2026 Branch Experiment Station Projects

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Priya Rajarapu ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026, Spring 2027

Project Description:

Oregon ranks number one in Christmas Tree production nationally, producing 3.17 M trees worth $118 million in 2023. The most popular Christmas tree species grown in Oregon include noble fir, Douglas-fir, Nordmann fir, and Turkish fir. Producing premium trees requires intensive management to protect them from economically damaging insects, such as spider mites and aphids. Growers rely on chemical management practices to manage these insect infestations. Planting trees that are resilient to these insects will reduce the economic burden on growers while providing environmentally sustainable solutions. OSU Christmas Tree Extension program has identified Christmas tree genetics that produce offspring with premium Christmas tree qualities, including height, color, and form. The resilience of these genetically different Christmas trees to insect pests has not yet been evaluated. The project will involve evaluating insect infestations on different genetics of Christmas tree species in the seed orchards at the NWREC research center to identify the most resilient genetics within each species

Student Responsibilities:

The student researcher will have opportunities to gain skills in both field and laboratory work. At the end of the project, the student will learn the basics of experimental design and basic entomology and tree improvement. The student will have the opportunity to interact with Christmas tree growers and communicate their research activities in an outreach event. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

• Ability to drive and perform physical activity in the fields Interest in sustainable agriculture and entomology
• Experience with Microsoft word, excel, and google sheets
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with basic supervision
• Attention to detail 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Learn experimental design
• Learn communicating research in various formats
• Data analysis and presentation skills
• Preparing SOP  

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 30-40 hrs/week

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Orpet ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Production of pears in Oregon is economically and culturally valued. Oregon is the second highest pear-producing state in the United States. Production of pears in Oregon is valued at $120 million dollars annually, and pear was designated the official state fruit of Oregon in 2005. Successful pear production depends on insect pest management. Without management, caterpillars of the codling moth burrow into pears, resulting in "wormy" unusable fruit. Unfortunately, spraying insecticides for codling moth can kill beneficial insects that otherwise eat mites and an aphid-like pest called pear psylla, so growers often respond in turn by spraying even more to target these other pests. The internship project is to monitor these pests and beneficial insects in orchards that use selective spray programs designed to conserve beneficial insects. The results will contribute to the understanding and promotion of integrated management strategies that reduce insecticide use and associated issues like environmental harm and human health risks. Data from the project will be shared with pear growers and managers as they are collected.

Student Responsibilities:

• Deploy traps and implement other insect sampling techniques
• Identify and count key insect species in the field and laboratory
• Enter data into Microsoft Excel
• Work outside, including during hot summer weather  

Additional training and work in other areas may be given, according to abilities and interests in:

• Insect collection,
• Managing insect colonies,
• Statistical analysis with R,
• Compiling data from scientific publications,
• Photography, and other topics 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Required:

• Organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• High ethical standards

Preferred:

• Experience or interest in insect identification, ecology, or agricultural research
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Gain skills in insect identification and relevance to economic activities
• Gain proficiency in quality control procedures for data collection and management on paper copies and the computer
• Gain knowledge of basic experiment design
• Gain experience communicating with growers and other professionals, if within the student's interest 

Student Hourly Salary: $18/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 20-40 hours a week

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carlos Bonilla ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027

Project Description:

Living in sandy soils presents significant challenges for vegetation and soil organisms because these soils retain very little water. The difficulty is even greater in desert climates. This project aims to collect and develop preliminary data on soil water fluxes in a harsh environment using modeling and experimental setups.  

During the internship, the student will gather key data on the soil–plant–environment system and apply modeling techniques to better understand these processes throughout the year. The project involves conducting soil measurements at the Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC), analyzing samples in the HAREC Soil Hydrology and Irrigation Laboratory, and learning to use environmental modeling tools.

Student Responsibilities:

The student will learn and perform soil measurements and laboratory analyses, and learn and use modeling techniques to explore diverse climate and soil scenarios. All measurements will be archived on Excel spreadsheets.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Strong communication skills, punctuality, enthusiasm, dependability, and a solid work ethic are essential. Experience in soil science is helpful but not required. A valid driver’s license is required for the internship.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The student will learn core soil science concepts related to soil water storage and movement. The student will also gain experience with environmental modeling and analytical techniques used in soil physical analysis. The work will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Bonilla.

Student Hourly Salary: $16/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 40 hours/week. When doing fieldwork, the student may work more than 8 hours daily but not more than 40 hours per week, starting earlier than 8 AM or ending later than 5 PM. No work on weekends.

Housing Benefit: HAREC has shared on-site student housing. Faculty will provide ~$150 in housing benefits per month, which is enough to cover the full cost of on-site housing for the duration of this internship.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ken Frost ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Project Description:

Potato production in Oregon relies on irrigated cropping systems that are highly productive and sometimes constrained due to soilborne diseases. Management of these diseases can be enhanced via cultural practices (i.e., use of rotation, compost amendments, green manures, etc.) that improve soil health and alter microbial communities. This project will introduce an undergraduate intern to applied research examining how soil health and soil microbial communities relate to disease risk and crop performance in potato production systems.  The intern will work at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center as part of an ongoing research and Extension program focused on sustainable potato cropping systems. Activities will include assisting with field sampling from long-term rotation and soil management trials, basic processing of soil and plant samples, and organization of data related to soil properties, disease observations, or microbial measurements. Through these activities, the student will gain exposure to how soil health indicators and microbiome data are generated and used to understand agricultural sustainability.  This project emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world problem solving. Rather than conducting an isolated experiment, the intern will contribute to ongoing research that supports grower decision-making and long-term soil stewardship. The experience will also highlight how experiment station research connects field science, laboratory analysis, and Extension outreach to improve the sustainability and resilience of potato production systems. 

