Exciting ENST Opportunity: Algal Turf Scrubber Project with PG County Parks

Dear ENST Students,

I’m excited to share a new opportunity for students interested in water quality, stormwater management, environmental technology, algae, sustainability, and applied environmental research.

ENST's Dr. Peter May is beginning a collaborative project with Prince George’s County Parks focused on the use of algal turf scrubbers (ATS) for stormwater management and nutrient removal. There are opportunities to get involved through an ENST472 Capstone project, volunteer experience, or research credit (ENST489). There are also opportunities for a club or student led organization to get involved. 

What is the project?

The project has two exciting components:

1. Scale-up feasibility study at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Students will work with Prince George’s County Parks on a feasibility study and preliminary design for a 1-acre algal turf scrubber system at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This will involve exploring how an ATS system could be designed and implemented at a much larger scale, including considerations related to site conditions, water flow, system design, operation, and environmental benefits.

2. Start-up of the new “Terp” Algal Turf Scrubber
We also have a newly completed algal turf scrubber at the stormwater pond near the Terrapin Trail Garage here at UMD. Students will have the opportunity to help get the system up and running, monitor its performance, collect field data, and learn about the operation and maintenance of an actual ATS system.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a real-world environmental technology project while working with university researchers and a local government partner.

If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to me and Dr. May. I’d be happy to discuss the different options and what might be a good fit for you.

-Eni Baballari ebaballa@umd.edu

SIE Coordinator

PSLA Agroecolab Internship

Agroecology Lab Summer Undergraduate Internships 

Dates of internship: June 5 – August 7, 2023 

Location: Tully Lab, Plant Sciences Building, University of Maryland, MD, 20742 Number of positions available: 1 

Compensation: 23$ per hour, 40 hours per week 

Faculty Mentor: Kate Tully 

Graduate Student Mentor: Nate Spicer 

Overview: At the Agroecology Lab our goal is to explore the interface of agriculture and ecology where fields, farms, and landscapes promote crop productivity, ecosystem services, and livelihoods. Our research combines methods from agronomy, field ecology, hydrology, and mathematical modeling to develop strategies that will make agriculture more sustainable. This internship will focus primarily on a novel tidal simulator project that aims to understand how greenhouse gas emissions from marsh plants will change with saltwater intrusion and sea level rise. 

Prerequisites: 

Introductory experience with chemistry is required. Knowledge of soil science is preferred but not required. This position will involve some field work in hot and humid conditions, so experience working in an outdoor environment is required. The position will require long hours in the greenhouse during the summer, which can be hot and humid as well. 

Work Environment and Expectations: 

Laboratory environment: Agroecology Lab, Plant Sciences Building, University of Maryland Field work environment: Delmarva Peninsula sites, 2 to 4 hour drive from UMD, car not required Computational environment: A lab computer is available to the student for shared use. The internship is full-time, with exact hours and expectations determined between student and mentor. 

Application deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026 

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Tully at kltully@umd.edu

Undergraduate Research Technician

 PAID POSITION: Undergraduate Research Technician CMNS, Entomology 

Summer 2026 | College Park, MD 

www.hambylab.com 

The Hamby lab is seeking motivated undergraduate scientists to help support diverse  projects throughout our lab.  

The Hamby lab focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), which is a comprehensive  science-based approach to manage pest problems, aiming to provide economic solutions  that farmers and growers actually utilize. The Hamby lab primarily works on field crops and  small fruits, employing a variety of techniques, including biocontrol, monitoring, and  trapping, among others. Some of our current research includes slug monitoring in early planted soybeans, parasitoid wasp releases for control of spotted-wing drosophila, and  studies of corn earworm lifecycle and pesticide resistance. We work extensively both in  the field and in the lab. To read up on some of our research, lab expectations, and see  pictures of what we do, visit our website at https://www.hambylab.com/research.html

Primary responsibilities: 

Hourly research technicians are expected to carefully collect and enter data, work  outdoors, handle insects and slugs, process a variety of insect and plant samples, and  maintain colonies. 

Previous experience is not required, but applicants should be hard-working, enthusiastic,  and willing to handle live and dead insect specimens. Training is provided. This is a paid  position.  

Professional development opportunities can be provided to interested employees,  including but not limited to participation in lab meetings, career advice, feedback on CV or  resume, and opportunities to publish extension articles. 

