Project Overview
Shoals Marine Laboratory seeks motivated undergraduate researchers to investigate questions of seabird ecology and conservation as part of the Isles of Shoals Seabird Ecology and Conservation Program. Seabirds are valuable indicators of ecosystem processes and ocean health, as they can inform us about a diversity of aspects of the marine environment upon which they rely. Shoals Marine Laboratory is located amidst a diverse community of nesting seabirds (including gulls, terns, wading birds and alcids), providing an ideal environment to study seabirds and their interactions with the marine environment. Seabird Ecology and Conservation Undergraduate Researchers work closely with Shoals Marine Laboratory and external mentors to conduct field research on a specific project. Study species include terns and Black Guillemots. Topics may include:
- Diet influences on breeding success
- Comparative methods of assessing diet
- Movement and foraging behavior
- Indicators of adults reproductive quality
- Influence of investigator disturbance on behavior
Each researcher will gain hands-on experience in a range of field collection and observational methods by working as part of the field team for all seabird research topics. The researcher will also be a part of the larger Shoals Undergraduate Research Group cohort and will participate in weekly discussions and lectures.
Prerequisites
Appropriate coursework in wildlife ecology and/or ornithology preferred. Previous experience at SML is preferred, but not required. Relevant SML courses include: Field Ornithology, Field Animal Behavior, and the Shoals Research Apprenticeship.
Project Mentors
Dr. Liz Craig (Director of Seabird Research, SML)
Dr. Gemma Clucas (Research Associate, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Dates: May 30, 2025 to August 11, 2025
SML Research Symposium: August 9, 2025
Stipend: $2100 for the 10-week program
Includes room & board for 10 weeks, and round-trip vessel transportation from Portsmouth, NH to Appledore Island. Researchers are responsible for their own transportation to/from Portsmouth, NH at the beginning and end of the internship.
2 undergraduate researchers will be selected.
To Apply
- Application Deadline: The deadline for 2025 has passed. Please consider applying next year, and check back in January for details.
- Applicants should be prepared to upload (as separate files): cover letter, resume/CV, and unofficial transcripts. Please use the following naming convention for all files: Last_First Name_file title (example: Smith_John_resume).
- Request two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a professor/faculty member. The second can be from a graduate student TA or employer.
- Undergraduates in all majors may apply.
- Prior relevant field/lab experience preferred but not required.
- All applicants will be notified of their application status by email no later than March 14, 2025.
Note for international students: International students studying in the United States under an F-1 visa are eligible to work as a research intern at SML. Before applying, we encourage students to confirm with their academic institution about their eligibility for off-campus employment through a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or other comparable program.
Questions?
Email shoals.lab@unh.edu
Learn more about the Isles of Shoals Seabird Ecology and Conservation Program.