Undergraduate Internship Program 

The Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is now accepting applications for its undergraduate summer research 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. Learn more about past interns' experiences 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.

Applications are due by 11:59pm, Friday, February 16, 2024.

Available Internships in Summer 2024:

The Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is currently accepting applications for full-time, paid internship positions. Internships will take place over 12 weeks during summer 2024. 

RESEARCH-FOCUSED INTERNSHIPS: (Example Majors: Computer Science, Geography, Physical and Natural Sciences) 

Dr. Emily Cohen's Group: 

• Mentor(s)/project: Dr. Joely DeSimone (postdoctoral researcher), Dr. Claire Nemes (postdoctoral researcher), Luke DeGroote (Ph.D. student), Brian Tsuru (Ph.D. student)/ Animal Migration

Dr. Mark Cochrane Group:

• Mentor/project: Sarah Roth (Ph.D. student)/Fire ecology

Dr. Matt Fitzpatrick Group:

• Mentor/project: Erin Geibel (Ph.D. student)/Carnivore monitoring

Dr. David Nelson Group: 

• Mentor(s)/project: Sarah Endyke (Ph.D. student) and Dr. Nelson/Stable Isotope Analysis and Animal Migration Patterns

Dr. Xin Zhang Group: 

• Mentor/project: Dr. Xin Zhang/ Sustainable Agriculture 

NON-RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: (Example Majors: Communications) 

Video Production Project- Intern will work with Lab Manager and Safety Coordinator Katie Kline to script, film and edit a collection of safety videos for the Lab's updated safety program. Intern will have a completed portfolio of projects by the end of the summer.  

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 2022 or 2023 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.