Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) internship program offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental research and public engagement. Interns work on independent research projects aligned with their academic and professional goals under the mentorship of SERC staff. Projects span environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, molecular ecology, terrestrial ecology, environmental education, participatory science, and science writing. Internships are primarily full-time (40 hours/week) for 10-16 weeks, mostly in summer, with both in-person and remote options available year-round. Interns receive a minimum stipend of $700 per week, on-site dormitory housing for most, networking opportunities, seminars, and professional development. At the end, interns present their work to the SERC community. Funded partly by NSF REU since 2001, the program welcomes diverse backgrounds.

SERC, located on 2,650 acres along the Chesapeake Bay, serves as a living laboratory for ecosystem research. The program emphasizes skill-building for early-career individuals, valuing unique experiences beyond traditional science backgrounds. Applications for summer internships are submitted via the Smithsonian's SOLAA portal, requiring an essay, CV, transcript, and recommendation.