Position Description and Application Information
The Thomas More University Biology Field Station, home of the Center for Ohio River Research & Education (CORRE), is offering 8 paid research internships for undergraduate students. These internships are in the fields of aquatic biology, conservation, ecology, and environmental science. Projects involve animal husbandry, bioassessments/biomonitoring, climate change, fisheries, harmful algal bloom monitoring and toxicology, among others.
Time Period: Internships begin on June 1st and finish August 4th, 2024 with a break at the mid-point during the week of June 30th.
Internships include a $3500 stipend and free on-site housing. Students are responsible for food & travel.
* For students who wish to earn academic credit for their internship, they may register for credit(s) in the fall semester at their home institution. The expectations for these credits will be outlined prior to registration.
The CORRE interns will be assigned to one or more of the following projects:
I. Research Internships
- Animal Husbandry (aka Lab Crew): These positions entail working in the aquaculture labs at the Station, designed for the propagation of freshwater fish and native mussels. Work includes daily monitoring of the fish and mussel tanks, physiochemical sampling, tank maintenance. In addition, interns will conduct an experiment in aquatic toxicology in collaboration with the USEPA, located nearby in Cincinnati, OH. This internship is primarily lab-based, unlike the previous two which are primarily field-based.
- Bioassessment of the Ohio River (aka River Crew): This study is part of the long-term monitoring of the Ohio River near Zimmer Power Plant in Moscow, OH which began in 1971. Work includes physiochemical sampling, fish collections and habitat analyses. The hours are generally from 9am-12pm and 6-9pm, Monday-Friday. Night electrofishing will occur from 9pm-12am four times during the study. Fish tissues will be collected for DNA sequencing analyses.
- Stream Assessments (aka Stream Team): This project entails extensive stream assessments throughout Northern Kentucky, in conjunction with the Sanitation District No. 1 and the Boone County Conservation District. Interns will work alongside biologists from these agencies to conduct bacterial tests, physiochemical sampling, fish & macroinvertebrate collections and habitat analyses. All work will occur during the day from Monday-Friday.
II. Other Positions Available
- AmeriCorps Environmental Educator Position: This position will lead and help coordinate the summer outreach and education programs at the Biology Field Station, as well as assisting the Lab Crew with animal husbandry tasks to care for our educational aquatic animals and maintain their tank systems. The AmeriCorps position has a stipend of minimum $5000. This position can start virtually as soon as Spring 2024, but is required to start in-person no later than May 27th, 2024. This staff will undergo additional training and on-boarding through the AmeriCorps program. The AmeriCorps staff will live on-site at the Field Station through early August 2024. This is a 450-hour position and the position will end at the completion of those hours. Please indicate your interest in being considered for the AmeriCorps position in the form below, and interested parties will be contacted to complete a separate application.
Student intern outcomes include:
- Increased understanding of and proficiency with research practices and processes
- Increased understanding of discipline-specific concepts and content
- Stronger skills in discipline-specific methods and procedures
- Expanded professional networks
- Greater sense of belonging in the scientific community
- Increased interest in a career in general STEM field
- Increased interest in a career in field-based science
- More refined career goals
- Stronger professional skills
Eligibility (These are the minimum requirements for eligibility.)
- Minimum 3.00 G.P.A. and Good Academic Standing
- Successful completion of General Biology I & II or General Chemistry I & II (or equivalent courses) by Summer 2024
- Preference will be given to students with career aspirations in aquatic biology, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, and/or field biology
- Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
Physical Demands of Essential Functions of the Job (can be adjusted with reasonable accommodation)
- Stand for up to three hours straight
- Tolerate high heat index and exposure to inclement weather
- Lift and carry objects and equipment up to 40 pounds
- Navigate rough and hilly terrain
Application Materials
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Resume or CV—limited to 1 page
- One Letter of Recommendation (sent directly to Dr. Lorentz, lorentzc@thomasmore.edu or uploaded to this form)
- Application Form (below)
