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MSI Science Communication Internship

The Southeast CASC science communication internship program provides interested students with career-based experiences and skills.

About the Internship

The Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (SE CASC) is part of a network of nine Climate Adaptation Science Centers managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Adaptation Science Center. Our mission is to deliver science to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate. The SE CASC is housed within NC State’s Department of Applied Ecology in Raleigh, NC.

As our science communication intern, you will spend the summer assisting the communications team producing social media, news releases, newsletters, and videos that communicate our work to respective target audiences. During any given week, you may be writing a synopsis of a recent research article, designing an infographic, or interviewing a scientist in the field about their work to create a video abstract.

These managers might work for a Tribal Nation or a State or federal agency and you might draw content from interviews with researchers at NC State or the USGS. No previous experience with video editing is required, but it will certainly help! An eye for capturing the beauty of nature with photography and videography is also a plus.

During the internship, you will gain training in best practices with design, experience in WordPress and Adobe Suite, and get a taste of being a science communicator within the Federal Service – all while building a portfolio of CV-worthy products.

Application

Eligibility

This program is for undergraduates enrolled at recognized Minority Serving Institutions like Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or Indigenous students enrolled at any undergraduate program.

You must:

  • Be available for the entire 10 week internship period. 
  • Be available to work at least 20hrs/week, sometimes on weekends.
  • Have a demonstrated interest in science communication and climate science.
  • If selected, relocate to campus-based housing in Raleigh, NC for the 10 week period of (roughly) May 27–July 31.
  • Submit all of your application materials before the deadline of 5pm on Friday, January 17th!

Benefits

Selected students will receive a stipend, on-campus housing, and travel costs to and from Raleigh (up to $600) will be reimbursed. Students are responsible for their meals and transportation. Buses on campus are fare-free.

Students will end the summer with portfolio-worthy science communication products, CV-building skills, and an expanded professional network within the federal service.

If you are passionate about climate change, love nature, and are interested in dipping your toes into several aspects of science communication, then this internship is for you!

Materials

You will need the following for your application:

  1. A statement of interest that is a maximum of 300 words.
  2. Your CV/resume that includes contact information of two professional references, and
  3. At least one, non-academic science writing sample (e.g. a blog, news article, etc.).
Apply here via Google form

Questions? Contact Michelle Jewell (majewell@ncsu.edu).

Download the informational postcard here (PDF).