BIODIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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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:

• 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.
• Work with animal keepers to gain experience with animal collections in some capacity.
• Attend informal lecture series on environmental problems, conservation research techniques, animal husbandry, and zoo management.
• 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.
• 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.  

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:

• Reproductive monitoring for endangered felids: snow leopards and Amur leopards
• Giant panda nutritional ecology
• Giant panda behavioral studies
• Development of assisted reproductive technologies for endangered amphibians
• Advancement of new technologies for remote sensing in wildlife
• Disease screening in amphibians using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS)
• Biodiversity and vegetation surveys in Overton Park Forest, Memphis TN

We will be accepting applications for the biodiversity internship program from February 1st through April 1st. 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.
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.