Student Responsibilities:

The intern will assist with soil and plant sampling in potato research plots, basic laboratory processing of samples, data entry and organization, and general research support. Responsibilities may include helping prepare samples for microbiome or soil health analyses, recording disease or crop observations, and assisting with summaries of project activities. The student will work with faculty, staff, and graduate students and follow established research and safety protocols. Duties will be adjusted based on experience and project timing. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Students with an interest in agriculture, plant science, soil science, microbiology, environmental science, or sustainability are encouraged to apply. Coursework related to plants, soils, ecology, or biology is helpful but not required. Ideal candidates are curious, dependable, and comfortable working both outdoors and in a laboratory environment. Basic computer skills are expected. No prior experience with microbiome or plant disease research is required; training will be provided.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain practical experience in applied potato research with an emphasis on soil health and sustainability. Interns will learn how soilborne disease risk is studied in real agricultural systems and how soil and microbiome data contribute to management decisions. The internship will build skills in field sampling, basic laboratory techniques, data organization, and scientific communication. Students will leave with a clearer understanding of careers in agricultural research, Extension, and sustainable crop production.

Student Hourly Salary: $18.50/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 40 hours per week; 8-5 pm Monday - Friday (with 1-hr lunch break each day)

Housing Benefit: HAREC has shared on-site student housing. Faculty will provide ~$150 in housing benefits per month, which is enough to cover the full cost of on-site housing for the duration of this internship.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeremiah Dung ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

High value specialty crops are a major component of agriculture in central Oregon. The area is a major producer of carrot seed, supplying between 40 and 60% of the hybrid carrot seed planted in the U.S. and globally. Central Oregon also produces Kentucky bluegrass seed, peppermint for oil and tea leaf, garlic and onion seed, seed potatoes, as well as wheat, alfalfa and timothy hay. Pests and diseases present a significant challenge to crop production by reducing yields, increasing costs of production, and limiting production acres and market acceptability.  

The Plant Pathology Lab at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center (COAREC) is focused on the study and control of plant diseases affecting the high-value specialty crops of the region. We use both traditional and molecular techniques to answer applied and basic questions related to the biology and epidemiology of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens, with the goal of developing integrated disease management programs that contributes to long-term, sustainable production of agronomic commodities. Specific research focuses on pathogen detection and quantification, population biology of plant pathogens, spatial and temporal dynamics of plant disease, and identifying environmental factors that contribute to plant disease epidemics.  

Research projects planned for Summer 2026 include, but are not limited to, evaluating fungicide resistance in Claviceps purpurea, epidemiology and management of powdery mildew in carrot seed crops, Verticillium wilt resistance in peppermint, and developing sampling strategies for soilborne pathogens.  

Student Responsibilities:

The intern will have the opportunity to gain skills related to experimental design, field research (survey and sampling protocols, small plot research), microbiology (aseptic technique and culturing of fungi and/or bacteria), molecular biology (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, quantitative-PCR), and basic plant pathology techniques (inoculating plants, evaluating disease incidence and severity, soil sampling, and isolating plant pathogens from infected tissues). The intern will be able to learn methods associated with data collection, basic data analyses, and summarizing research results for diverse audiences including growers, industry stakeholders, and the scientific community.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

This BES Research Internship will require the intern to work in laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions and with basic computer software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). For this internship, the student will be expected to work 40 hours per week, which may include field work. Although not required, a background in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or plant pathology (either courses or prior lab experience) would be advantageous for this experiential learning experience. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Expected outcomes for students include:

• acquiring skills and experience related to laboratory and field research;
• becoming familiar with research techniques related to botany, microbiology, mycology, and plant pathology;
• learning how to record, manage, and interpret data; and
• presenting data to their peers in the scientific community.

The student will be expected to:

1. write a brief summary of their research; and
2. create and present a research poster at either the CAS Student Showcase in fall term or the Spring Presentation Symposium in spring term

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 40 hrs/week 8am-5pm* *Work hours may vary depending on crop phenology, weather, grower schedules, and/or other factors that cannot be controlled

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jessica Miller ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Early marine residence is a critical period in the life history of Pacific salmon. A nearly 30-year collaboration between Oregon State University and NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating Columbia River salmon survival during their early marine residence. However, several indicators of ocean productivity and salmon growth and survival have shifted since the onset of more frequent marine heatwaves in 2014, leading to greater uncertainty in forecasts. Therefore, we propose to build upon prior work, which examined mechanisms of survival for Upper Columbia River Summer/Fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) collected in the coastal ocean from 1998 to 2008. In that study, we evaluated the relative importance of “bottom-up” (production-limited) and “top-down” (predator-mediated) processes during early marine residence for this population of Chinook salmon. We examined length, mass, and indicators of body condition index of age-0 juveniles collected in the coastal ocean off Oregon and Washington during June and September across 11 years in relation to conditions in the river, estuary, and ocean and to future adult returns. Characteristics of juveniles collected in September, but not June, were related to salmon survival. Interestingly, during years when coastal waters were relatively cool and productive, juveniles were in relatively low condition and displayed reduced growth compared with years when coastal waters were relatively warm and unproductive; this contrast indicates that top-down effects such as selective mortality or competition are important during early marine residence. Key physical (river plume volume during emigration) and biological (condition) variables and their interaction accounted for 95% of the variation in adult returns. The intern will help us extend this study and examine juvenile Upper Columbia River Summer/Fall Chinook salmon that were collected from 2009 through 2024 to determine if these apparent mechanisms of survival have shifted as indicators of ocean productivity have changed in recent years. This project will advance our understanding how river and ocean conditions influence salmon survival under shifting ocean conditions. 

