2013 NEFSC Summer Student Internship Opportunities

Woods Hole Lab 166 Water Street Woods Hole MA 02543 http://nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/woodshole/

Troy McInerney and Alex Wilson, 2011 BEB fellows at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. (Credit: NEFSC/NOAA)

Alex gets a high five from Bumper, one of the Aquarium's two harbor seals, while Elizabeth Benson works with LuSeal. (Credit: NEFSC/NOAA)

Aquarist

Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Leader: Kristy Owen, (508) 495-2098, Kristy.Owen@noaa.gov
For more information on the WHSA, visit our website: http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation's oldest public research display aquarium, located in the small but busy marine science village of Woods Hole. The collection includes about 120 species of fish and invertebrates common to the continental shelf from Maine to North Carolina, two harbor seals, and sometimes sea turtles held for rehabilitation and eventual release.

The facility is small and an intern gets a great deal of hands-on experience useful in any aquarium or laboratory setting where live specimens are used. The person will work directly for the senior aquarist, but also have opportunities to work with the veterinarian and curator. Duties will include food preparation and animal care, and assisting with maintaining the exhibit and public areas, as well as some interpretive tasks working with visitors. The intern is expected to be a keen observer, to evaluate and report aquatic animal behavior and condition daily, and to assist in treating aquatic animals, conducting field work, and collecting specimens for exhibits. The intern also meets with visitors, serving as an interpreter / educator while carrying out typical job responsibilities. The intern will also be trained to serve as a naturalist on shoreside collecting trips with the public. This position also may involve work with harbor seal environmental enrichment program and harbor seal daily programs. This position may require some heavy lifting (~ 40 lbs.). Biology or animal care background is preferred but not required.

Aquarium Program Assistant

Location: Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Leader: George Liles, (508) 495-2037, george.liles@noaa.gov
For more information on the WHSA, visit our website: http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/

The WHSA operates a summer intern program for high school students. The high school students spend two to six weeks learning about marine animals, aquarium operations, marine science, and marine resource management issues.
The Aquarium Program Assistant serves as a senior intern, helping to train the high school interns in the care and maintenance of marine animals and helping the interns with special projects. The Programs Assistant also helps the intern program director with administrative and organization tasks such as setting up seminars and field trips. The Program Assistant may also be trained to serve as a naturalist on shoreside collecting walks for the public.
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the nation's oldest public research display aquarium, located in the small but busy marine science village of Woods Hole. The aquarium collection includes about 120 species of fish and invertebrates common to the continental shelf from Maine to North Carolina, non-releasable harbor seals, and sometimes sea turtles held for rehabilitation and eventual release.

Some experience with marine animal care and aquarium operations is required. Previous experience in the WHSA High School Intern Program or an equivalent program is desirable. Leadership experience is also desirable. This is an eight to ten week position. Preferred starting date is June 10, although an earlier or later starting is possible.

Feeding Ecology of Harbor and Gray Seals in the Northeast U.S.

Location: Protected Species Branch
Leaders: Gordon Waring, 508-495-2311, Gordon.Waring@noaa.gov or Frederick Wenzel, 508-495-2252, Frederick.Wenzel@noaa.gov

The Protected Species Branch (PSB) seal research program summer internship will focused on gray seal ecology, principally in New England (Maine to New York) waters.  Population monitoring is accomplished by aerial photographic surveys along important coastal haul-out sites.  PSB staff conducts analyses of annual mortality associated with incidental capture in commercial fishing gear, and evaluate the potential impact of other human activities on local seal populations. Gray seal diets are examined by 1) analysis of seal scat collected at several haul-out sites on Cape Cod and along Nantucket Sound, and 2) examination of seal stomachs collected from animals which are accidentally killed in commercial fishing operations.  As part of this ongoing work, a summer intern will process gray seal stomachs (primarily) and seal scats (secondarily).  Stomach content analysis includes retrieving hard parts from stomachs of seal prey, identify, enumerating and measuring fish otoliths and cephalopod beaks, and using this information to estimate important prey by frequency and biomass.  In addition to learning lab techniques, the intern will learn the benefits and limitations of stomach content analysis in light of larger ecological questions.  Additional field and lab opportunities in support of the PSB seal research program may be available.

