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Our 2026 summer internship program will run from May 26 to July 31, 2026. Interns will receive a stipend of $8,000, relocation reimbursement (up to $500), and room and board. Housing is provided for interns at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, approximately 9 miles from the Jerry F. Costello Field Station (transportation back and forth is provided). During the 10 weeks of the program, interns will work closely with their assigned mentor and other members of our research team on a variety of lab and field-based research projects. A primary goal of our program is to provide students with hands-on experiences while exploring multiple scientific disciplines through their research. After the first introductory week, students will begin their research while also participating in a variety of activities, including professional development workshops in scientific communication, manuscript preparation, a career panel and the development of a professional research poster and presentation for the research symposium that is the culmination of the summer program.

Interns accepted into the program will be matched with an NGRREC scientist as their mentor. The mentor and their research team will provide guidance and support for their research project throughout the summer program. The intern-mentor match is made based on the list of research projects the intern selects during the application process. The program coordinator makes every effort to match the intern with their top-ranked choice whenever possible.

Throughout the summer, interns will have the opportunity to attend events that foster relationships between the other interns in their class and members of the NGRREC community, like BBQs at the station, trips on the Mississippi River and exploration of the world-class science institutions in the St. Louis region, including the Missouri Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Zoo. Interns will visit a wide variety of our field sites to experience the different aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Mississippi River basin.

Program Benefits

  • Interns selected for the NGRREC summer intern program will gain a deeper understanding of wetland ecosystems while advancing their STEM skills, scientific literacy and ability to think critically about environmental issues.
  • Interns will have the opportunity to work in the research labs at our field station, which house an array of instruments for environmental chemistry, climate chambers, an aquarium array and more.
  • Projects will also include fieldwork, providing interns the opportunity to experience a variety of wetlands and conservation areas where the research of NGRREC takes place as they collect data for their research projects.
  • Professional development is a primary component of our program; students will participate in a career panel, writing workshops and interactions with NGRREC staff in our Research, Education and Outreach divisions.
  • Interns will experience science communication with the public through involvement in NGRREC’s community outreach programs.