Required qualifications: 

1. Available to work 20-40 hours a week during the summer 

2. Attention to detail and careful data collection during repetitive tasks 3. Possession of a U.S. driver’s license with good driving record 

4. Currently a student of UMD and enrolling in the fall semester 

5. Interest in science, agriculture, and/or entomology 

6. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

7. Compliance with UMD, department, and lab safety guidelines 

8. Good organizational and communication skills 

Compensation will be $15 hourly. Positions will remain open until filled.

To apply, please send the following to lab managers: Arthur Young and Shea Ill, and  CC graduate student: Emma Hotchkiss  

(ayoungsm@umd.edu, sill@umd.edu, emhotch@umd.edu) 

1. A short cover letter with professional goals and interests in the body of an e-mail 2. A resume or CV of past work or volunteer experience  

3. Contact information for two references that can speak to your previous experience  and work ethic 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,  complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding  nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration  for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons  and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical  or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual  orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis  of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational  programs and activities, and admissions.

REU University of Delaware Summer 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer REU Program in Marine Science at the University of Delaware, an NSF-Funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. 

 

The program will take place from June 8 to August 14, 2026, at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp campus in the beach community of Lewes, located on the shores of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.  Interns will work with faculty in a research-intensive setting on a research topic in chemical, physical, or biological oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, biogeochemistry, or a related area. In addition to hands-on research experience, student support includes a $7,950 stipend, campus housing, and travel assistance. The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026

 

More information and the application can be found on our website. You may also be interested to read more about the program or see one of our field trips on the R/V Daiber on the Delaware Bay. 

Undergraduate Research Opportunity – Urban Foodways Project

 Dear ENST Students,

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate to join the Urban Foodways: Mapping the Networks of Gardeners, Farmers, Foragers, and Fishers project in Baltimore City. This hands-on research explores food self-provisioning practices and community food networks.

Position details:

• Activities: Grower & fisher interviews, mapping, plant ID, soil sampling, and data management.
• Training: Provided in interviewing, mapping, soil sampling, and data management.
• Time commitment: Up to 8 hours/week; fieldwork in Baltimore (Sept–Oct) and remote data tasks (Nov onward).
• Compensation: Paid hourly position (priority to candidates fluent in Spanish, with Baltimore residency or reliable transportation). Independent study/internship credit options are also available.

Best consideration date: September 15, 2025
To apply, please complete this form and upload your resume and cover letter. 
Questions? Contact baltimorefoodumd@gmail.com or jlizursa@umd.edu
Best,

Dr. Izursa

Undergraduate or Graduate student Fellowship

 The Harry R. Hughes will award a fellowship for an exceptional scholar or graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the summer of 2025. The student should be an undergraduate or graduate student with continuing enrollment in the fall. 

The Center seeks to hire a student for the summer to accelerate the dissemination of Hughes Center-funded research. The selected student will work with faculty funded by the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology to develop news articles for The Conversation https://theconversation.com/us . The Conservation is a nonprofit, independent news organization that publishes University scholarly research to inform the public in diverse areas such as policy, science, health, economics, and agriculture. 

The fellowship recipient will have the opportunity to learn about numerous research projects funded through the Hughes Center that have focused on conservation practices, the food system, crop production, public policy related to agriculture, and many other topics. The Hughes Center projects typically fall under the Ensure Healthy Watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay, Advance Innovative, Profitable, and Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems Strategic Initiatives. The student should be an undergraduate or graduate student with continuing enrollment in the fall. 

The internship will be ten weeks in duration, and 40 hours per week. The student will receive $19.91 per hour.

To apply send a CV and letter of interest to Dr. Kate Everts at keverts@umd.edu

REMINDER [AGNR-UNDERGRADSTUDENTS] 💲🎓🐢 Apply Now! AGNR Current Student Scholarships

The Current Student Scholarship application for all AGNR students is now open! This application is for awards for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Students must be planning to enroll in one or both of those semesters with their primary major in the College of AGNR to be eligible to apply. Students graduating in May 2025 or Summer 2025 are not eligible for awards.

All students meeting the basic eligibility above are encouraged to apply.
Most college scholarships are offered as 1 year awards, so even current scholarship recipients should apply.

For students in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, you will also be able to use this application to apply to Department-level scholarship awards.

The application is due by 11:59 am by May 15th. All decisions will be released by July 1st.

Access the application on the College's Scholarships website at go.umd.edu/fundagnr
Or directly at https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_56f0KBaR9hrFp4i

Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Application DEADLINE EXTENDED: Apr 4

Opportunity for students interested in public service and becoming leaders in their community. 

