The Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology Summer Internship is divided into four key areas of focus. The first area of focus is general laboratory technical mastery. The second area is project-specific knowledge and expertise. The third area is data analysis and visualization. The fourth area is the synthesis of experimental findings with prior knowledge, related data or disciplines, and in collaboration with other scientists.

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Earning Criteria

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IMET Summer Internship

Six Major Skill Areas for Mastery

1. General laboratory technical mastery.

This consists of practical knowledge and lab procedures. General skills include maintaining laboratory safety for oneself and others.

This includes:

• Analyzing the hazards associated with commonly used equipment, chemicals, and processes, and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage those hazards by employing appropriate procedures and protective equipment.
• Applying knowledge and skills to effectively plan and maintain accurate records of experiments, utilizing a digital or paper laboratory notebook system.
• Applying organizational skills to arrange and maintain a well-structured workspace while demonstrating understanding of proper disposal methods and locations for various laboratory waste products.
• Demonstrating comprehension of the concept of standard curves and reference materials, and applying that knowledge to accurately interpret and analyze experimental data.
• Applying effective intra-lab communication skills by utilizing appropriate verbal and written communication methods and demonstrating the ability to determine the appropriate timing and recipients when communicating with peers and laboratory leaders.

Mastery level - Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of laboratory skills, safety protocols, and research ethics.

Mastery level - Adapt to inevitable changes and challenges in a professional setting while demonstrating resilience, flexibility, and effective problem-solving skills.

2. Project-specific knowledge and expertise.

This is the background knowledge that relates to the specific laboratory investigation that the intern is engaged in for the summer.

The successful intern will:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the chosen topic and its relevance to the current investigation, and recognize the connections and implications it holds for the research at hand.
• Utilize specific methods or approaches with their project.
• Utilizing the guidance of mentors, the interns will:
• Choose a topic, develop research questions, and plan the research methodology.
• Receive training on lab techniques and equipment use as needed.
• Design a research project that demonstrates a high level of creativity and scientific rigor.

Mastery Level - Plan (Design) a research project that demonstrates a high level of creativity, complexity, and scientific rigor (adjusted for the focus area of the Intern).

3. Data analysis and visualization.

Interns will:

• Apply skills to accurately record and organize both quantitative and qualitative data and utilize appropriate methods and tools to categorize, analyze, and present the information effectively.
• Apply analytical skills to conduct rudimentary statistical analyses, such as calculating averages standard deviations, and statistical comparisons. This will necessitate the ability to prepare complete raw data tables that are informative and useful for further analysis and interpretation.
• Apply higher-order thinking skills to present data in various forms, such as simplified data tables, bar graphs, regressions, time series, etc., with the aim of facilitating understanding and effectively communicating the findings to relevant audiences, while framing the presentation in the wider context of the project.

Mastery level - Apply critical thinking skills to determine the appropriate statistical tests or analysis methods for the type of data being used, demonstrating an understanding of the scope and objectives of the study, including both the specific and overall goals.

4. Synthesis of experimental findings with prior knowledge, related data or disciplines, and in collaboration with other scientists.

Interns will be able to:

• Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve a common goal.
  Work in teams to design and execute research projects.
• Develop team-building skills, learn how to manage differences, to work towards a common goal.
• Engage in higher order thinking by participating in discussions with peers to explore how the intern’s specific project intersects with and relates to other disciplines or ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of the interdisciplinary connections and broader implications of the project.

Mastery level- Collaborate effectively with peers and mentors to produce and communicate high-quality research results, while demonstrating leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Mastery level - Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to complex problems in marine and environmental sciences.

5. Communication of research to broader audiences.

The intern will:

• Apply advanced communication skills to effectively convey scientific information to diverse audiences, utilize appropriate background knowledge, framing techniques, and contextual understanding in science communication to ensure clarity, relevance, and accessibility of the information being shared.
• Engage and collaborate in group training to acquire and practice science communication skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the distinctions between various audiences, including peers, mentors, and other stakeholders, and actively seek and incorporate feedback on their communication skills from these different audiences.
• Apply higher-order thinking skills to create visually appealing and informative posters, as well as deliver an oral presentation, with the purpose of effectively sharing research findings with a diverse and broad audience.

Mastery level - Communicate scientific information clearly and effectively to a diverse audience using appropriate language and media.

6. Understand the importance of diversity in marine and environmental sciences as it relates to human health, food, water, and energy.

Interns will:

• Learn the importance of marine and environmental resources for human health, food, water, and energy.
• Demonstrate knowledge acquisition and comprehension of the significance of marine and environmental sciences in relation to human health, food, water, and energy.
• Apply higher-order thinking skills to analyze and evaluate how marine and environmental issues impact different populations and sectors in distinct ways. This involves recognizing and comprehending the varying social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to differential impacts, and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in addressing these issues on a broader scale.
• Attend seminars and participate in group discussions to learn from laboratory mentors about the importance of marine and environmental sciences in these areas.
  Analyze and evaluate case studies, research papers, and other relevant literature related to the topic, demonstrating an enhanced understanding of the subject matter and the ability to critically engage with scholarly sources.

Mastery level- Analyze and synthesize information to develop an argument that demonstrates an understanding of the significance of marine and environmental sciences. Evidence of mastery includes the ability to:

• Evaluate the benefits of diversity in science and specifically in the field of marine and environmental sciences.
• Articulate the significance of diversity in the field of marine and environmental sciences, demonstrating comprehension of the benefits and contributions that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences bring to defining scientific priorities and addressing complex environmental challenges.
• Participate in group activities to highlight accomplishments of scientists historically excluded from these fields.
• Actively participate in conversations with diverse scientists who specialize in marine science and environmental justice, fostering opportunities to gain insights, exchange ideas, and deepen understanding of the intersectionality between these fields. This includes demonstrating the ability to listen, analyze, and engage in meaningful discussions that promote learning and broaden perspectives.

Mastery level- Synthesize and be conversant about the importance of diversity in research teams and in the field of marine and environmental sciences.

In addition, interns will:

• Create a plan for pursuing higher degrees or a career in marine and environmental sciences. Students will receive guidance and mentorship on pursuing higher degrees or a career in the field of marine and environmental sciences.
• Participate in workshops and individual meetings to develop their career goals and create a plan for achieving them.
• Recognize that the intern-mentor relationship extends beyond the summer, students will understand that the connections made during the internship serve as the foundation of their professional network for future advancement.

Learn more about our IMET Summer Internship