Student Responsibilities:

Successful candidate will work with mentor and members of the Marine and Anadromous Fisheries Ecology Lab to refine scope of summer project, learn lab techniques, work with large data sets, and complete some statistical analysis on biological and oceanic data sets. They will establish a clear work schedule with their mentor and have regular check-ins regarding activities. They will also be expected to join in weekly lab meetings. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

• Successful candidate will have an interest in salmon ocean ecology, willingness to work in laboratory setting, positive attitude, and enjoy working both collaboratively and independently.
• Experience with R preferred.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Student will understand key concepts about salmon life history and ecology and oceanic processes regulating their survival. They will learn and apply laboratory skills, such as animal dissection, preparation of thin sections of hard tissues such as fish otoliths for growth determination. They will analyze data and evaluate their findings with prior research on the same population. They will contribute to the creation of knowledge regarding how ocean variation is affecting salmon populations.

Student Hourly Salary: $17/hr

Expected Hours/Week: Approximately 30 hours per week, mostly focused from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, but there may be some exceptions.

Housing Benefit: Housing benefit available at Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Taylor Chapple ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

The soupfin shark is a critically endangered species, yet we know surprisingly little about their diet and foraging ecology. Understanding the diet and feeding behavior of this shark is an important step toward the long-term recovery of the species. This project will investigate the feeding ecology of the soupfin shark by combining two complementary approaches. First, small tissue samples collected from soupfin sharks will be analyzed using stable isotope techniques. These analyses allow scientists to understand long-term feeding patterns by showing what species comprise the shark’s diet, and where the shark’s energy comes from (inshore vs offshore feeding). Second, stomachs collected from stranded or bycaught soupfin sharks will be examined to directly identify what the sharks have recently eaten. During these dissections, stomach fullness will be recorded, and prey items will be weighed and identified as precisely as possible. By combining long-term dietary information with direct evidence of recent foraging, this project will provide a more complete picture of how soupfin sharks use their environment and what role they play as predators. As available, students may have the opportunities to collect additional samples in the field and learn hands-on field techniques and participate in project-related outreach events.

Student Responsibilities:

Students will receive hands-on training in laboratory and field-based techniques used in foraging ecology research. They will prepare muscle tissue samples for stable isotope analysis, including lipid and urea extraction using solvents, drying samples, and homogenizing dried tissue. Students will learn to use a precision analytical balance and pack tin capsules with measured sample masses for isotopic analysis. All solvent work will be conducted in a fume hood following safety protocols. Students will also assist with stomach dissections and identify recovered prey items to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Students may also participate, as available, in opportunities to conduct field work and learn hands-on field techniques and participate in lab outreach events.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Students should be detail-oriented, able to follow established protocols, and maintain a clear, organized laboratory notebook. Prior experience working in a laboratory setting is preferred but not required. Familiarity with contamination-sensitive lab work and handling hazardous chemicals will be considered an asset. Reliability and good time-management skills are essential. The ability to commute regularly to Newport, Oregon, or temporary residence at Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) housing is preferred.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain practical experience processing and preparing biological tissue samples for stable isotope analysis, including completing the preparation of soupfin shark tissue samples collected between 2023 and 2025. Students will also assist with at least two stomach dissections and will weigh, identify, and catalog recovered prey items from a total of five individuals following standardized laboratory protocols. By the end of the project, students will have developed transferable laboratory skills applicable to ecological and conservation-focused research.

Student Hourly Salary: $22/hr

Expected Hours/Week: Students will be expected to work in the laboratory on consecutive days, as lipid and urea extractions require daily solvent changes over a three-day period once initiated. The expected workload is 10–20 hours per week. All work can be conducted during standard lab hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.), and students will not be expected to work outside this timeframe. Optional field and outreach opportunities may fall outside of this timeframe.  

Housing Benefit: There is no housing benefit. However, there are scholarships to support housing costs at Hatfield Marine Science Center (https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/students/scholarships).

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. James Sulikowski ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Do you crave adventure photography? Is the ocean always calling your name? Join the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES) research team as their official photographer and storyteller this summer. Since its inception in 1989, the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station (COMES) has been the state’s primary research engine supporting wise use and conservation of marine resources with a primary focus on fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood. Consistent with the College of Agriculture’s mission, COMES works to solve complex problems of productivity, profitability, environmental quality, and human health, and to prepare the next generation of scientists, managers, and leaders in marine resource fields.  

The incumbent will bring the story of COMES to our stakeholders and larger audience through various forms of media including video, photo, and written copy. Each day brings new opportunities to participate in and capture the magic moments of our faculty, staff and student adventures and activities. In addition to taking photos and filming video clips, this position will work closely with a cross-departmental group to collect, manage, and share content with our stakeholders, university marketing, and general public. All collected media will be shared daily on social media platforms, along with the production of weekly COMES content. The incumbent will join our group to film their activities during lab and field activities.  

