COSEE Pacific Partnerships
Promoting Research Investigations in the Marine Environment (PRIME), Washington 2013
Program
Shannon Point Marine Center (SPMC) and the Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence Pacific Partnerships (COSEE-PP) is sponsoring two summer internships for community college students at the Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, WA. This internship is part of the Promoting Research Investigations in the Marine Environment (PRIME) Program and will introduce students to the research environment at a marine laboratory and provide training in research and field techniques. Interns will receive a $2,200 stipend and on-site housing will be provided.
When: June 25 - August 16, 2013 (8-weeks) (view the flyer)
Oceanographic processes, water quality and hypoxia in the Salish Sea.
Advisor: Dr. Jude Apple, Marine Scientist/Biological Oceanographer
The Salish Sea is a prominent feature of the Pacific Northwest and complex estuarine ecosystem. Because the ecology and oceanography of the Salish Sea is influenced by upwelling, river inputs, weather patterns, and climatic cycles, this ecosystem is particularly sensitive to climate change. The COSEE PRIME intern will participate in an ongoing research project investigating water quality and hypoxia in Bellingham Bay and oceanographic surveys of plankton communities in the San Juan Islands. This project will combine laboratory experiments, field work and research cruises in local waters.
Function of native eelgrass habitats for animal biodiversity in North Puget Sound
Advisor: Dr. Sylvia Yang, Marine Scientist
Across the northern hemisphere, eelgrass (a seagrass) forms meadows that provide important habitat for many animals. Because eelgrass is declining due to natural and human-caused disturbances, we will conduct research to contribute to our understanding of how these eelgrass ecosystems function in our local waters - before they may be lost. The COSEE PRIME intern will collect data on the diversity of animals living in different eelgrass beds and environmental features that may lead to those differences, as well as assess how animals may use eelgrass meadows in their search for food. This project will involve field work in multiple bays in the vicinity of the Shannon Point Marine Center, laboratory analyses of water and mud samples, and assays of animal behavior. With these data, we aim to provide information for management efforts to conserve and restore eelgrass habitats specifically in Puget Sound.
Requirements
- You must have been enrolled at a community collee during the 2012-2013 academic year.
- One year of college level science coursework (non-majors ok).
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials by Wednesday, April 17, 2013:
- A cover letter including your name, contact information (including e-mail address), and which of the above research projects you would prefer;
- A copy of your transcripts (informal copy acceptable);
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member; and
- One-page essay detailing your interests in marine science and education and why you are applying for this opportunity.
Materials should be submitted by April 17, 2013.
Mail To:
COSEE Summer Internship
c/o Dr. Jude Apple
Shannon Point Marine Center
1900 Shannon Point Road
Anacortes, WA 98221
Or email to:
spmc@wwu.edu (please specify COSEE Internship in the subject line of the email)