National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center SESYNC Summer Internship Program 2013

The University of Maryland’s National Socio-environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) is accepting applications for the 2013 SESYNC Undergraduate Summer Internship Program. Interns in this program will spend the majority of their time working with mentors at their offices or labs on research projects related to socio-environmental issues. Additionally, interns will participate in weekly Internship Program events, including field trips and seminars; these events will include trips to SESYNC facilities in Annapolis, where interns will be introduced to the socio-environmental synthesis research approach, and will have the opportunity to meet researchers at the Center.

Internship Program Goals: This program aims to provide interns with opportunities to develop professional skills, to meet people working on environmental problems, and to deepen their understanding of socio-environmental issues. More specifically, interns will:
 Obtain an authentic research experience and contribute to their mentor’s research program.
 Enhance their understanding of the complex nature of socially relevant environmental problems and the research approaches used to address them.
 Enhance their understanding of how scientific evidence may be used to inform decision-making and policy with regard to environmental problems.

Program Details: The positions are full time (40 hours/week) from May 31- Aug. 9, 2013, and undergraduate interns will be paid $10.50/hour. The program will begin with a mandatory orientation on Friday, May 31, 2013. Transportation between College Park and SESYNC or other field trip destinations during the program will be arranged.

Selection and Mentor Matching Process and Criteria: Interns will be selected by SESYNC staff based upon the strength of their academic record and achievements, and demonstrated interest in environmental sustainability and socio-environmental issues. Finalists for the internship will be interviewed in mid-March, and final selection of interns will be made by early April. To facilitate matching of interns and mentors with compatible interests, interns will rank possible mentor placements and mentors will rank their preferences for interns. SESYNC will make an effort to satisfy intern and mentor preferences, but we cannot guarantee placement with preferred mentors.

To Apply: Please submit: 1) a resume, 2) statement of career interests (less than one page), 3) a copy of transcripts, and 4) a letter of recommendation. Parts 1-3 should be submitted as a single pdf labeled with last name, first name at http://www.sesync.org/internship-program-application by midnight on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Letters of recommendation should be sent by March 3, 2013 to education@sesync.org with the intern’s last name and “SUMMER INTERNSHIP” in the subject line.

The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities and Women Are Encouraged to Apply