Program Overview
Description
The SCDNR - MRD in cooperation with federal (e.g. the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-NOAA) and state agencies offered undergraduate minority science students internship positions at the Marine Resources Center on James Island (near Charleston), South Carolina. Each summer, interns were selected to work for twelve weeks (May-August) in Charleston, SC. Applications were accepted from science majors who had at least a 2.5 GPA in their major courses (2.0 overall). College transcripts and letters of recommendation from two professors were required. Applicants provided written statements of fields of interest and goals. Students were evaluated via scheduled telephone interviews and the information presented in their applications. Mentors experienced in various fields of marine, environmental and coastal ocean science (including chemistry, marine biology, toxicology, microbiology, fisheries science, marine, estuarine and wetland ecology) assisted interns in completing independent research projects. Students shared in the development of their research project, while they learned scientific problem solving skills. At the conclusion of the program, students completed written reports and made oral presentations of their summer research. Participants received classroom instruction on topics that assisted them in completing their research and presentations. Students received financial support for the 12 weeks.
Key Minority Program Accomplishments
- Nearly 100 students have participated in summer research training programs at SCDNR - MRD since 1989.
- Nearly 50% have continued their education toward graduate science degrees or pursued a career in the sciences including medicine.
- Many have participated in local and national meetings across the United States and abroad and several have won student awards. Some meetings are:
- American Society of Limnology and Oceanography
- Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- Southeastern Estuarine Research Society
- American Fisheries Society
- South Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation
- Many students participate in other summer internship programs after their intern experience at SCDNR - MRD.
- Nearly every year a few students were listed as co-authors on publications with mentor.