Internship Opportunities

Employment University Programs Discovery Hall Programs

Internship opportunities are available in the research labs and programs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab throughout the year.

University Programs

Emelia Marshall on the boat during field work. — "This internship was the stepping stone that encouraged me to pursue a Master's degree and I highly recommend these types of internships for the experience." - Emelia Marshall, Lab Tech & Project Manager, Marine Ecology Lab

University Programs faculty offer internships at various times depending on the current projects. Internships can range from 3 months to one year depending on the needs.

These internships offer opportunities to learn sampling techniques, understand sampling design, collect data in the field, and learn proper data management. Interns do have the opportunity at some level to work independently while also providing guidance from senior lab members.

three students in lab collect sample — "Interns are an incredibly important part of our lab. They provide field and lab support, assist with a wide variety of projects, and contribute their ideas to make our research projects better. Our work would not be possible without the valuable contributions of our interns!" - Elizabeth Hieb, Research Technician, Carmichael Lab

These internships are also a great opportunity to network with professors and peers and gain exposure to projects outside a students field of interest.

For many undergraduate students, an internship is a stepping stone to graduate school.

Some labs at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab offer internships during specific times each year, such as a summer internship. However, other labs offer internships as needed for research projects.

Visit the employment page for current internships and fellowships.

Discovery Hall Programs

Alex Lau on the R/V Alabama Discovery

Discovery Hall Programs (DHP) offers internship opportunities for students to learn more about the field of environmental education and marine science through assisting in our outdoor classes, summer camps, outreach events, and workshops.

These opportunities include school year and summer internships for high school students, undergraduate students, and recent college graduates.

Summer Environmental Education Internship

The application deadline for Summer 2024 has closed. Please anticipate Summer 2025 information at the beginning of the year.

Discovery Hall Programs (DHP) offers two paid summer internship positions for an undergraduate (junior, senior) or recent graduate interested in marine science and environmental education. DHP is particularly interested in applications from groups currently underrepresented in these fields.

Interns work with DHP’s education personnel in our various summer programs including summer camps for K-12 students, a residential class in marine science for high school students, workshops for educators, and public outreach events.

Interns assist in all aspects of logistics, preparation, and teaching during our 9-week summer program. Interns must commit for the duration of the program. These internships are a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental education and learn about the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystems.

The internship includes a $4,000 stipend and a $500 travel allowance as well as full room and board in DISL dorms. A background check and drug testing are requirements for employment. These internships are supported by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

We will begin reviewing applications on March 18, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

2023 Summer Interns

Blue Smith

My name is Blue Smith and I'm a recent graduate from the University of Montevallo in Alabama. I love animals and the outdoors with herping and kayaking being among my go-to's. I've been interested in zoological research and conservation for quite a while but I'm really looking forward to working with different groups to determine how I'd like to pursue environmental education and what topics I want to focus on more!

Samantha Wallace

I am Samantha Wallace. I am a 2023 graduate of Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View Texas where I majored in Agriculture: Animal Science and minored in Biology. I am coming to Discovery Hall at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to get a broader education in marine science to prepare myself for graduate school.

Faith Stewart, MCPSS High School Intern

My name is Faith Stewart and I am in the graduating class of 2023 at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Mobile County. I am interested in the ocean because I plan to be a marine biologist and study sea life. I grew up down here and went to Dauphin Island Elementary school. Ever since, I wanted to be a part of something down here. I am excited to be joining Discovery Hall Programs for an internship this summer!