Atlantic Salmon Scale Image Analysis Applications

Location: Population Dynamics Branch, Atlantic Salmon Research and Conservation Task
Leader: Ruth Haas Castro, 508 495-2302, Ruth.Haas-Castro@noaa.gov

In collaboration with Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, NOAA’s Atlantic Salmon Research and Conservation Task monitors emigration of endangered Atlantic salmon smolts in Maine rivers and studies the scales from juvenile and adult life stages. We examine growth patterns that may increase extant knowledge of specific river populations and their corresponding adult returns. While the endangered Atlantic salmon we are monitoring originate in Maine rivers, this internship takes place in Massachusetts in our Woods Hole Laboratory. Woods Hole is a lively marine science mecca, offering lunchtime seminars, museums, galleries, beaches, shops and restaurants only a few steps from the lab. Objectives of this internship are to gain valuable laboratory experience using state-of-the-art scale image processing techniques and characterizing data related to age and growth of salmon from Maine rivers. The student intern will participate in the potential restoration of endangered Atlantic salmon by analyzing scales collected from Maine river smolts, returning adults, or federal hatchery restoration salmon.  The focus of the intern’s activities will be image analysis applications in the laboratory. Activities include scale preparation, aging different salmon life stages using scales, and imaging and measuring scales.  The student will also help to manage the data that they collect by entering, auditing, and processing their scale data as well as other current and archive data.  Potentially, with the guidance of NOAA staff, the intern may design and carry out an independent project related to the data collected and analysis activities performed during the internship.  The intern will report on his/her summer research experience by preparing and presenting an oral presentation toward the end of the internship. The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group. Relevant laboratory experience is not required, but familiarity with microscopes is required and the ability to generate summary graphs and perform basic statistic analyses in Excel or other Windows based software is preferred.

James J. Howard Lab 74 Magruder Road Highlands, NJ 07732 http://sh.nefsc.noaa.gov/

Environmental Effects on Fish Early-life Processes

Location: Ecosystems Processes Division, Coastal Ecology Branch, Life History and Recruitment Group
Leader: Dr. Chris Chambers, (732) 872-3075, chris.chambers@noaa.gov

The core of our research evaluates the potential effects of the environment – including both natural and anthropogenic factors –on fish populations. Fishes are sensitive to a wide range of environmental challenges from altered thermal regimes due to climate change to increased acidification of our oceans due to absorption of atmospheric CO2 by seawater to contaminants released into their habitats. Often it is the earliest life-stages (i.e., embryos, larvae, and young juveniles) that are most vulnerable to sub-lethal and even lethal effects of these environmental perturbations. We use an experimental laboratory approach to address these topics with respect to resource fish species of the northeastern USA. The student will be directly involved in laboratory experiments and/or analyses of archived data in addressing a component of this larger research effort. Among other activities in 2013, we will be conducting laboratory experiments on the direct and interactive effects of water temperature, CO2 (acidity), and contaminants on embryos and larvae of fish species representative of our local fish fauna.

As part of our research team, the intern will work among other undergraduate and graduate students, research associates, and career NOAA research scientists. Primary duties and responsibilities will include:
1) Participate in lab-wide open house for public (June 9, 2013) at which the student will join the group in providing oral summaries to public about the group’s research and the student’s expected role in lab research.
2) Participate in weekly internship discussions on topics pertinent to research, graduate school, and careers in science among others.
3) Acquire spawning fish and/or fertilized fish eggs.
4) Implement and maintain laboratory experiments on the effects of water temperature, CO2 and contaminants on early life features of experimental fish including their growth, development, and survival.
5) Collect, reduce, and summarize data from direct observation and from digital images of embryonic and larval fish.
6) Support role in ongoing laboratory experiments and analyses.

