Dr. Mirsky (USDA-ARS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory; Beltsville, MD) conducts
agro-ecological research in conventional and organic field crop production. Research focuses on
evaluating cropping system sustainability including agronomic and environmental criteria.
Experiments evaluate the role of cover crops and their integration into agro-ecosystems for soil,
crop and, weed management.
Student will spend their time during the winter performing plant tissue, soil and greenhouse
gas analysis. During the summer, interns will be monitoring environmental and management
effects on soils, crops, and weeds, in organic and sustainable cropping systems. This internship
offers opportunities to develop the following skills: 1) data management and entry; 2) cash and
cover crop biomass harvesting, nondestructive nitrogen stress indicators, processing, and tissue
analysis for C and N; 3) soil sampling, processing, and analysis; and 4) weed id and seedbank
analysis.
We are looking for motivated, hardworking individuals. Applicants should be interested in
learning how to conduct lab and/or field research, have good attention to detail, and the ability
to work cooperatively in teams. Internship hours are flexible, we have openings both during the
spring and fall semesters and during the summer.
For more information about this internship, please send your resume and unofficial transcripts
to Ruth.mangum@ars.usda.gov and cc’ steven.mirsky@ars.usda.gov. We are currently
reviewing applicants for an unpaid internships; college credits possible.
