Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) on display in Myers Marine Aquarium

Environmental Education Research Fellowship

Fellowship information

MDIBL has a new undergraduate summer fellowship opportunity for the student interested in environmental education, marine sciences, and museum or aquarium studies. The student will work in the Myers Marine Aquarium at MDIBL, will conduct their own research project, and will work closely with an environmental educator on MDIBL's publich outreach program.

Over the course of the summer, the student will have the opportunity to modify existing and design new educational displays inside the aquarium. 

At the onset of the fellowship, with the help of MDIBL faculty, the student will create a project plan for their fellowship that (a) is based on the Myers Aquarium tanks and displays and environmental education, and (b) gives the student experience in multiple facets of environmental research (review of literature, design of hypotheses and experiments, data analysis and statistics, and presentation of results).  The student will work with MDIBL animal husbandry staff to learn marine animal care and handling.

The student will be expected to work closely with several seasonal investigators with expertise in marine species and the marine environment to create compelling environmental education pieces.  The student will also assist with the construction of existing aquarium displays; assist with the maintenance of animal stocks including care and feeding; recommend aquarium modification based on research results; and present research results at the MDIBL Student Symposium.

Downeast Coastal Maine

The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is located in the village of Salisbury Cove, Maine, on the shore of Frenchman’s Bay at the north side of Mount Desert Island. The Laboratory is a short distance from the trails of Acadia National Park and the picturesque villages of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Somesville.

Funding for Housing, Dining, & Salary

Housing and dining expenses are paid for by the fellowship. The student selected for this program will be paid $3000 to cover personal expenses. Underrepresented minorities in science are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional travel support may be available.

Specific questions? Email Michael McKernan, Director of Education.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE (deadline January 18, 2008)

1. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED. Apply online. (Application package, PDF) Please indicate "EPA Environmental Education" instead of choosing a specific research mentor.

2. Send in supplementary documents including:

-official or registrar-produced unofficial transcript of all undergraduate work completed and in progress (transcripts printed off of online degree audit programs are not acceptable)
-written answers to the short answer questions (listed in application package)
-two faculty recommendations (see application package). Recommendations may include professors or research supervisors.