Marine Research, the Fouling Project
Our research encompasses a wide range of projects, exploring the ecology
and management of coastal marine ecosystems. We focus primarily on
invasion dynamics but also examine species interactions of both
native and non-native species. Overall, we study the patterns of marine
invasions across space, time, and taxonomic groups and evaluate non-
native management strategies. We seek to understand what drives those
patterns, how to predict the future spread and impacts of non-native
species, and how they affect species interactions, including predator-
prey and host-parasite relationships.
INTERNSHIP PROJECT
For the Fouling Survey project, we conduct standardized surveys of the
fouling community to document both native and introduced species in bays
and estuaries. We study the diversity of fouling communities,how it
changes over time, and how new species change community structure,
composition and abundance. An internship with the Fouling Project will
require travel to many different cities (usually in the Continental
US or Panama). Interns will have the opportunity to study the
latitudinal trends in non-native species diversity, the methods non-
native species use to disperse themselves globally, and what makes them
successful locally. We anticipate that the intern will spend 25% of
their time working on an independent project that is part of the larger
fouling community study, 25% assisting with miscellaneous lab
projects,and 50% aiding in all aspects of field surveys.
DETAILS
This internship will be located at our San Francisco, California
laboratory with the possibility to transfer to our Edgewater, Maryland
location after field season. The internship dates span mid-May/early
June through mid-October for a total of 16 weeks with some flexibility.
Both current students and recent graduates will be considered.
HOUSING
California: There is limited on-site guest house space available at
varying costs.
Maryland: There is limited on-site dormitory space available for $105.00
per week.
COMPENSATION
The intern will receive a stipend of $550 dollars per week.
TO APPLY
Registration at the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system
(SOLAA) is required. Select the Smithsonian Environmental Research
Center Internship program from the drop down list of programs and
submit an essay, CV or resume, academic transcript (unofficial is
acceptable), and two letters of recommendation. The Marine Invasions Lab
is one of many labs at SERC, and the Fouling Project is one of
a few projects in the Marine Invasions Lab. If you would like to report
interest in this lab and project, please do so in your essay.
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