BIODIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
This year the Memphis Zoo intern students were awarded top prizes for scientific research in April of 2009 at the Tennessee Academy of Sciences. Read more about it here.
|
|
In 2001, the Memphis Zoological Society teamed up with multiple
universities and colleges in the regional mid-south area to develop a
progressive program designed to facilitate and support opportunities in
wildlife research and environmental science for undergraduate, graduate
students, and post-doctoral fellows.
The program facilitates the development of innovative, research-based,
undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral education and training
activities that will produce a diverse group of new conservation
scientists well-prepared for a broad spectrum of career opportunities.
|
Aspects of the training program for interns include the following:
1.
|
Conduct a hands-on research project in biodiversity conservation
under the supervision and mentorship of zoo staff where students are
exposed to
current methods and problems in conservation biology. |
2.
|
Work with animal keepers to gain experience with animal
collections in some capacity.
|
| 3. |
Attend informal lecture series on environmental problems,
conservation research techniques, animal husbandry, and zoo management. |
| 4. |
Write a formal paper on the results of their research project
and a summary of their internship program; interns are required to
present the
results of their project at the Western section of the Tennessee Academy
of
Sciences Collegiate Annual Meeting in Memphis,
TN. |
| 5. |
Upon internship completion, each intern will receive a final
evaluation from the zoo. Components 1-4 will need to be met in order to
receive a favorable evaluation from the zoo and academic credit with
their
affiliated institution. |
Program Areas:
Internship positions are available for specific programs within
the research department. Program descriptions will be updated in the spring of
2010. We will be seeking 3-4 full time (30-40 hrs week) interns for 2010 to
assist with the following programs:
| A. |
Reproductive monitoring for endangered felids: snow leopards and
Amur leopards |
|
B.
|
Giant panda nutritional ecology |
C.
|
Giant panda behavioral studies
|
| D. |
Development of assisted reproductive technologies for endangered frogs and toads
|
| E. |
Advancement of new technologies for remote sensing in wildlife |
| F. |
Disease screening in amphibians using Near Infrared Reflectance
Spectroscopy (NIRS) |
| G. |
Biodiversity and vegetation surveys in Overton Park Forest, Memphis TN |
| H. |
Salamander Conservation
|
| I. |
Komodo Dragon Reproduction |
| J. |
Giant Anteater Reproduction and behavior
|
We will be accepting applications for the biodiversity internship program from
February 1st through April 25th. Each year there are a limited number of paid positions.
Preference is given to senior level college students in the field of biology,
zoology, wildlife ecology, animal science or related field.
For a copy of the application form, click here.
Fill out all the required information and return to Human Resources department,
Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place,
Memphis, TN 38112. Please indicate on the
application form that you are applying for the conservation biodiversity internship program.
Additional Materials to Submit:
Along with your application form please include the four
additional required application materials.
1. Cover letter
2. Current resume or CV
3. College transcript (unofficial or
electronic is acceptable)
4. Contact information for three references,
including affiliation, address, phone number, and email address. Indicate how
they know you.