COMES invites candidates to apply who are energetic, enthusiastic, smart, hardworking, and motivated. Science, adventure, fun – COMES seeks someone who is passionate about our work, willing to seek adventure and able to tell our story to the masses.

Student Responsibilities:

• Applicants should already be well-versed in photography/videography and eager to apply their skillset in the context of what COMES represents.
• The incumbent will partake in shooting product images, portraits, and other special projects, as well as curating images to be used daily for social media posts.  
• Act as primary photographer for COMES events during the summer, covering Student Conferences (both in-person and online), as well as other events. Shooting for other projects and marketing campaigns, as assigned.  
• Completely confident with the technical aspects of photography in order to focus on capturing strong, relational images that tell COMES’ story visually.  
• Meet with members of COMES to discuss specific photo needs for the upcoming summer, including capturing candid photos and setting up intentional photo shoots for marketing campaigns.  
• Provide photos for social media posts on a frequent basis. Images are often shot, edited, and posted on the same day.  
• Maintain COMES’ existing process for organizing, tagging, and uploading photos.  
• Research current photography trends and campaigns, and present novel ideas on how COMES can improve utilization of photography.  
• Meet weekly with supervisor for feedback, planning, and problem-solving. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Seeking upper-level college students with a passion for photography, the ocean, and conservation. Photographers of all backgrounds will be considered, but all applicants must be comfortable on boats and in the field. Applicants must have a high degree of self-motivation and creativity, as well as enjoy interacting in an educational outreach setting.

• Must be at least 18 years old by internship start date;
• Basic knowledge of post-production workflow such as Adobe Bridge and editing in Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop;
• Adept at creative problem-solving, able to manage time well, responsible for leading projects, and able to work within deadlines;
• Able to travel and operate independently, as needed;
• Willing to receive feedback and input;
• Experience with digital camera operation and photo editing software;
• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, abilities, and experience;
• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;
• Motivation to contribute positively to the COMES at-large community;
• Interpret a variety of instructions provided in written or verbal form;
• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment;
• Demonstrate the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box';
• Strong command of communication, writing, and organizational skills;
• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions;
• Excellent driving record and a valid driver's license;
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check;
• Good sense of humor. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Learn best archival and social practices
• Gain experience working with diverse individuals and telling their unique research stories
• Organize and inventory digital files and physical archival materials
• Gain experience in a fast-paced work environment
• Engage and work with research professionals in various fields

Student Hourly Salary: $17/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 30-39 hrs/week

Housing Benefit: Housing available in Hatfield Marine Science Center dorms.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Samuel Gurr ([email protected]) and Marnie Jo Zirbel ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

The Coastal Oregon Ocean Simulation Laboratory (COOSL) is a controlled seawater system for multiple simultaneous parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The Gurr Lab uses COOSL to expose larvae and juvenile marine invertebrates and understand adaptations to rapid change. To best inform our near-term experiments, we must learn what dynamics are natural on the OR coast, what are the seasonal extremes, and when do these occur. Hatfield Marine Science Center hosts the Coastal Monitoring Station with continuous water quality measurements and a data record from 2009 to today! Using a preexisting R code, the intern will compile and condense these data (and from other sites!) to 'stress events' that best characterize seasonal and annual extremes for shellfish aquaculture and fisheries; visuals of your findings will be useful for public and scientists alike! The intern will also learn how to deploy, calibrate (oxygen, salinity, chlorophyll, temperature, etc), and maintain a multiparameter YSI SONDE, Sea-Bird fluorometer, CTD and nitrate sensor.

Student Responsibilities:

The BES student will compile all Yaquina Bay environmental data from 2009 to current day, and edit these data to compile a master file. They will learn coding languages R (base functions, data carpentry, statistics, data visualization) and git/bash for data analysis, visualization and maintenance of a public repository. The BES student will present findings at Hatfield events. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

• A background in biology and introductory skills in R are preferred.
• A student will excel with a general drive to problem solve and adept communication in a team envrionment.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The student will become adept at generating code (R and bash) to compile, edit, analyze, and visualize large datasets. Outreach events will provide opportunities to strengthen skills in scientific communication, generation of data products (posters or oral talks) for the Coastal Monitoring Station website, and Hatfield public archive.

Student Hourly Salary: $18/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 30 hours/week 

Housing Benefit: There is no housing benefit. However, there are scholarships to support housing costs at Hatfield Marine Science Center (https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/students/scholarships).

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen Machado ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Soil acidification is rapidly emerging as a major constraint to agricultural productivity across the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Intensifying precipitation patterns, accelerated nutrient leaching, and long term nitrogen fertilizer use are driving soils below agronomic pH thresholds, reducing crop efficiency and threatening regional food security under climate change. Practices that simultaneously correct acidity and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions are urgently needed. This project proposes to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar, silicon, and lime amendments in regulating soil acidity and associated CO₂ emissions in representative PNW agricultural soils. Biochar has shown promise for buffering pH, enhancing cation exchange capacity, and stabilizing soil carbon, while silicon may promote plant resilience and influence microbial processes linked to CO₂ flux. Lime remains the most widely used amendment for acidity correction; however, its carbon footprint and potential to increase CO₂ release during carbonate dissolution warrant careful assessment. This study will quantify short  and medium term CO₂ emissions following amendment applications and identify amendment combinations that optimize soil health while minimizing climate impacts. Using controlled greenhouse and laboratory incubations, we will measure CO₂ efflux, pH dynamics, and changes in soil carbon pools following amendment treatments. Outcomes will directly inform growers, conservation districts, and policymakers about sustainable soil acidity management strategies that balance crop productivity with climate smart practices. Funding this research will provide critical science based guidance for protecting PNW soils, strengthening regional climate resilience, and promoting long term agricultural sustainability. 