Looking for students who have *at least two semesters remaining at the start of Fall 2025* and are interested in being change-makers. Thanks to the generous support of the Institute for Public Leadership, successful applicants will receive a $1,000 Fellowship upon completion of the program. 

Application Deadline EXTENDED: Friday, April 4th 

Prospective students can learn more and apply at this link.

Point of contact: Any questions can be directed to the Rawlings Program Coordinator, Maleeha Coleburn (cmaleeha@umd.edu).

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AEES GBM #4 | Soil Identifying Workshop | 3/25

Good afternoon!

UMD's chapter of the American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) will be hosting our fourth GBM of the semester tomorrow (03/25) in Jimenez 1117 from 7:30-8:30 pm. For this meeting we will be hosting a soil identifying workshop. We will be bringing soil samples, but we encourage you to bring some of your own as well! We look forward to seeing you there!!!

The American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES) is dedicated to developing sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with the environment for the benefit of both. The UMD chapter of AEES pursues this mission on campus through student-led, designed, and constructed projects that aim to benefit both the campus environment and students. We provide students with hands-on experience with project management, project design, and project implementation working with multidisciplinary teams on real-world projects. So far, our club has raised over $160k in grant funding for our various projects and is happy to give students a platform for their own projects.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: MD Department of Natural Resources - Seasonal Natural Resource Technician I

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program is currently hiring for a Summer 2025 position that would be well suited for juniors/seniors and recent graduates.

Position: Seasonal Natural Resource Technician I
Location: Cooperative Oxford Laboratory - Oxford, MD
Salary: $17.87/hour

Job Description: This position will assist with the response to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, including securing and processing tissue samples, collecting microbiological samples, documenting the results of field and laboratory examinations, and entering results into databases for disease investigations on federally protected, threatened, and endangered species. Responsibilities will include conducting necropsy examinations, handling tissue samples, entering data, restocking stranding kits and laboratory supplies, shipping samples to diagnostic laboratories, and maintaining the cleanliness of vehicle, laboratory, and field equipment. Additional duties will include those associated with a Sea Turtle Angler Intercept Survey, such as administering surveys and collecting data from recreational anglers, requiring travel to various locations across Maryland’s Western Shore, Eastern Shore, and Atlantic Coast to assess the frequency of sea turtle interactions.

Applicants must be willing to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with a working knowledge of good laboratory practices and safety procedures as well as prior experience in the following: surveys, data collection, and analysis, dissecting animals to secure tissue samples, and recording and entering data accurately into paper and/or digital records.

Additional Information & Application: https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=25&R2=003092&R3=0005&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y

APPLY NOW

Student Employment Opportunity with Recycling Office

Student Employment Opportunity with Recycling Office of Facilities Management

The Recycling & Solid Waste unit of Facilities Management is hiring student employees to support the unit with a variety of tasks such as attending outreach events, assisting with recycling & compost bin delivery, data entry, the development of social media content, and the expansion of the compost collection program throughout campus. The position requires a commitment of 10-20 hours per week and starting pay is $15.00 per hour. Position starts late in the Spring 2025 semester and continues through the 2025-2026 academic year.

The ideal candidate is a graduate or undergraduate student, of at least sophomore standing, with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA. The Student Recycling Employee must be comfortable talking with faculty, staff, and students about the benefits of recycling and should have a warm and inviting personality. The employee must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and be able to use or learn to use the computer program Adobe Illustrator. Student must have the ability to read and interpret building floor plans. Attention to detail is required. Student needs to have a professional work ethic, discipline, and be self-motivated.

To apply, email resume and cover letter to recycle@umd.edu. Cover letter should explain why you are interested in this position, discuss any previous recycling experience or knowledge, and describe what is recyclable on the College Park campus. Application deadline is Friday, March 28th.

Summer Internship with MD DNR Fisheries

New internship opportunity with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is looking for a student natural resource technician
This is a UNPAID - Part-Time (16-24 hours of work per week)

Location: Brandywine MD, Prince George's County

The main purpose of this position is to provide assistance to fisheries-related tasks, both in the field and in the laboratory, relating to freshwater sportfishing management. The selected candidate will assist with fyke net surveys to assess fish communities in inland impoundments (reservoirs and ponds); electrofishing, seining, and lab work to assess tidal freshwater fisheries habit and tidal bass populations; backpack electrofishing to assess inland stream fish communities; providing fisheries-related education and outreach at community fishing-oriented events; and other groups within fisheries with fieldwork on Maryland’s coastal bays, the Chesapeake’s brackish, tidal rivers, and special projects relating to inland fisheries habitat improvement projects.