The successful candidate will be i) willing to work outdoors, on small boat (including overnight cruises), and in laboratory – all potentially requiring some irregularity in work schedule, ii) computer literate in MS Office applications and adaptable to learn image analysis software (training provided), and iii) detail oriented, organized, completes assignments, works well individually and as a member of a team, and communicates clearly. Prior research laboratory experience is an asset. 

Carbon and Nutrient Chemistry of the Mid Atlantic Bight

Location: Ecosystem Processes Division, Marine Chemistry Branch, Ocean Acidification Program
Leader: Dr. Matthew Poach, 732-872-3040, matthew.poach@noaa.gov

The intern will work on project(s) that are part of NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Research Program. The overarching goals of this program are 1) to monitor the trends in ocean acidification, 2) to predict how ecosystems will respond to ocean acidification brought on by the burning of fossil fuels, and 3) to provide information that managers can use to address acidification issues. We are seeking an intern to participate in a project intended to determine the variation in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), alkalinity, pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus of Mid Atlantic coastal waters as they relate to physical conditions. Data will be used to establish a baseline dataset of ocean acidification parameters for marine waters in and around NJ as well as to determine treatment levels for targeted laboratory studies that are intended to quantify the impact of ocean acidification on marine resource species. The intern’s duties will be focused on the collection and analysis of samples from waters along coastal NJ. The intern may also be asked to assist with the development and monitoring of laboratory experiments dedicated to ocean acidification. This internship provides an opportunity to gain field and laboratory experience in monitoring coastal water quality and in the development and maintenance of experimental environments. We are looking for an intern that is detail oriented, organized, and comfortable working with a team. The intern must also have a basic chemistry background and a willingness to work in both the field (on a boat) and in the laboratory.

Narragansett Lab 27 Tarzwell Drive Narragansett, RI 02882 http://na.nefsc.noaa.gov/

Cooperative Shark Tagging Program Assistant

Location: Apex Predators Program, Population Biology Branch
Leader: Dr. Nancy E. Kohler, 401-782-3332, Nancy.Kohler@noaa.gov

The Apex Predators Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service runs a large Cooperative Shark Tagging Program (CSTP) at the NMFS Narragansett RI Laboratory. Summer assistance is needed for the administration of the CSTP and recovery of historic tagging and longline data. Duties of this position include: processing shark tag and biological information requests; interfacing with the public on tagging and shark issues; entering shark tagging, longline, and biological data as part of the new multi-species integrated mark-recapture database; and possible fieldwork at shark tournaments. When you apply, it is very important to reference the Narragansett lab as your choice for employment.

Milford Laboratory 212 Rogers Avenue Milford, CT 06460-6499 http://mi.nefsc.noaa.gov/

James Reidy worked at the Milford Laboratory as a Bradford E. Brown student intern in 2010 and 2011. (Credit: NEFSC/NOAA)

Shellfish Aquaculture and Habitat Assessment

Location: Aquaculture and Enhancement Division, Culture Systems and Habitat Evaluation Branch
Leaders: Ronald Goldberg, (203) 882-6546, ronald.goldberg@noaa.gov and James Widman, (203) 882-6508, james.widman@noaa.gov

The Culture Systems and Habitat Branch is conducting research on bay scallop aquaculture and assessing biodiversity associated with shellfish cultivation in Long Island Sound. Incumbent will work in a research hatchery rearing larval and juvenile scallops. Duties include assisting in experiments to determine optimum feeding regimes that maximize growth of bivalves. You will learn about and use innovative automated control systems, as well as recording temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and other water quality data. Using a microscope and image analysis to measure shellfish will be part of this assignment. An intern will also assist in field surveys of benthic organisms aboard the Laboratory’s 49’ research vessel, the R/V Loosanoff. Sediment grab samplers and coring devices will be deployed to survey benthic biota and sediment biogeochemistry on shellfish beds. Collected organisms will be identified, enumerated, and compared statistically. Data management, graphic analysis, and development of GIS maps will be part of the assignment. Incumbent should be prepared for regular work in the field, aboard our research vessel, occasionally under inclement conditions and must be able to lift 15 pounds.