Student Responsibilities:

The student intern will support a research project examining how biochar, silicon, and lime amendments influence soil acidity and CO₂ emissions in Pacific Northwest agricultural soils. Working in both laboratory and greenhouse settings, the intern will assist in preparing soil treatments, managing incubation experiments, and conducting CO₂ measurements using the LI 820 analyzer. Additional responsibilities include monitoring soil moisture and pH, maintaining organized records, assisting with sample processing, and contributing to data entry and preliminary analysis. The position offers hands on experience in soil science techniques, greenhouse operations, and climate smart agriculture research.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

The ideal student intern has a strong interest in soil science, environmental science, or agriculture and is eager to learn laboratory and greenhouse techniques. Basic skills in measuring, weighing, and recording data are helpful, along with familiarity with spreadsheets such as Excel. Curiosity about climate change, soil health, or sustainable agriculture is encouraged. Prior coursework in biology, chemistry, or environmental science is beneficial but not required. The student should be comfortable working carefully with soil, equipment, and instruments, and willing to follow safety protocols. Strong attention to detail, good communication, and a positive attitude toward learning are highly preferred.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:

• Understand how soil acidity affects agricultural systems and how amendments influence soil chemistry and carbon cycling.
• Prepare and manage controlled soil incubation experiments.
• Operate basic soil science instrumentation, including CO₂ analyzers, balances, and pH meters.
• Apply standard laboratory practices such as accurate measurement, data recording, and sample handling.
• Calculate CO₂ flux from concentration data and interpret trends in soil respiration.
• Communicate scientific findings clearly through written notes, spreadsheets, and discussions with advisors.
• Demonstrate improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning skills within an environmental research context. 

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05/hr

Expected Hours/Week: The student intern is expected to work 8–12 hours per week, depending on project needs and the student’s availability. Most activities, such as soil preparation, incubation maintenance, pH measurements, and data entry, can be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, because CO₂ measurements and soil moisture checks sometimes require consistent timing, the student may occasionally be asked to work brief periods on weekends or outside standard hours. These instances will be planned in advance and kept to a minimum. Any work outside the 8 a.m.–5 p.m. window will remain within the student’s weekly hour limit and will be arranged flexibly to accommodate class schedules. 

Housing Benefit: Housing is available for the student intern at the research station for those who prefer to live on-site during the internship. This option provides convenient access to the greenhouse and laboratory facilities and may reduce daily travel time. Alternatively, the student may choose to live in Pendleton, located approximately 8 miles from the station, and commute to work each day. Students may select whichever option best fits their needs and comfort. No additional housing stipend is provided beyond the availability of on-site accommodations.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marcia Walker ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

The Product & Process Development Program at the Food Innovation Center engages in industry facing projects at the intersection of food, science, and design. This position will include working in the R&D lab on product formulation, process development, graphic design, packaging design, quality testing, and hands-on experience with food and beverage client projects. Student interns will integrate into the team at the FIC and coordinate projects and activities in partnership with the PPD food scientists. The FIC is a branch experiment station that includes the following facilities:  A large central kitchen, Sensory and Consumer Research Lab, Focus Group Lab, Food Safety lab, and Product Development Lab. It is likely that work will be performed across each program within the facility.

Student Responsibilities:

• Summer interns will be responsible for managing the tasks assigned by their mentors.
• General food science lab analysis, including pH, water activity, and refractometer readings.
• Graphic Design and Package Design client or project assistance.
• Lab & kitchen clean up, general organization, and event support.
• Guided bench-top formulation work.
• Product evaluation for flavor, texture and other important characteristics will be part of the testing.
• The student intern will gain excellent real-world, hands-on skills in dealing with clients.
• Students will be responsible for reporting these results to FIC staff upon completion of their internship.
• Generally, interns will be on their feet most of the day, with some computer work; little or no travel will be required.  

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

An interest in food product development and food science with excellent communication, experience working in kitchens, graphic design experience, and computer skills is preferred. Use of computer, and basic lab skills, dishwashing, and organizational skills will be required.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The intern will leave the summer internship with a broad knowledge of product and process development, sensory and consumer research, and basic project management skills. Time management, communication, and client project / industry interaction will also be key learning outcomes.

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 40 hrs / week, 8am - 5pm, some evenings and weekends possible but not required

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jovana Kovacevic ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Foodborne pathogens represent a large economic burden to the food industry and a significant health risk to the general population. At the Food Microbiology Research Laboratory at the OSU's Food Innovation Center we study the bacteria that contaminate food, how they survive in different environments, and ways to control them. One major focus of the lab is studying foodborne pathogens, bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and pathogenic E. coli that can make people sick. We investigate how these bacteria survive in food processing environments, how they develop tolerance to cleaning methods and antimicrobials, and how they spread in the food chain. Understanding how this happens can help us develop better ways to prevent contamination. We use molecular biology tools, genetic analysis, and bacterial culturing techniques to study these problems. As a student researcher, you will learn microbiology lab techniques, such as bacterial culturing, DNA extraction, and data analysis. You may also help test new food safety strategies, analyze bacterial resistance patterns, or study how bacteria interact with their environment. You may also be involved in helping with lab social media and outreach activities related to Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety. 

