Undergraduate Internship Program 

The Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is now accepting applications for its undergraduate summer internship program. Undergraduate students currently attending our regional partner schools (Allegany College of Maryland, Frostburg State University, Garrett College, and Potomac State College) are eligible to apply. Students from other institutions are welcome to apply but will receive lower priority for placement. Selected interns will have the opportunity to engage in research activities in the laboratory and field with world-class scientists in Frostburg, Maryland. Opportunities for non-research internship may also be available. Learn more about past interns' experiences and view lightning talk seminars at www.umces.edu/al/internships. 

Internships begin in late May and continue for 35-40-hours per week for 12 weeks, though there may be flexibility for time off and daily hours to meet the needs of the applicant. In addition to field and laboratory work on identified research projects, interns will participate in regular professional development, networking, and scientific skill-building activities designed to broaden interns’ familiarity with STEM fields.  Students from groups underrepresented in STEM are encouraged to apply. Hourly pay rate: $15.

APPLY NOW

Applications are due by 11:59pm, Friday, January 10, 2024.

Available Internships in Summer 2025:

The Laboratory offers both research-focused and non-research internships during the summer program. Students placed in research internships over the past three years have majored in computer science, geography, biology, forestry, and chemistry. In summer 2024, the Laboratory's first non-research internship was completed by a student majoring in communications. We encourage students from all STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors to consider applying for research-focused internships. Non-research internships will most likely continue to be communications-focused.

Internship projects for summer 2025 are still in the planning stages and will be shared with those students who apply. 

Last year's internship projects are offered as examples of the type of projects that prospective interns might expect to rank after submitting an application. Actual projects may vary. Recent past projects included the following:

• Stable isotope analysis and bird migration patterns (Interns: Quinton Browne and Juliana Schmitt) 

• Vegetation composition and how it relates to migratory songbird stopover (Intern: Anna Cullen) 

• Observations of prescribed burning on tree populations and how it affects species composition and other factors at Sidling Hill Creek Preserve (Intern: Maddy Painter) 

• Interactive Arctic sample analysis and mapping (Intern: Jay Miller) 

• New webpages for the viewing, manipulation, and submission of agricultural nutrient data (Intern: Rob Knotts) 

• AL reimagines safety- a video production project (non-research project) (Intern: Liv Childs) 

The Application Process and Timeline

1. November to January: The application will remain open from Monday, November 25, 2024, to Friday, January 10, 2025. Students should complete the online application and upload or email the requested supporting documents by January 10.  

2. Late January to early February: In late January or early February, project information will be shared with applicants who will then be asked to rank projects based on their preferences for placement. 

3. Early to mid-February: Based on these rankings, interviews will be scheduled and conducted through mid-February. 

4. Early to mid-March: Candidates will be notified of their selection status in early to mid-March. 

5. Late May: Orientation will take place in late May, following local college and university graduations. 

Applications are due by 11:59PM EST, Friday, January 10. Please contact Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu with any application-related questions. 

Apply Now

Use the "Apply Now" link above to complete the online application. Contact Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu with any internship or application-related questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. If selected for the internship program, how many of the researchers will I be able to work on during the summer? 

Students will be selected to participate in research projects with one of the listed researchers during the summer. 

2. What if I'm interested in applying for more than one project or researcher? 

Students can apply for consideration for one researcher or for more than one by ranking each project as their first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth choice. 

3. I'm planning to work a 2nd part-time job, have vacation plans, or some other potential conflict. Should I still apply? 

Yes! The internship requires up 35-40 hours weekly, but at the discretion of the supervisor, there can be flexibility for scheduled hours and time off. Applicants and selected students are encouraged to discuss these concerns with the faculty supervisor as soon as possible. 

4. What is required in the application process? 

A complete application includes the following: online application form (see link above), unofficial transcript (applicants should be able to access this at no cost through their student accounts on their institution's student portals), a current resume or CV, and a statement of interest briefly describing why the applicant is interested in completing an internship at the Appalachian Laboratory. Students are also asked to list the name of a faculty member as a reference. It is important that this person knows the applicant and can speak to the applicant's ability to successfully complete the internship.     

5. What happens after I apply? 

The internship application period will remain open until early January. Once the application period closes, internship supervisors listed with the projects will review applications, contact references, and identify applicants to interview. Selected applicants will be contacted for in-person interviews. Following interviews, all applicants will be notified about their status. We estimate this notification will take place in early April. 

6. I participated in the Appalachian Laboratory Undergraduate Internship Program in the past. Am I eligible to apply and participate again?

All current students at the identified institutions are eligible to apply. Those students who have not been selected for participation in the past will receive priority for placement this year.   

7. If I don't apply or am not accepted this year, will the program continue next year? 

The Appalachian Laboratory is committed to fostering the next generation of science through the Appalachian Laboratory Undergraduate Internship Program. The number of positions available each summer depends on the availability of research projects and will be contingent on continued funding. Students not accepted in prior years are encouraged to reapply. 

8. Who do I contact with questions? 

Please contact Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu with any application or internship-related questions.