Steidinger Scholars

Building the Next Generation of Scientists

The Steidinger Scholars program, launched in 2023, celebrates the life and impact of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a pioneering scientist in harmful algal bloom research and a formative leader in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Her groundbreaking work is recognized worldwide, and the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, is named in her honor. Just as Karen mentored generations of scientists, the program continues her legacy by creating opportunities for future scientists.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships mentored by FWRI scientists. Interns work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The program is open to all recent high school graduates or new college students (years 1-2) of all genders from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Successful candidates will have the ability to work in a team environment, adapt to changing work environments and priorities, and work in a range of settings including office, laboratory and outdoors in all weather conditions. Duties/tasks are position specific to the opportunity but include:

Direct project activities such as training in and assisting with field and laboratory duties to ongoing research and management projects and programs.
Shadowing staff and researchers in a variety of research areas.
Participating in training, workshops, and other education and career development planning activities.
Presenting on the experience.

All positions are paid at an hourly rate of $15/hour.
Housing is not provided.

College credit is possible. Candidates are responsible for checking with your department advisor at your home institution.

How To Apply

Qualifications

All applicants must be a recent or expected high school graduate, or 1-2 year college student by the time of internship start. (Applicants at the Junior or beyond years of study, see other opportunities)
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Willingness to learn.
Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
Good written and oral communication.
A passion for and interest in science. Prior learning or experience is not required.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. including having a valid social security card.

Women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.

Application Package

Applicants must complete the application package and submit to the intern coordinator, including:

A cover letter expressing interest in the specific opportunity being applied for; include:
1. Opportunity #,
2. why the position is of interest,
3. what you hope to gain from it,
4. why you feel you are a good candidate,
5. dates, days, and hours you are available to work,
6. your current year of study, and
7. the date you are available to start work.
Multiple applications are allowed but a separate application must be submitted for each opportunity of interest.
A letter of support from a past or current teacher of why you are a good candidate for the program (include contact information for this reference).
A resume that includes information on experience OR abilities including hobbies, interests, recreational activities.

Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to:
Interns@MyFWC.com. Indicate “Steidinger Scholars” and Opportunity number in the subject line.

If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to:
Internship Coordinator “Steidinger Scholars”
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Submission Deadlines

Opportunities normally post 1-month prior to the application deadline, and 2-3 months in advance of the internship start date e.g., Summer openings will post in January-February, with a March submission deadline.