Student Responsibilities:

Daily tasks include preparing growth media, maintaining bacterial cultures, conducting microbiological tests, and recording and analyzing experimental data. Students may also assist in testing food safety interventions and analyzing bacterial survival in different conditions. Routine lab maintenance, such as sterilizing equipment and organizing samples, is expected. Depending on the project, students may work with industry partners or contribute to research publications. This hands-on experience will build essential microbiology skills and deepen their understanding of food safety research.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Previous microbiology laboratory experience and application of aseptic techniques is preferred. Experience and interest in molecular microbiology and bioinformatics, and advanced writing skills are desirable.

Student Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this position, the intern should expect to have gained experience with aseptic technique, preparing microbiological media, using an autoclave, micropipetting, working with microorganisms, and data organization and analyses related to food microbiology and food safety outreach. The intern may also gain experience in scientific writing, preparing extension-style publications, and website design and maintenance.

Student Hourly Salary: $16/hr

Expected Hours/Week: Up to 20 weeks, starting in Summer 2026; 35-40 hours per week.

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Younas Dadmohammadi ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Many agricultural and food-processing byproducts—such as fruit pomace (grape, berry), nut shells, dairy byproducts—still contain valuable “bioactive” compounds. Bioactives are natural molecules that can support health and wellness (for example, antioxidants and other protective compounds) and can also be useful in foods, supplements, animal feed, and personal-care products. This project will explore supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂) extraction as a clean and environmentally friendly way to recover these bioactives from different byproduct streams. In SC-CO₂ extraction, carbon dioxide is used under high pressure so it behaves like both a gas and a liquid. This allows it to pull out certain compounds efficiently without using harsh solvents. Because the process can run at relatively low temperatures, it can help protect sensitive compounds that might break down during traditional extraction. Students will help prepare dried byproduct materials, run SC-CO₂ extractions, and evaluate how changing process settings (such as pressure, temperature, and time) affects extraction yield and quality. The results will support the development of higher-value ingredients from local byproducts, reduce waste, and contribute to more sustainable food and agricultural systems in Oregon. 

Student Responsibilities:

• Prepare byproduct samples (drying, grinding, documenting moisture and particle size).
• Operate the SC-CO₂ extractor with supervision and follow safety procedures.
• Test and record extraction conditions (pressure, temperature, time, CO₂ flow, optional co-solvent).
• Collect extracts and label/store samples properly.
• Support basic measurements (mass balance, yield calculations) and coordinate sample testing.
• Summarize results and help prepare a short written report and presentation slides. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

• Interest in food, agriculture, sustainability, or natural products.
• Comfortable following lab protocols and safety rules.
• Basic chemistry or biology background (coursework is sufficient).
• Willingness to learn extraction concepts and process variables.
• Organized note-taking and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Excel or basic data handling is helpful but not required. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding of what bioactive compounds are and why they matter.
• Practical experience with a green processing technology (SC-CO₂ extraction).
• Skills in sample preparation, experimental design, and recording reproducible methods.
• Ability to analyze data (yields, trends across conditions) and interpret results.
• Experience communicating technical work through a brief report and slide presentation.
• Increased awareness of how byproducts can be turned into higher-value ingredients. 

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 7-8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

Housing Benefit: None, student responsible for own housing

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Angee Hunt ([email protected]) and Dr. Joshua Ombaka Owade ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Clatsop County’s seafood and brewing industries generate organic rich wastewater containing diverse microbial communities and nutrients that are often discarded. This internship introduces students to vermifiltration (a nature based treatment system where earthworms and associated microbes transform wastewater while producing useful byproducts). This internship centers on characterizing bacterial communities across the vermifiltration system, comparing the influent, effluent, worm gut microbiome, and environmental biomedia. Students will collect samples, assess microbial community shifts, and explore how worm associated bacteria contribute to biodegradation, nutrient cycling, and overall system performance. As an intern, you will gain hands on experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing based microbial profiling, and data interpretation. The internship provides practical training in environmental microbiology and sustainable wastewater treatment while generating insights that can help local industries reduce waste and improve water quality on the Oregon Coast. 

Student Responsibilities:

• Molecular ecology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, and nanopore sequencing workflows.
• Analyzing and comparing bacterial communities in influent, effluent, worm‑gut, and environmental biomedia samples.
• Building microbial community and biodegradation pathway profiles using bioinformatics (QIIME2, BLAST, NCBI databases).
• Interpreting microbial community shifts within nature‑based wastewater treatment systems.
• Depending on their experience, students may take on small independent projects.
• Some sampling work at seafood processing facilities is required, and occasional weekend or after hours work may be needed. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Ideal applicants will have completed coursework in biology, microbiology, chemistry, ecology, or related areas with a lab component. Experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis) is helpful but not required; training will be provided. Students should be eager to learn new methods, comfortable working with soil, worms, and wastewater samples, and able to work independently after training. Interest in environmental microbiology, sustainability, wastewater treatment, or resource recovery will support success in this role. 

