BACKGROUND INFORMATION Our research encompasses a wide range of projects, exploring the ecology and management of coastal marine ecosystems. We focus primarily on invasion dynamics but also examine species interactions of both native and non-native species. Overall, we study the patterns of marine invasions across space, time, and taxonomic groups and evaluate non- native management strategies. We seek to understand what drives those patterns, how to predict the future spread and impacts of non-native species, and how they affect species interactions, including predator- prey and host-parasite relationships.
INTERNSHIP PROJECT For the Fouling Survey project, we conduct standardized surveys of the fouling community to document both native and introduced species in bays and estuaries. We study the diversity of fouling communities,how it changes over time, and how new species change community structure, composition and abundance. An internship with the Fouling Project will require travel to many different cities (usually in the Continental US or Panama). Interns will have the opportunity to study the latitudinal trends in non-native species diversity, the methods non- native species use to disperse themselves globally, and what makes them successful locally. We anticipate that the intern will spend 25% of their time working on an independent project that is part of the larger fouling community study, 25% assisting with miscellaneous lab projects,and 50% aiding in all aspects of field surveys. DETAILS This internship will be located at our San Francisco, California laboratory with the possibility to transfer to our Edgewater, Maryland location after field season. The internship dates span mid-May/early June through mid-October for a total of 16 weeks with some flexibility. Both current students and recent graduates will be considered. HOUSING California: There is limited on-site guest house space available at varying costs. Maryland: There is limited on-site dormitory space available for $105.00 per week. COMPENSATION The intern will receive a stipend of $550 dollars per week. TO APPLY Registration at the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA) is required. Select the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship program from the drop down list of programs and submit an essay, CV or resume, academic transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and two letters of recommendation. The Marine Invasions Lab is one of many labs at SERC, and the Fouling Project is one of a few projects in the Marine Invasions Lab. If you would like to report interest in this lab and project, please do so in your essay.