The internship runs ten weeks between June and August. The specific start/end dates, hours, and schedule will be determined in collaboration between the intern and supervisor.

Application link and details can be found at the offical page here.

ENST Soil and Watershed Science Scholarship

Eligibility for the ENST Soil and Watershed Science Scholarship, supported by Larry and Ann Strickling:

• Students must meet the minimum criteria: 1. ENST must be the primary undergraduate major; 2. must be a currently enrolled student in good standing; and, 3. must have at least one semester left on their degree program.
• Available to current undergraduate ENST students who have completed or currently are enrolled in ENST 200 and at least one additional soil science course and have expressed an interest in a Soil and Watershed Science major or conducting a minor in soil science.

Criteria:

• Candidates should have a strong interest in pursuing a career in Soil and Watershed Science as demonstrated by enrollment in or successful completion of soil science classes, and through such activities as being employed or having an internship related to soil science, engaging in special soils related research projects, participation on the soil judging team, etc.
• Competitive recipients should demonstrate strong academic performance overall and within Soil and Watershed Science courses as well as team and leadership skills.

Briefly describe your experience in Soil and Watershed Science, your interest in pursuing a career in this field, how you meet the criteria for this scholarship (see above). (300 word maximum)

Ready to apply? Then submit this Application Form via email to Dr. Edward Landa at erlanda@umd.edu

Deadline Feb. 28, 2025

Harvard Forest Summer Research Program - application is Open

 Applications are now open for the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology! The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an immersive research experience, connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Each year, 15-25 undergraduates from across the US live and work at the 4,000-acre Harvard Forest for 11 weeks. Students work with a research mentor in interdisciplinary team-based projects focused on how ecosystems change over time, especially in response to human and natural disturbance.

 

Harvard Forest is Harvard University's world-class ecological research hub at the nexus of many national and international scientific networks, which Summer Program students leverage to conduct research and build their careers through: 

· Research: Work collaboratively to solve environmental problems using scientific methods.  

· Education: Bridge from student to scientist, build marketable skills, learn how to use and understand data 

· Community: Join scientists at a world-class virtual research hub to expand your network 

 

Program Details for 2025:  

· The 11-week program dates are May 26 to August 8, 2025  

· Includes $7,700 stipend, plus full room & board, and travel to/from Harvard Forest

· Applications are currently open and are due Feb. 7, 2025:  Learn more here: https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/education/reu-apply or go directly to the application here: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7205/opportunity/10261

· Questions?  See FAQ or contact hf-srpe@fas.harvard.edu 

Undergraduate Summer Research Freshwater@UW

 

Freshwater@UW Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunities Program Summer Program Location: WI, United States Calling undergrads! Would you like to help solve water-related challenges? This summer, join the Freshwater@UW summer research opportunities program for an incredible mentored research experience. Come to Wisconsin and work alongside global experts in biology, history, chemistry, ecology, economics, engineering, and more. We have projects related to pollution and environmental contamination, fish and plant ecology, science communication, economics and history. What’s in it for you? $6,600 stipend, plus housing and travel Hands-on research that prepares you for grad school, research careers, or public service Professional development workshops and a vibrant, collaborative community Research locations include UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-La Crosse, UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point and in Manitowoc, WI. Program Dates: May 27 - August 2, 2025 Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 No prior research experience? No problem! If you're motivated and eager to learn, we want you to apply. Ready to dive in? Learn more and apply here: Freshwater@UW Info & Application Contact Information Dr. Alison Mikulyuk  Contact Email alison.mikulyuk@aqua.wisc.edu URL https://water.wisc.edu/wateruw-madison-undergraduate-research/

Summer 2025 research opportunities for undergraduates

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer REU Program in Marine Science at the University of Delaware, an NSF-Funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. 

The program will take place from June 2 to August 8, 2025, at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp campus in the beach community of Lewes, located on the shores of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.  Interns will work with faculty in a research-intensive setting on a research topic in chemical, physical, or biological oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, biogeochemistry, or a related area. In addition to hands-on research experience, student support includes a $7,200 stipend, campus housing, and travel assistance. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025

More information and the application can be found on this website. You may also be interested to read more about the program or see one of the field trips on the R/V Daiber on the Delaware Bay. 

For more information, please contact:
Joanna York
Director, UD REU program in Marine Science
jyork@udel.edu 302- 831-7040

Application Deadline Extended! Get Involved with AGNR's Dean's Advisory Council

 

Looking to make a difference here in AGNR?
Become a representative for your major/department!
Applications for the AGNR Dean's Student Advisory Council (DSAC) are open!!

DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply by Monday, November 18th!

• Who is DSAC?
• The Dean’s Student Advisory Council envisions an academic experience that is equitable, accessible, and of high quality for all students in AGNR. 
  
  
• What do we do?
• "The Dean’s Student Advisory Council will be a forum of and for the students of AGNR. The Council will serve the College’s student body by facilitating dialogue and relationship-building among students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Members will evaluate College and Department policies and disseminate information to students. The Council will listen to student concerns, and advocate on their behalf to the Dean’s Office and Department Chairs. As necessary and possible, the Council will unite the AGNR student body for professional and social events and causes."
  
  
• Who can join DSAC?
• Undergraduate students pursuing an AGNR major are invited to apply! The council aims to be a representation of the college's diverse student body, including members from all college departments/programs and other key student populations.
  
  
• What is the time commitment?
• Meetings: The council meets ~9 times each semester; once every two weeks (typically in the evening) with an extra meeting or two added as needed for event prep.
• Events: We host two events per semester; one is our popular Midterm Support Kit event and the other is a forum/open meeting featuring the Dean(s) of AGNR. 

Don't wait. Apply today! 

https://forms.gle/a9JyB6CAKD25VHEz8

Questions? Email us at dsac.agnr@gmail.com

BTI Plant Genome and Programmable Plant Systems REU Applications Now Open!

2025 REU poster here

You may also head to https://btiscience.org/education-outreach/research-internships/ to learn more about the program and how to apply!  

Two REU programs: Plant Genome REU and Programmable Plant Systems REU through the Boyce Thompson Institute on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY. 

 

This is a paid 10-week educational research opportunity with a $7,000 stipend, free housing on Cornell’s campus, up to a $700 travel reimbursement, and an $850 meal stipend. Our program runs from June 2, 2025, until August 7, 2025.  We host a series of professional development opportunities for the students throughout the summer, including sessions in science communication, bioinformatics, and STEM graduate and career pathways. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in research or STEM careers who want to continue building their research and professional skills and tap into a more extensive network of plant scientists and engineers. Applications are due February 1, 2025. 

2025 REU poster here

Summer Field Ecology program for undergraduates at the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC)

Applications are now being accepted for the UNDERC Summer 2025 Field Biology program. UNDERC provides opportunities to promote understanding of field biology and how field research is conducted through 10 weeks in the Northwoods. This opportunity is designed for students wanting to gain initial experience in field biology where they can gain an introduction to the concepts and methodology while conducting a collaborative research project with other students in the program. Each student receives housing, travel between the Notre Dame campus and UNDERC, and a stipend ($5000).

UNDERC-Track 1: This opportunity is offered to individuals at any stage of their undergraduate education that have an interest in gaining training and research experience in field biology. Students receive a structured introduction to field biology through a mixture of classroom and field training at the UNDERC facility. Classroom training includes visits to the George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Classwork will also promote understanding of Native American attitudes towards the environment for non-Native American students. The summer is broken up into four learning modules including - vertebrate ecology, insect ecology, aquatic ecology and forest ecology. Important research skills, including keeping a field notebook, basic statistical analysis and experimental design, and writing and science communication will also be taught.  This training will be leveraged by the class to conduct a summer-long collaborative research project.

The UNDERC facility is owned by Notre Dame and contains 8000 acres of pristine lakes, streams, wetlands, and forests with abundant wildlife. The natural setting and modern facilities provide an unparalleled opportunity for gaining experience in field biology. UNDERC is also the core site in the Great Lakes Region for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). UNDERC provides tuition, housing, and transportation between the Notre Dame campus and the site. Acceptance is based on a statement of purpose as well as past academic performance. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in ecology or environmental science. Applicants are required to be present for the duration of course (28 May through 3 August).

Further information can be obtained at the UNDERC website (underc.nd.edu), or from UNDERC Assistant Director Dr. Michael Cramer (mcramer@nd.edu).
Applications are available online
Application deadline is 15 November 2024. Notification of acceptance will be provided by 9 December 2024. 
Special consideration will be given to Native American and Puerto Rican applicants.

Michael J. Cramer
Assistant Director and Associate Professor of the Practice
University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center and
Department of Biological Sciences
7645 Notre Dame Lane
Land O Lakes, WI 54540
email : mcramer@nd.edu
phone : 906-842-2486