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University of Florida

Spring Education Internship

An internship with the Education Department at the Whitney Laboratory is designed to give students real world experience in an informal education setting. Areas of exposure include science communication, the application of inquiry-based learning, advanced marine science topics, student management techniques, the care and use of marine invertebrates in education, and an introduction to integrating real time scientific discoveries with public education.

Students interested in interning with the Education Department should be working towards a degree in Education, Marine Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Regardless of major, applicants should have an interest in bridging scientific ideas and concepts with public education.

Person looking into microscope

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a college or university and seeking academic credit for the internship
  • Available 1-2 mornings per week from mid-January-April
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and with a team of community volunteers.
  • The Intern must successfully pass a level 2 DCF background check and must complete youth compliance and other required in-house trainings.

Duties

Under the direction of staff, the spring intern will learn, deliver, and evaluate The Day at Whitney, Traveling Marine Zoo, and Simply Science programs. The intern will primarily work with students in the K-12th grade and may also take part in adult community education programs.  Professional development activities such as faculty and student seminars, resume-building experiences, animal husbandry and basic lab procedures are included. The intern will be responsible for the completion of a poster to present at the end of the internship. Academic credit must be arranged with home institutions.

Send questions to abiedenbach@ufl.edu

TO APPLY

Send resume, cover letter, and two letters of professional/academic reference to abiedenbach@ufl.edu. Applications must be received by December 4th, 2026, for the spring 2027 program. Applicants will be notified through email if invited for the interview phase. The internship is unpaid, up to 8 hours per week and will require commuting to the lab.