2025 Summer Internship for Indigenous Undergrads
Application due date: April 15th, 2025
Internship dates: June 23rd, 2025 - August 14th, 2025
Location: Salish Sea Research Center, Northwest Indian College, Bellingham, WA 98248
Stipend: $6,000
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Benefits:
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Develop lab and field skills
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Complete group project with hands-on mentorship
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Experience the Pacific Northwest
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Improve your résumé and build connections for a career in science or natural resources management
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Housing and meals provided
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One time, round-trip travel costs to attend the internship
Requirements:
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​Identify as Indigenous
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Enrolled in an undergraduate program
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Commit to attend all 8-weeks of the summer internship, 20-hours per week
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Be willing to participate on various projects in collaborative groups
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Be able to provide a W9 for tax purposes (stipend is taxable income)
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Abide by the NWIC Code of Conduct
Additional Details: The summer internship at the Salish Sea Research Center is in its 8th year. The first five weeks of the summer internship will focus on building scientific skills through guided projects (see below). In the final three weeks, student interns will use these skills to conduct open-ended research on one of three topics of their choosing, culminating in a group presentation. Students should expect to work both indoors and out. The SSRC will provide necessary outdoor gear (boots, jackets, etc.). Provided housing will be near downtown Bellingham, with daily transportation to NWIC provided by the SSRC.
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Questions: Please direct questions to Anthony Lapsansky, anthonyl[at-symbol]nwic.edu
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Week 1 & 2:
Research Focus: Bacteriophage Genomics
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. Students will collect and isolate their own phage from samples collected on or near campus. Students will purify the elected phage and isolate its genomic DNA and to examine if the phage is similar to previously characterized phages. The genome of one phage will then be sent to the University of Pittsburg for genomic sequencing.
Week 3:
Research Focus: Shellfish and Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful algae blooms represent an escalating threat to recreational, commercial, and subsistence shellfish harvests. Interns will collect shellfish and learn how scientists at the SSRC process shellfish samples to quantify toxin levels.
Week 4:
Research Focus: Invertebrates as Indicators
Freshwater invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, annelid worms, etc.) vary in their sensitivity to pollution and habitat degradation. Thus, by surveying the community of invertebrates in a pond or lake, we can assess the health of the system. Interns will learn how to sample invertebrates following standard practices, identify those invertebrates, and evaluate the health of local lakes.
Week 5
Research Focus: Longfin Smelt Spatial Ecology using eDNA and GIS
Longfin Smelt are a small forage fish with an anadromous life-history, meaning they spend most of their time in the ocean before returning to freshwater to reproduce. While the spawning behavior of these smelt is somewhat predictable, we know little about where they spend their time while at sea. This information could be key to Longfin Smelt management and conservation. Interns will assist SSRC researchers with mapping the distribution of smelt using eDNA and GIS.
Week 6 - Week 8
Group Research Projects
In the final 3 weeks of the internship, students will choose one of three potential group projects based on the above research focuses. Students will develop and test their hypotheses using equipment from the SSRC and under the guidance of a senior mentor. Group projects will culminate in a short presentation to other members of the internship and selected community members.
