USDA-ARS Internship in Boxwood Blight Epidemiology

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU) located in Frederick, Maryland.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

Research Project: The participant would be assigned to the research project to help study the effects of environmental and host parameters on the severity of boxwood blight disease (caused by fungi in the genus Calonectria). For instance, we are trying to determine whether the different cultivars and species of boxwood are susceptible to boxwood blight to different degrees. We are also interested in how temperature and relative humidity affect disease development. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant's activities will include categorizing a group of fungal isolates by their fungicide sensitivity. Through this opportunity, the participant will gain knowledge of basic mycology and plant pathology.  

Learning Objectives: The participants will learn how to propagate and raise boxwoods in the greenhouse, learn sterile technique during the maintenance of fungal colonies, learn how to measure growth rate of fungi, and learn how to inoculate plants and rate for disease. There are also opportunities to learn how to use a microscope and take photomicrographs.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Nina Shishkoff (Nina.Shishkoff@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for three months, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Northeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Post-Associate's, Post-Bachelor's, or Undergraduate Students.