Students need to have a driver’s license.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain hands on experience with:

• Molecular ecology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing)
• Analyzing soil, biofilm, and gut microbiome samples.
• Bioinformatics for community analysis (QIIME2, BLAST, NCBI)
• Interpreting microbial community and pathway profiles
• Communication of scientific results. Students will leave with strong research, analytical, and communication skills relevant to environmental science, microbiology, sustainability, and food system resilience. 

Student Hourly Salary: $18/hr

Expected Hours/Week: 40 hours/week, working 10-12 weeks during the summer. Projects may require work at seafood processing facilities to collect samples for projects and some work may occur on weekends or after hours.  

Housing Benefit: Although there is no housing benefit provided, we have a list of potential options that may be available for prospective students to rent private rooms/space in Astoria homes that are within close proximity (within 1-2 miles) of the OSU Seafood Lab.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? Yes

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joshua Ombaka Owade ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Microorganisms such as bacteria naturally grow on fresh seafood and are a major cause of spoilage after harvest. For fresh seafood that undergo very little processing, these microorganisms can grow quickly, shortening shelf-life and sometimes creating food safety risks. Finding effective ways to slow down microbial growth while keeping seafood fresh and high-quality is important for both consumers and the seafood industry.  

The aim of the project is to improve how fresh seafood is processed and stored so that it lasts longer with minimal losses in quality. The project uses the hurdle concept, which combines multiple mild processing methods instead of relying on one harsh treatment. When used together, these methods can reduce microbial growth while preserving texture, nutrition, and overall product quality. The intern will work with freshly harvested seafood obtained from an industry partner and conduct processing trials using pilot-scale food processing equipment. Different processing conditions will be tested and optimized using simple mathematical tools to identify combinations that best maintain quality while limiting microbial survival. Once optimal processing conditions are identified, the seafood will be stored at different temperatures and tested regularly to measure shelf-life. Analyses will include microbial counts, texture measurements, and nutritional evaluations. The expected outcome is fresh seafood products with extended shelf-life, improved safety, and minimal quality loss. Project findings and report will be shared with the collaborators. 

Student Responsibilities:

The intern will assist with pilot-scale seafood processing trials and work closely with an industry collaborator. They will gain hands-on experience in food processing, microbiology, and food experimentation laboratories. Responsibilities include assisting with microbial culturing, conducting routine laboratory analyses, collecting and organizing data, and helping prepare reports and presentations. The student will be exposed to day-to-day laboratory operations and may have opportunities to participate in advanced molecular microbiology techniques in other projects that may arise.

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

We are looking for a student who has experience in basic microbiology from any scientific discipline.  

The student should be willing to work in a seafood processing pilot plant including working with the products.  

Whereas the student will be working in the food experimentation laboratory, knowledge of food analysis techniques is preferrable but not mandatory. Students should be detail-oriented, motivated to learn, and comfortable working in laboratory and processing environments. There maybe opportunities to participate in sensory of seafoods and the student may receive a request to among the valuators. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain practical experience in food microbiology, seafood processing, and experimental design. They will learn how to conduct laboratory analyses, handle and analyze data, and interpret scientific results. Additional skills include nutritional and physical food quality evaluation, scientific report writing, and oral presentation. The intern will receive mentorship in research methods and scientific communication, preparing them for future careers or graduate studies in food science or microbiology.

Student Hourly Salary: $18/hr

Expected Hours/Week: Projects may require work at seafood processing facilities to collect samples for projects and some work may occur on weekends or after hours.  

Housing Benefit: Although there is no housing benefit provided, we have a list of potential options that may be available for prospective students to rent private rooms/space in Astoria homes that are within close proximity (within 1-2 miles) of the OSU Seafood Lab. 

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Trace Martyn ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Rangelands cover millions of acres, providing services such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. However, these ecosystems are threatened by invasive species and climate change, which alter plant composition and community dynamics, resulting in rangeland deterioration. As a result, there is a need to develop innovative restoration practices. Seed coatings offer a novel method to support native plant restoration and have been shown to uplift growth and seedling survival. Soil microbes, specifically, can provide this aid to native seeds as microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, are essential for plant success in natural landscapes. However, these underground communities are being altered by invasive plants and climate change, potentially creating soil conditions inhospitable to native communities. Therefore, without addressing the microbial communities, restoration could fail.  This is a two-part project aiming to utilize native soil communities as seed coatings to study plant outcomes. The objectives of this project are: (1) to understand how microbes differ between different native communities in the west, and (2) how these microbial communities impact plant traits in soils altered by invasive plants, warming, and drought. To address these objectives, native and invasive soils will be collected from up to seven states, and seeds will be inoculated with these soils. This internship is for the thermogradient table part of the study, where emergence and growth will be measured with experimental warming from 5-40℃ to determine how microbes and climate impact plant outcomes. This position provides an outstanding opportunity to explore restoration, ecology, and hands-on data collection. 

