Summer 2025 interns on professional development field trip to local mine reclamation site with Maryland Bureau of Mines. Photo by Maria Hite.
Top Photo: Interns visiting IMET in 2025. Lower Photo: Interns taking questions following 2025 seminar.
Sarah Heckman (Garrett College) and mentor Sarah Bomar (UMCES AL Ph.D. student) in the field summer 2025.
About the 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 internships 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 up to 12 weeks (contingent upon funding), 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.
Contact Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu with any internship or application-related questions.
Applications are due by 11:59pm, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Enjoying a group lunch break during the 2025 IMET field trip.
Visiting with the baby vulture at the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia in 2025.
Learning about bird migration with UMCES Appalachian Laboratory Ph.D. student and Powdermill Avian Research Center Avian Conservation Scientist Luke DeGroote during a 2025 field trip to the Powdermill facility.