Marine Science and Engineering Summer Internships

For an immersion in a marine science or technology internship, apply to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Summer Internship Program. Open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students, the 10-week program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a research environment in areas that include:

• Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement
• Biomedical and Biotechnology
• Marine Ecosystem Health
• Ocean Dynamics and Modeling
• Ocean Engineering and Technology
• Ocean Exploration
• Outreach and Informal Education

Internationally known for its research in marine science and biomedicine, aquaculture, and ocean engineering, FAU Harbor Branch is located between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, Florida, on the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the United States. Nearby habitats include seagrass beds, mangrove forests, salt marshes, mud and sand flats, beaches, rock ledges, and nearshore reefs.

FAU Harbor Branch faculty members are leaders in their fields. You will be learning from, and studying with, the best.

Undergraduate Interns: Open to students currently enrolled in a full-time program who have completed at least the equivalent of two years of college and are seeking a four-year degree.

Graduate Interns: Open to currently enrolled graduate students and graduating seniors who have been accepted and are pre-registered for a graduate program.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and in good academic standing as evidenced by submission of a current official transcript. Students who are not U.S. citizens must have a current visa with authorization to receive stipends or be on an educational visa. All other applicants must have a social security number.

Applications are due by March 1. Awards will be announced April 1. The 2024 Summer Intern Program begins May 20 and continues through July 26.

The major portion of the funding for this program is provided through the generosity of the Link Foundation. The Gertrude Skelly Foundation provides major support for interns in marine biomedical research.

Application Procedure

To be considered a complete application for review by the intern selection committee, the following materials must be submitted for this program:

1. Completed application form (see forms and documents section)
2. Brief (single spaced, no more than one-page) essay outlining experience and career/research interests
3. Resume
4. Three (3) letters of reference submitted by Faculty members who are familiar with you. Faculty may send their reference directly to HBOIIntern@zo23.com
5. Official copy of college transcript, sealed envelope mailed to FAU Harbor Branch address below
6. Graduating seniors must submit proof (copy of registration and letter of acceptance to graduate school) of continuing education

Official transcripts must be mailed to FAU Harbor Branch:
FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
All other application materials must be sent in one email* with each item an individual attachment. *If attachments exceed the size for one email as allowed by your service provider, an additional email is permitted. Email to: HBOIIntern@zo23.com

Forms and Documents

Click here to download the fillable PDF application.
REQUIRED! Please install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Download a Summer Intern program brochure here.

Research Areas

• Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement
• Biomedical and Biotechnology
• Marine Ecosystem Health
• Ocean Dynamics and Modeling
• Ocean Engineering and Technology
• Ocean Exploration
• Outreach and Informal Education

Mentors