Student Responsibilities:

The student will assist with the thermogradient table set-up and monitoring, in addition to soil collection. Tasks, techniques, and tools learned and included are:  

• Plant identification
• Soil collection techniques
• Driving to collection sites, possibly requiring overnight stay
• Setting up and monitoring the thermogradient table (collecting shoot and root data)
• Creating and preparing agar cuvettes  
• Seed preparation and planting
• Soil DNA extraction preparation
• Data collection and management  
• Research techniques and skills in field and controlled settings
• Potential for student-led independent projects  

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Students should be team players and be willing to cooperate with the Faculty and Graduate Student mentors to communicate their interests, responsibilities, scheduling conflicts, or other issues. Travel to states, such as Washington, Nevada, and others, is needed for this project, as well as the project is based out of the experimental station in Union, OR, so the student must be able to drive to the station and these sites. Must have or be willing to get OSU driver authorization.  Preferred skills include experience with plant propagation, soil collection, and data analysis, but none are required and will be taught. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

In addition to the skills/experience listed above, the students will have the opportunity to:  

• Build skills in data entry, management, and analysis (potentially including R Studio)
• Design a project deliverable of the student’s choice (poster, scientific paper, info-graphic etc.)
• Network with other undergraduate and graduate students as well as other OSU faculty members, postdocs, and various other rangeland/natural resource professionals
• Build teamwork and communication skills
• Increase their knowledge of restoration ecology, soil microbial communities, and plant establishment
• Potentially have co-authorship on future academic papers from this research 

Student Hourly Salary: $15.05 - 16.50, depending on experience

Expected Hours/Week: The student is expected to work up to 40 hours per week.  If the student is interested, they can participate in the field collection of soil samples, which would require work and overnight stay outside of the 8-5 PM.  The thermogradient table must be checked every day. The student will rotate on a schedule between a graduate student and PI Martyn, potentially monitoring on the weekend. Any work done during the weekend will be compensated with days off during the week.  

Housing Benefit: Union Station or PI Martyn will provide housing in Union/La Grande, OR, and accommodation on any field trips. 

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bryan Endress ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Mule deer populations have been in decline throughout eastern Oregon since the 1980’s. It is hypothesized that this decline may be a result of insufficient forage resources on mule deer summer ranges. To test this hypothesis, this project aims to quantify and map forage availability and quality across mule deer summer home ranges in eastern Oregon. This involves (1) collecting information on vegetation structure and composition, disturbance events, and other biophysical variables on the landscape and (2) collecting mule deer scat samples for DNA analysis which will be used to gain a better understanding of the species that comprise mule deer diets. As a team member, the student will participate in both vegetation surveys and scat collection as part of a collaborative effort between Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center - Union to understand mule deer decline.  

Student Responsibilities:

The student will survey vegetation plots, collect data on vegetation composition and phenology, obtain mule deer scat samples for dietary analysis, and complete data QC and entry. They will also be expected to contribute to a positive work environment

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Strong desire to learn; ability to work well with others; experience in plant identification, experience working in natural areas (forest, rangelands, etc.) in warm, rugged conditions; previous coursework in ecology, natural resources or botany

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Establish monitoring plots to collect ecological and natural resource data,
• Identify and measure plant species, experience quantifying a range of field, environmental, and ecological metrics, data management

Student Hourly Salary: $17/hr

Expected Hours/Week: Generally, we work eight 10-hour days, with six days off in between.  Most days are outside rain, snow or shine! Fieldwork entails camping at US Forest Service (or similar) campsites during eight-day sampling periods. Camping gear is provided. 

Housing Benefit: Housing is provided at no cost at Starkey Experimental Forest and Range.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? Yes

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sandy DeBano ([email protected])

Project Term Availability: Summer 2026

Project Description:

Eastern Oregon is home to diverse grasslands, shrub-steppe, forests, and riparian areas. These systems provide key ecosystem services for humans, including wildlife habitat, hunting and recreational opportunities, and timber. These areas also provide critical habitat for beneficial invertebrates living in streams, riparian areas, and floodplains. For example, riparian areas and floodplains support many species of native bees. These species are not only significant crop pollinators (estimated to pollinate over $3 billion of crops in the US annually), but they also pollinate plants in rangelands and forests. Increasing our understanding of how management, including watershed restoration, may influence pollinators and other beneficial invertebrates is a high priority.   The intern involved with this project will work on multiple projects focused on beneficial invertebrates in eastern Oregon. These projects will involve examining responses of beneficial invertebrates living in streams, riparian areas, and floodplains to process-based restoration projects (e.g., beaver dam analogs) and other management actions.  

Student Responsibilities:

The intern will work in the field and laboratory. Field work may last all day and involve physical activities such as extensive walking to and among field sites carrying up to 25 pounds, collecting invertebrates using nets, and sampling plants. Approximately 60% of the intern’s time will be spent in the field and 40% in the laboratory. Most field work will take place at remote locations and may involve staying in field station housing or camping for up to a week at a time. Laboratory work consists of preparing insect specimens, organizing insect collections, cataloging plant specimens, and entering data. 

Preferred Skills/Experiences:

Students must be physically capable of doing strenuous field work. Although helpful, no previous experience with insects or plants is necessary.

Student Learning Outcomes:

The intern can expect to learn or further develop existing skills in vegetation sampling, invertebrate sampling methods, laboratory techniques (including invertebrate and plant preparation and preservation), data entry and analysis, and presentation skills in the development of their final project.

Student Hourly Salary: $15.50/hr

Expected Hours/Week: The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week. During field sampling, the intern may work longer days (e.g., 10-12 hour days), but no more than 40 hours in a week. 

Housing Benefit: A monthly stipend for housing or free off-site housing may be available.

Will the student have interaction with minors or access to hazardous chemicals, as student will need to complete a criminal background check? No

Will the student be operating vehicles or farm equipment /machinery, as they will need to submit driving record? No