Undergraduate Research and Monitoring Intern

The Friends of Old Woman Creek is offering one undergraduate internship in research and monitoring during summer 2023. The internship is expected to last approximately 11 weeks, from mid-May – August (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Located at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in Huron, Ohio, on the south-central shore of Lake Erie where one of the state's few remaining examples of a natural estuary resides. Old Woman Creek NERR is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a network of 30 coastal Reserves whose mission is to address state and regional coastal management needs through research, education, and stewardship.

The Intern will work collaboratively as a member of the OWC Research and Monitoring team, including Research Coordinator, Dr. Steve McMurray, and Monitoring Coordinator, Dr. Jacob Cianci-Gaskill, who will serve as onsite mentors. The Intern will assist staff with ongoing research and monitoring efforts and will be expected to develop and conduct independent research. Specific duties include a primary literature review, the design and implementation of experimental protocols, the calibration and deployment of data sondes, the collection of grab water samples, the analysis of water samples in the lab, data management and analysis, and a final oral presentation and written report. The Intern will also be expected to interact with other OWC staff and attend staff meetings, and participate in OWC education, coastal training, and stewardship events.

Desired qualifications include a basic knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, aquatic research. The scholar should have a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, have a strong work ethic, and be detail oriented. Basic knowledge of how to search and critically evaluate the primary scientific literature, and a familiarity with the MS Office software suite will be helpful. Experience organizing and managing data is a plus. Fieldwork at OWC can be physically demanding, and the Scholar should have the ability to conduct physical tasks and work outdoors in a range of weather conditions for extended periods. Boat and canoe experience will be helpful but is not required. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or university (i.e., students graduating before September 2023 are ineligible).

To apply: Submit 1) a letter of interest, 2) current CV/resume, and 3) contact information for 3 references to Dr. Steve McMurray at steven.mcmurray@dnr.ohio.gov by March 11. Interested students can contact Steve via email with any questions.