Program Description

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center’s professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.

SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12-16 weeks utilizing our 2,650-acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Choose from 17 different opportunities including research labs, environmental education, citizen science, and science communications. Our intern alumni have used our professional-training programs as a stepping-stone to pursue advanced careers in the environmental sciences.

How to Apply

Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of on-line registration,

student copy of transcripts, personal essay, resume, and one letter of recommendation using the Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA)

Application deadline:

Summer (May-August): Deadline is February 15th

Paid internships weekly stipend of $625 with on-campus housing available

These can be remote or in-person internship opportunities

https://serc.si.edu/internships/education-department-internship

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