Steidinger Scholars
The Steidinger Scholars program was established in honor of Dr. Karen Steidinger, a world-renowned pioneering woman in harmful algal bloom research and a formative figure in the history of FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Dr. Steidinger’s career includes numerous significant contributions to dinoflagellate research, which have been acknowledged by her peers through the naming of the organism that causes red tides in Florida, Karenia brevis, after her.
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 during the summer, May-August (occasionally fall or winter term opportunities may be available). Mentored by FWRI scientists, future investigators 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.
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:
- Opportunity #,
- why the position is of interest,
- what you hope to gain from it,
- why you feel you are a good candidate,
- dates, days, and hours you are available to work,
- your current year of study, and
- 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.
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.
Summer 2025 Internships:
Deadline to apply: Sunday, March 2, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
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.
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
Steidinger Scholars Positions Summer 2025 (May-Aug)
Freshwater Fisheries – Garcon
Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU25-02
This is a great opportunity for a student interested in learning about freshwater fish and mussels, field techniques for collecting research and monitoring data, and the overall purpose of fish and wildlife conservation. Interns will join biologists to sample freshwater fish and mussel communities using a variety of gears, participate in post-sampling lab work, and assist with data entry. Participants will be exposed to a wide range of freshwater research and monitoring projects being conducted in the Florida panhandle.
Location: Garcon Point, Florida
Hours: Part-time or full-time opportunity available (indicate preference in application letter)
Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates TBD)
Supervisor: Variety of projects with several mentors
Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Using acoustic telemetry to locate tagged Alligator Gar, Gulf Striped Bass, and American Eels
- Electrofishing some of the most diverse freshwater rivers in the state
- Gill netting for Alligator Gar
- Preliminary sampling for Alabama Shad, a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act
- Lab identification of freshwater fish species
- Generate content for all social media channels
- Conducting mussel monitoring and research
- Trailering and operating boats (*requires valid driver’s license)
Freshwater Fisheries Research/Center for Conservation Social Science Research – Gainesville
Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU25-04
This is a great opportunity for a student interested in learning about freshwater fish, freshwater invertebrates, fisheries field techniques for collecting scientific data, human dimensions of fisheries, and the overall purpose of freshwater ecosystem conservation and management. Intern will be paired with researchers to learn about various aspects of fisheries science, sample freshwater fish and invertebrate communities using a variety of gears, participate in post-sampling lab work, assist with data entry, and learn about the human dimensions of fisheries. Participant will be exposed to a wide range of freshwater research and monitoring projects being conducted in north-central Florida.
Location: Gainesville, FL
Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20 hours per week)
Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates TBD)
Supervisor: Variety of projects with several mentors
Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Sample freshwater fish using a variety of methods including electrofishing, trawling, and seining
- Identify and age freshwater fish
- Conduct independent study to gain practical research experience
- Assist with ongoing research projects focused on non-native freshwater fish
- Enter and review fish, habitat and water quality data
- Map aquatic plants from freshwater lakes in north-central Florida
- Collect and process water samples
- Sample freshwater mussels, crayfish, and/or other invertebrates
- Trailer and operate boats (*requires valid driver’s license)
- Assist with human dimensions data collection, such as through surveys or interviews
Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Biotoxins – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: SS-SU25-06
This is a fantastic opportunity for an eager and organized individual who has a burning interest in biology and analytical chemistry and would enjoy the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in a working laboratory. Participants will gain experience in methods for extraction of marine biotoxins from water and animal tissues as well as the analytical techniques utilized to detect and quantify them. Additional laboratory work will include training in the use of a variety of laboratory equipment, chemical safety, preparation of lab reagents, and the use of databases. Field work may be involved and would consist of working from small boats both inshore and offshore. Additional duties and opportunities are possible depending on HAB occurrences and the participants interests.
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: Part-time opportunity (15-20 hours per week on average)
Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates negotiable)
Supervisor: Jay Abbott/ Sugandha Shankar
Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Performing extractions for marine biotoxins on seawater and animal tissues.
- Accurately recording extraction data and conducting data entry into databases in a timely manner.
- Assisting with analytical methods utilized in the lab including ELISA, HPLC and LCMS.
- Preparation of laboratory reagents following proper chemical safety procedures.
- Cleaning and maintaining general laboratory spaces, glassware and equipment.
- Assisting with field work as needed.
Successful candidates will:
- Be organized, reliable and pay attention to detail.
- Have the ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instruction.
- Be able to maintain mental focus while performing repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Have no aversion to “blood and guts” or noxious odors.
- Effectively communicate, have the ability to work independently and bring a positive attitude to the lab.
Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Molecular – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: FWRI SS-SU25-03
This opportunity involves laboratory work for research and monitoring focused on harmful algal blooms. Participants will gain experience in methods for molecular identification and culturing of harmful algal bloom species. Molecular work will involve learning methods including sterile techniques for DNA extraction or preparing PCR assays on field or cultured samples. Culture work will involve working with phytoplankton in the lab and tracking their growth. Participants may be involved in other aspects of sample processing including collection from the field, data entry, data processing, and/or data proofing.
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Hours: Part-time opportunity (~20-40 hours per week on average)
Dates: mid-May to mid-August (start and end dates negotiable)
Supervisor: Julie Koester Co-supervisor TBD
Tasks: Specific job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Following standard protocols to conduct experiments and assays
- Maintenance of laboratory stock culture and experimental cultures
- Measurement of fluorescence for growth
- Performing sterile techniques for culture and molecular assays
- Processing samples for DNA fingerprinting analyses
- Writing detailed descriptions of experiments and assays in lab notebook
- Entering data into spreadsheets and databases
- Preparing stock solutions and standards
- Cleaning and maintaining general laboratory spaces
Successful candidates will:
- Display attention to detail and organization
- Communicate regularly with their supervisors
Saltwater Fisheries, Fisheries Dependent Monitoring – St. Petersburg
Opportunity #: SS-SU25-07
The FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Fisheries Dependent Monitoring Program (FDM) is seeking a highly motivated and excited intern to assist in summer fisheries surveys of the private, for-hire, and commercial fishing fleets. Florida is considered the Fishing Capital of the World; through several survey programs, FDM is directly involved in monitoring the effort and activity of anglers along the entire Florida coastline. Interns will gain invaluable saltwater fisheries research experience by interviewing anglers and sampling fish, and additionally, develop data skills by organizing biological samples and participating in research analyses.
Location: St. Petersburg, FL (FWRI)
Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 20 hours per week) but hours are flexible
Dates: mid-May to mid-August
Supervisor: Variety of projects with several mentors
Tasks: Specific Job Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Assist in conducting FDM surveys for the private recreational fleet, for-hire fleet, and/or the commercial fishing fleet either by dockside interviewing or at-sea observation
- Assist in identifying and sampling harvested and/or discarded saltwater finfish
- Handle and organize products of FDM surveys including but not limited to biological samples, datasheets, and survey gear
- Enter and review trip, interview, and biological data
- Assist with on-going research projects focused on saltwater fishing and dependent monitoring
Successful Candidates should:
- Have an interest in Florida saltwater fishing research and management
- Hold a valid drivers license
- Be willing to handle fish
- Be comfortable approaching and talking with the public
- Be comfortable working in field conditions with high heat and humidity
- Be comfortable lifting up to 50lbs
- Communicate regularly with their supervisors
Wildlife Research, Crocodilian Research and Management – Gainesville
Opportunity #: SS-SU25-01
This opportunity is for a highly motivated individual to aid the FWC Crocodilian Research Team with nighttime spotlight alligator surveys. Surveys are conducted during the Spring (May 1st to June 15th) and Summer (July 1st to August 14th) field seasons. Interns will be required to travel around the state to different waterbodies (lakes, rivers, and man-made impoundments) to assist our wildlife biologists’ alligator surveys as data recorder from an airboat or outboard motored boat. During a typical survey night, interns would assist with prepping the vessel for launch, recording data correctly into a tablet form as the vessel operator gives alligator size and count data over the communications headset, and safely unloading the boat and storing field equipment after the surveys. A typical work week involves surveys Monday to Thursday nights, usually from around 7:30 PM until ~ 1 AM, excluding the drive back to the hotel or office. When not conducting surveys, participants will work towards earning their Florida boaters card, CPR & First Aid certification through the American Red Cross, and complete agency training for Watercraft & Trailering Safely. Interns will also assist with and learn about equipment maintenance and safety.
*This position often requires late nights and a flexible schedule that is dependent on the changing weather and unpredictable field conditions, and a valid driver license.
Location: Gainesville, FL
Hours: Part-time opportunity (average 30hrs per week Monday to Thursday; shifting schedule for on-site training during days and surveys during evenings typically ending around 1-2AM)
Dates: May 2 (preferred) – August 14
Supervisor: TBA
Tasks/Position Requirements: The primary responsibilities will be assisting with nighttime alligator surveys in the field, including but not limited to:
- Travel to and conduct surveys in various freshwater bodies throughout the state
- Record survey data 2-3 days per week
- Prepare vessels for launch
- Maintain and safely store field equipment
Successful candidates should:
- Have an interest in Florida’s crocodilians, wetlands, and wildlife research and management
- Hold a valid Driver’s License and clean driving record
- Be comfortable working in remote locations at night, often in adverse conditions (high heat and humidity, flying and biting insects, or poor weather conditions should they arise)
- Be comfortable lifting up to 50lbs of gear or equipment
- Be comfortable using a tablet to record data accurately as it is called out
Steidinger Scholars Flickr Album
