Undergraduate Summer Research Internships

• Increased understanding of and proficiency with research practices and processes
• Increased understanding of discipline-specific concepts and content
• Stronger skills in discipline-specific methods and procedures
• Expanded professional networks
• Greater sense of belonging in the scientific community
• Increased interest in a career in general STEM field
• Increased interest in a career in field-based science
• More refined career goals
• Stronger professional skills

Interns will be assigned to conduct group research on one of three crews, and deliver oral presentations at the end of the summer to summarize findings.

• Animal Husbandry (aka Lab Crew): These positions entail working in the aquaculture labs at the Station, designed for the propagation of freshwater fish and native mussels. Work includes daily monitoring of the fish, mussel, and hellbender tanks, physiochemical sampling, and tank maintenance. In addition, interns will conduct an experiment in aquatic toxicology in collaboration with the USEPA, located nearby in Cincinnati, Ohio. This internship is primarily lab-based, unlike the other two which are primarily field-based. One Lab Crew intern will spend two days per week with the aquatic biologist crew at the Newport Aquarium.
• Bioassessment of the Ohio River (aka River Crew): This study is part of the long-term monitoring of the Ohio River near Zimmer Power Plant in Moscow, Ohio which began in 1971. Work includes physiochemical sampling, fish collections and habitat analyses. The hours are generally from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m., Monday-Friday. Night electrofishing will occur from 9 p.m.-midnight four times during the study. Fish tissues will be collected for DNA sequencing analyses.
• Stream Assessments (aka Stream Team): This project entails extensive stream assessments throughout Northern Kentucky, in conjunction with the Sanitation District No. 1 and the Boone County Conservation District. Interns will work alongside biologists from these agencies to conduct bacterial tests, physiochemical sampling, fish and macroinvertebrate collections and habitat analyses. All work will occur during the day from Monday-Friday.

Students develop small-scale independent study projects on topics of their own choosing and present results at a poster symposium at the conclusion of the summer.

Summer 2025 independent study projects included the following titles:

• An Analysis of Escherichia Coli and Other Coliforms in Local Streams During Dry and Wet Weather Events – Northern Kentucky”
• “Analyzing Freshwater Mussel Species Distribution and Richness in the Ohio River Mainstem Using ArcGIS”
• “Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metal Filtration in Native and Invasive Mussels: A Focus on Manganese”
• “Comparing Water Quality Indicators to the Presence and Species Identification of Cyanobacteria”
• “The Effects of Heightened Salinity Levels Caused by Road Salt Runoff on the Growth of Duckweed (Lemna minor)”
• “The impact of visual exposure to a predator on the fecundity of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)”
• “Defining Viable Host Species of Lampsilis siliquoidea”
• “Stream Health Assessment of a Site in Gunpowder Creek in Boone County, Kentucky”
• “Uptake and Retention of Escherichia coli in Dreissena polymorpha (Zebra Mussel) vs. Amblema plicata (Threeridge Mussel)”

Student interns will hear seminars from diverse scientific professionals on topics including current research, preparation for graduate school, conducting a job search, and more. Former interns have gone on to work for, or with, seminar speakers that they met during their experience at the Field Station. Seminar titles and speakers from 2025 included:

“Careers in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology” by Dr. Wendell Haag, Research Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Forest Service

“Connecting to Nature through Community Science” by Susan Brown, Conservation Education Specialist, Boone County Conservation District

“Embracing a Winding Career Path in STEM” by Dr. Allison Parker, Associate Professor of Biology, Northern Kentucky University

“The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, a Unicorn of Unicorns in Flood Mitigation and Conservation” by Craig Butler, Director, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

“Crystal Balls and Curve Balls: Embracing Uncertainty in Science” by Dr. Anna Sjodin, Biologist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Every Friday, interns will visit a regional facility to diversify their knowledge of current research and to expand their networks. Trips have, and could include visits to the following facilities:

• Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Center for Mollusk Conservation
• Cincinnati Museum Center & the Geier Collections and Research Center
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium & the Watters Aquatic Conservation Center
• Newport Aquarium
• USEPA Experimental Stream Facility
• USEPA Research and Development Laboratories

All interns will contribute to our K-12 STEM Outreach programs, gain confidence as environmental educators, and learn to translate science to diverse audiences. Our summer education and outreach programs include the following:

• Daylong, on-site field trips
• Overnight and day summer camps for grades 3-12
• Classroom visits
• Tabling at community expos and events
• Annual Concert for Conservation

First, ensure you meet the requirements for eligibility:

• • Minimum 3.00 G.P.A. and Good Academic Standing
  • Successful completion of General Biology I & II or General Chemistry I & II (or equivalent courses) by Summer 2025
  • Preference will be given to students with career aspirations in aquatic biology, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, and/or field biology
  • Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply

Second, consider the physical demands of essential functions of the position (can be adjusted with reasonable accommodations):

• Stand for up to three hours straight
• Tolerate high heat index and exposure to inclement weather
• Lift and carry objects and equipment up to 40 pounds
• Navigate rough and hilly terrain

Finally, submit the application materials:

• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcript
• Resume or CV—limited to 1 page
• “One Letter of Recommendation (sent directly to Dr. Chris Lorentz, [email protected], or uploaded to the application form)”
• Online Application Form