The Discover Life in America Biology Internship is a unique opportunity for an undergraduate who is interested in the biological sciences to be immersed in the natural history of the Smokies. The staff of DLIA strives to create an experience that allows the intern to gain experience in all aspects of the scientific process.
The biology intern is expected to:
- Assist Park staff and visiting scientists with fieldwork, including collecting, trapping, and field recording
- Process collected data and maintain the ATBI database
- Help organize and lead DLIA citizen-science events such as bioblitzes
- Assist in planning and running various DLIA educational and fundraising events
- Work independently on a project of the intern's creation (to be discussed with and approved by the DLIA staff)
- Be responsible, honest, reliable, and hardworking
In addition to these requirements, all interns should be comfortable with using computers for word processing and website management, be courteous with DLIA and National Park staff, and be able to express themselves effectively both orally and in writing.
The internship lasts for ten weeks in the summer, although the length and dates are flexible. The workplace is at Twin Creeks Natural Resource Center, just a mile outside of Gatlinburg, TN. Usually, we are able to offer interns Park housing at no cost to them in the Twin Creeks area, but this changes from year to year, as does the amount of the stipend offered to defray living expenses.
In the past, we have been helped by diverse interns with diverse interests. Students have used this immersion in biodiversity to fuel interests in everything from education to nature writing, and we encourage interns to use this opportunity to explore anything and everything they wish.
If you are interested, please fill out our online application, or email todd@dlia.org with questions.
