wading). This position will require that large fish and sting rays be safely handled. The ability to work full time with long field days are required.

Other Information: Personal transportation to the Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Lab in Cedar Key will be required, but not for travel related to field work. We do provide field and safety gear. Housing is not provided.

Host: U.S. Geological Survey

Start Date: May 17th

End Date: August 15th

Supervisor: Margaret Lamont, PhD (USGS)

Responsibilities: Assist USGS biologists with sturgeon captures and tagging, and maintenance of an acoustic array in and around the Suwannee River.

Qualifications: Comfortable on small boats, handling large nets, and working in hot and buggy conditions. In addition, the ability to walk long distances in muddy, salt marsh habitat is necessary.

Other Information: The position is based in Gainesville. Previous boating experience would be preferred. Personal transportation may be required for some trips. Housing not provided.

Host: SRWMD 

Start Date: Middle May

End Date: August 15th

Supervisor: Stephanie Armstrong, Environmental Scientist IV and Katie McBride, Environmental Scientist III

Responsibilities: This is a scientific research internship involving the collection and review of water quality, quantity, and biological data, and assistance with water resources projects. The selected candidate will work alongside District staff and receive hands-on experience calibrating and maintaining water quality equipment, collecting water quality and flow measurements, post-processing data, reviewing and quality control of data, and using ArcGIS to inventory physical features and visually display data in a meaningful way. Work entails using water quality instruments and flow meters to assess water resources within the District’s monitoring network.

Upon arrival, staff will work with the intern to assess professional interests and choose from several potential projects to find a best fit for intern’s deliverables.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a strong interest in environmental science. Basic computer skills are required. Knowledge of GIS and analytical and statistical methods are preferred. Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to work within a team are necessary.

Other Information: This position is located at the SRWMD office in Live Oak, Florida. The selected candidate will need the ability to drive themselves to and from Live Oak, although carpooling options may be available. Field work may involve working in adverse conditions including high temperatures, water environments, difficult terrain, dense vegetation, and exposure to insects and other wildlife. Field appropriate clothing that can get wet and dirty is required, and rubber boots are very beneficial. No specific equipment is needed.

Host: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Start Date: May 15th

End Date: August 14th

Supervisor: Joyce Palmer (USFWS/Crystal River NWR Complex)

Responsibilities: We seek an intern to work at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Primary duties will focus on a native habitat restoration project on Egmont Key NWR, including vegetation monitoring, bird surveys, and invasive plant control. Additional day-to-day tasks may include monthly bird surveys throughout the refuge complex, water quality monitoring, blue bird nest box monitoring, assisting with environmental education and interpretation, data entry, and assisting staff as needed. Intern will be required to participate in field-based activities in the outdoors in potentially arduous conditions such as extreme summer heat and humidity, biting insects, poisonous plants, venomous snakes, and inclement weather.

Qualifications: The applicant must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license as well as an interest in habitat restoration and native vegetation. Job responsibilities may include: overnight travel, weekend work, and some moderate-heavily lifting. Basic computer skills and ability to work full time with long field days are required. Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are necessary.

Other Information: Relevant coursework in ecology/ biology and previous experience with small watercraft or paddle craft is preferred, but not required. Housing is available and the use of a government vehicle while performing official duties.

Host: UF/IFAS NCBS

Start Date: May 15th

End Date: August 15th

Supervisor: Dr. Marc Hensel (UF/NCBS)

Responsibilities: We seek an intern to work on a wide variety of projects related to coastal ecology in the nearshore environments of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Suwannee River. Projects and responsibilities will vary but include field sampling of fishes and invertebrates; quantitative assessments of environmental parameters and habitats such as seagrass, oyster, and mangroves; laboratory experiments; and other day-to-day tasks including sample identification, sample processing, data entry, and assisting other staff as needed. The selected intern will work with a variety of lab personnel including the technicians and graduate students. Field work will be performed on small boats and interns will be required to participate heavily in field-based activities in potentially arduous conditions. The position is located at the Nature Coast Biological Station and carpooling opportunities may be available.

Qualifications: Relevant coursework in ecology/marine biology and previous experience with small watercraft is preferred, but not required.

Other Information: The position is located at the Nature Coast Biological Station and carpooling opportunities may be available. The applicant must have reliable transportation and valid driver’s license as well as an interest in community ecology and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

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