Odum Internship in Field Ecology

Overview

Dr. Eugene Odum, regarded as one of the founders of ecosystem ecology, launched his scientific career at the Huyck Preserve in the early 1940s as one of the first Research Fellows at the Huyck Preserve’s biological research station. In honor of his legacy, the Huyck Preserve offers an internship for undergraduate students who are interested in conducting ecological field research. Interns work with scientific professionals, conduct and present original research, and gain valuable environmental education experience through involvement in our high school summer program.

Summary

• This is a full-time, six-week residential internship.
• Up to four highly qualified undergraduate students will be selected each summer.
• The internship includes a $400 stipend for the season, and housing is provided.
• Arrangements for college credit must be made with the applicant’s home institution.

About the Internship

Summer 2025 interns will perform their own independent research project under the direction of Summer Research Fellow (SRF) Sarah Snyder, Ph.D. 

Dr. Snyder has been an Associate Professor of Biology at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, in Great Barrington, MA, since 2014. She has conducted field-based research that addresses conservation concerns for reptile and amphibian populations in the Caribbean, desert southwest, and northeastern US. Many of the ecological questions she is interested in are conducted collaboratively through research networks that actively involve undergraduate students. She is passionate about teaching and educational community outreach and serves on the board of the Berkshire Bird Observatory. Learn more about Dr. Snyder’s research expertise and background here.

Interns will also interact with other visiting researchers performing their own research projects at the Huyck Preserve. Find the list of some of our recent researchers here. 

The range of intern projects is broad and focused on the natural systems of the Huyck Preserve. Under Dr. Snyder’s mentorship, students are encouraged to explore their own interests within the scope of the program.

The upcoming program will be held from June 29 to August 9, 2025.