Internship Opportunities

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at Caltech

Caltech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships program introduces students to research under the guidance of seasoned research mentors at Caltech and JPL. Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity. Click here for a full description with eligibility requirements.

SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process:

• Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project. 
• Applicants write research proposals for their projects 
• A faculty committee reviews the proposals and recommends awards 
• Students carry out the work over a 10-week period in the summer, mid-June to late August 
• At the conclusion of the program, they submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at SURF Seminar Day, a symposium modeled on a professional technical meeting

Through their participation in an undergraduate research project, students will be able to:

• Develop a research question, problem, or design; 
• Apply basic principles and knowledge found in the literature related to the research question; 
• Develop a research proposal to address or resolve a specific research question or problem; 
• Apply and evaluate methodology throughout project; 
• Collect, interpret, and critique data in order to resolve a research question or evaluate a design; 
• Communicate research findings; 
• Appreciate what the process of scientific research entails.

Arizona Hydrological Society - Sponsored Intern Scholarships

AHS proudly sponsors a unique intern scholarship program, which is administered by the Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson Chapters. We're now seeking applicants for three awards.

Program Description

The Intern Scholars we select will have the unique opportunity to work in multiple hydrological environments. Companies and agencies that have participated in the past include ADEQ, ADWR, Tucson Water, the USGS, Montgomery & Associates, Brown and Caldwell, Clear Creek Associates, the USFS, the Glen Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, the City of Flagstaff, Four Corners Environmental, and the Phelps Dodge Corporation.

During his/her service, the Intern will gain experience in water sampling and other types of fieldwork, water-resource management, and data analysis, among other activities that are typical of an entry-level hydrology-related position. These experiences have the potential to help shape career paths; as such, the success of this program will depend largely on the Interns' own motivation.

Requirements

Students from any Arizona university or college who are enrolled in a hydrology-related field are invited to apply. Because the Interns must coordinate with numerous entities, AHS is looking for focused, responsible individuals with good communication skills and disciplined, highly organized work habits. After completing the program, the Interns must submit an article summarizing their experience for publication in the AHS newsletter. They will also be invited to receive the award at a Chapter meeting and at the AHS Annual Symposium.

More information and application -- http://azhydrosoc.org/for-students/student-internships/

AGI/AAPG Spring Semester Internships in Geoscience Public Policy

Are you interested in: 
What role science plays in public policy?
How Congress affects the geosciences? 
How to become an active citizen-geoscientist?

Would you like to:
Apply your science knowledge to public policy? 
Meet with key federal science policymakers? 
Attend House and Senate hearings? 
Conduct research on current policy issues? 

YES? Then come be an intern with the American Geological Institute's (AGI) Government Affairs Program. Representing the geoscience community in Washington DC, the program actively works with Congress and federal agencies to foster sound public policy in areas that affect geoscientists, including water, energy, and mineral resources; geologic hazards; environmental protection; and federal funding for geoscience research and education.

AGI seeks outstanding geoscience students (undergraduates and Masters levels) with a strong interest in federal science policy for a semester-long internship in geoscience and public policy. Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will enhance their oral and written communication skills and develop web publishing skills. Specific activities for the interns include:

• Monitoring and analyzing geoscience-related legislation in Congress. 
• Updating legislative and policy information on AGI's Web site. 
• Attending House and Senate hearings and preparing summaries. 
• Responding to information requests from AGI's member societies.

Attending meetings with policy-level staff members in Congress, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences. 
AGI is planning to accept an intern during the spring semester (January through June timeframe) at a fixed stipend of $5,000. Stipends for the interns are provided through a generous grant from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Foundation. The internship lasts fourteen weeks, and the starting date will be based on the schedule of the successful candidate. Geoscience students with an interest in energy and resource issues are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain credit for the internship from their university.

Please submit application materials using our online submission form by October 15. Applications must include a cover letter stating your science and policy interests and what you feel you can contribute to the geoscience and policy program, a resume, and the names, and contact information for three references. Additionally, each applicant must send AGI an official copy of their college transcripts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in, or recently completed, a geoscience bachelor or masters degree program. Students enrolled in a doctoral or law degree program cannot be considered for the internship. All application materials for the spring internship must be submitted online by October 15 and transcripts postmarked on or before October 15.

Transcripts should be sent to:

American Geological Institute 
Government Affairs Program 
4220 King Street 
Alexandria VA 22302-1502

Inquiries only to govt@agiweb.org.

AGI is an equal-opportunity employer and especially welcomes applications from women and minorities.