The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory offers educational programs for students at nearly all levels. MDIBL Courses and Conferences are mainly intended for a doctoral-level audience. Student programs focus on long term summer residential research experiences which place students in the laboratory of one of our senior mentor/investigators. Most fellowships cover all expenses: travel, housing, dining, supplies, and a generous stipend. School year research programs are possible, but not formalized.

MDIBL's educational programs were featured in the 2 Feb 2005 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.

Courses and Conferences

MDIBL has a large slate of year-round, hands-on, research intensive, short courses, workshops and symposia. The full course and conference schedule is available here.

New for 2008 - Teacher fellowship in environmental education

MDI Biological Laboratory is seeking an experienced environmental educator for an 8-week fellowship during the summer of 2008. Applicants must be active teachers with experience in environmental education, with particular emphasis on marine environments. Fellowships include on campus room and board, and stipend for the 8 week fellowship period.

Graduate Student Fellowships

A limited number of fellowships are available for students pursuing graduate or doctoral studies. In addition to other requirements, graduate studets must be recommended by an MDIBL investigator.

Undergraduate Student Fellowships

Undergraduate student fellowships are available for undergraduates enrolled at any US college or university. Two programs are available. The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a well-known National Science Foundation research program in place at MDIBL since 1994. Any undergraduate may apply. The Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) sponsors undergraduate research programs for students attending one of the following Maine colleges: Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, College of the Atlantic, University of Maine, UMaine- Machias, UMaine- Farmington. Undergraduate support is also available from the American Heart Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Approximately 25 undergraduate student fellowships are awarded each year.

High School Fellowships

High school students have a special place at MDIBL. Like undergraduates, high school students are awarded long-term research fellowships to work in the laboratory of an MDIBL investigator. Unlike undergraduates, high school students have two mentors; one, their primary mentor in the laboratory; two, an MDIBL investigator who is always available outside of the lab to answer questions and provide assistance. Most full fellowships awarded to Maine high school students. Support for students outside the State of Maine may be avaiable on a limited basis.

Education Office Staff

Michael McKernan, Director of Education and Conferences
mmckernan@mdibl.org
207-288-3605