Maine WRRI opens applications for student internship funding awards

Maine Water Resources Research Institute

Communicating Water Resources Science Student Internships

The Maine WRRI seeks to improve the transfer of knowledge between researchers and their partners in Maine by establishing an internship program for undergraduate/graduate students to help develop resources focused on facilitating the adaptation of water science into practice. Students will work collaboratively with research teams and their partners to design communication tools to increase understanding of research outcomes and to develop a knowledge base to expand awareness of future water resources challenges from climate change and human activities. Research themes considered in this proposal include: 1) traditional water knowledge, 2) winter water budgets, 3) surface water features, 4) groundwater pathways, and 5) land-sea connections.

Roles and Responsibilities

The application process will select three to four water resources research projects where development of knowledge transfer tools can substantially benefit community partners. Each selected project will involve a student intern and a mentor with expertise related to at least one of the project themes. Teams will participate in coordinated activities such as information exchange, development of research and communication strategies, coordination of partner engagement and feedback, and development, refinement and rollout of science communication products.

Available Funding

Faculty can request up to $4,000, including funding for interns at pay rates commensurate with UMaine’s Student Special Project Assistant III (Step 3) for undergraduate students; or, UMaine’s Graduate Student Assistant II (Step 10) for graduate students, and a maximum of $500 for faculty summer salary. Funding is available from January 15, 2025 to August 31, 2025.

Applications are due December 9, 2024!

Complete guidelines and an application form are available for download below. Questions about this opportunity can be sent to Sean Smith.