Confirmation that Pavlovols are the Bioactive Compounds within the Microalgal Genus Pavlova that Induce Metamorphosis in Larval Bay Scallops

Location: Biotechnology Branch, Aquaculture & Enhancement Division
Leaders: Gary H. Wikfors, 203 882-6525, Gary.Wikfors@noaa.gov or Diane Kapareiko, 203 882-6539, Diane.Kapareiko@noaa.gov

The Biotechnology Branch conducts experimental research into nutritional requirements of bivalve mollusks. A recent study showed that early metamorphosis of larval bay scallops induced by feeding strains in the microalgal Genus Pavlova can be blocked by an insecticide that blocks activity of the hormone ecdysone. Structural similarities between phytosterols unique to the Genus Pavlova, named pavlovols, and the hormone ecdysone suggest that pavlovols have a hormonal effect on bivalve larval metamorphosis. The assignment of this opportunity will be to conduct larval-rearing experiments employing purified pavlovols to test this hypothesis. The incumbent will be responsible for daily care of multiple, small-scale (liter) larval cultures, including feeding, adding chemical reagents, screening, counting, and measuring of larvae. Data will be analyzed and graphed, and statistical treatment of data will be done to test effects of pavlovols and various control treatments upon survival, growth, and metamorphosis of the larvae. The trainee will work with several Branch personnel to learn principles of experimental research, fundamental laboratory skills ranging from volumetric chemistry to microbiological and physiological aspects of molluscan biology. We anticipate a peer-reviewed publication resulting from this work and will include the trainee in a manner commensurate with the contribution.

Genetics and Breeding of Shellfish

Location: Biotechnology Branch, Genetics Program, Aquaculture and Enhancement Division
Leader: Sheila Stiles, 203-882-6524, Sheila.Stiles@noaa.gov

A major focus of the genetics research program is to investigate the application of various types of genetics and breeding technology for improving growth and survival rates of economically and ecologically valuable shellfish, some populations of which are declining, such as the bay scallop. Results could contribute to increased commercial production and recreational harvesting. Three major approaches are being explored for culture, enhancement and restoration: breeding (quantitative genetics), population or molecular genetics, and field evaluations. Responses to selective breeding and inbreeding are being determined by developing lines for increased growth and survival.  In addition, genetic diversity of various stocks and populations is being ascertained with molecular technology to support or complement breeding and broodstock management. Habitat and environmental suitability and field performance evaluations also are being conducted with phenotypic markers. The intern will assist with various projects for evaluating genetic lines, from spawning adults and rearing of larval and post-set bay scallops, to the collection of data for genetic analysis. Tasks include assisting in the maintenance and operation of shellfish culture facilities, sampling and measuring scallops of various stages from eggs to adults, as well as, assisting with population genetics research. Molecular (e.g., DNA,) analyses are being investigated for genotypic markers in stock identification. Observations will be made on differences in growth and survival of shellfish under various conditions, which could provide opportunities for independent study. There are both laboratory and field components.

 

National Systematics Lab National Museum of Natural History MRC-153 Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 37012 Washington DC 20013-7012 http://nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/systematics/

No projects at the NSL at this time.

 

 

Orono Maine Field Station 17 Godfrey Drive, Suite 1 Orono ME 04473 http://nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/orono

Laura Williams, a 2011 Bradford E. Brown Summer Student intern, on the Penobscot Estuary. (Credit: NEFSC/NOAA)

Molly Good and Laura Williams conduct fyke netting on the Penobscot estuary in the summer of 2011 as part of the Station's estuarine fish community and ecosystem survey. (Credit: NEFSC/NOAA)

No projects at the Orono lab at this time.