Internship OPPORTUNITIES
Internships that will advance your career beyond the coast!
Whether you are a current undergraduate or graduate student looking for research support, or a soon to be graduate looking for exciting opportunities that will set the course for your career; Virginia Sea Grant offers a range of internships aimed at helping you achieve your goals while giving you the professional skills to be a leader in your field.
No opportunities are currently available. Please check back soon!
Undergraduate Internship Projects - Summer 2026
Undergraduate students from any Virginia college or university may apply for the internship positions listed below even if they do not attend the internship host university.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Position 1: Blue Crabs and Disease Ecology Research Intern
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: William & Mary’s Batten School, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 Weeks: 40 hours a week
Postdoctoral Fellow Mentor: Megan Tomamichel
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Jeff Shields
Description: This internship offers a research opportunity to work on the disease ecology of pathogens of blue crabs and other decapods in Virginia. Emphasis will be placed on assisting with ongoing laboratory and field studies directed at understanding the transmission dynamics of Hematodinium perezi – an important pathogen of blue crabs. Learning objectives include designing appropriate experiments for disease studies, understanding how environmental factors and species interactions facilitate transmission, and analyzing data from experiments to address key questions. Responsibilities include working closely with the postdoctoral mentor and faculty advisor to design and undertake experiments to investigate disease transmission in the laboratory. Additionally, the intern will gain hands-on experience working on ongoing research projects in the lab and in the field. The ideal candidate will have a background in biological sciences, or a related field, along with a general interest in parasitology and marine science. Professional development opportunities include engagement with other faculty and staff at VIMS through professional and social activities and an opportunity to present their work at a scientific meeting. Candidates should be comfortable with being on a boat, working in the lab, as well as enjoy problem-solving and working in collaborative environments.
Deliverable: We have been developing a model system to explore components of transmission and are poised to make advances with it. The intern will help maintain this model system and provide support for ongoing field and laboratory investigations. These studies contribute to our understanding of transmission dynamics of pathogens that use crustaceans, particularly blue crabs, as hosts.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 2: Contaminants of Emerging Concern Summer Research Internship
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: VT Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Beach, VA
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 weeks/40 hours a week
Faculty Mentor: Natasha Bell; David Sample; Michael Harrison
Graduate Student Mentor: Ava DiVita
Description: This project investigates the occurrence and mitigation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including PFAS, in urban stormwater systems. Our team is monitoring a stormwater pond in Hampton, VA, to understand contaminant sources, transport, and fate, and to evaluate best management practices such as floating treatment wetlands. The intern will assist with water quality and quantity monitoring, including maintaining automatic water samplers, collecting water and sediment samples, and analyzing samples for common water quality parameters in both field and laboratory settings. Responsibilities will also include supporting other ongoing water quality projects in the Hampton area. This position offers hands-on experience in environmental monitoring and applied research addressing critical water quality challenges in coastal communities.
Deliverable: The selected intern will assist with the installation of a floating wetland along with educational materials for distribution to the public regarding the presence, prevention, and treatment of PFAS in stormwater systems.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 3: VSU CEA and Aquaculture Program Summer Internship
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: Virginia State University’s Randolph Farms, Petersburg, VA
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 weeks/40 hours per week
Faculty Advisor: Joshua Dusci
Description: Virginia State University is an 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 416-acre farm called Randolph Farm. On Randolph Farm, VSU’s College of Agriculture conducts research, extension, demonstration, and teaching. One of the programs under the College of Agriculture is the CEA and Aquaculture Program (CEAA). The CEAA Program’s main focus is supporting a variety of stakeholders involved in aquaponics, hydroponics, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and pond culture (specifically channel catfish and hybrid striped bass production) through extension, research, and education. This support revolves around the facilities at the Randolph farm which consists of 57 aquaculture ponds, 2 aquaponic/hydroponic greenhouses (~8,000ft2 of covered production area), several offices (specialist and student) and laboratories (wet and dry labs), fish hatchery space, and a fish processing kitchen.
The CEAA Program Summer Intern would gain hands on experience in all areas of the CEAA Program, but would have a specific focus on activities and duties within the aquaculture facilities that support aquaculture programming and stakeholders. Additionally, the CEAA Summer Intern would be given the opportunity to create a unique and independent project based on their interests. Interns can also expect to participate in activities such as research studies, harvesting and sampling fish and plants, processing fish, transporting fish, building and repairing culture systems, and participating in extension activities (i.e. youth fishing, farm tours, and farm events).
Routine tasks will include but are not limited to:
- Water quality testing
- Data entry
- Feeding fish systems (outdoors and indoors)
- Participating in research studies
- Harvesting, transporting, sampling, and processing fish
- Building, repairing, and maintaining aquaculture/aquaponic systems
- Participating in educational/extension activities (i.e. youth fishing, farm tours, farm events)
Interns would be expected to be able to work in uncomfortable conditions (within a pond, within a hot greenhouse, etc.) with adequate breaks to ensure good working environments. Interns will also be expected to do light physical activity such as carrying buckets of feed or water, moving fish, walking short distances, etc. Interns would be expected to work from (8) hour days from Monday-Friday. Intern will be provided with any required equipment, tools, or safety gear to ensure good working conditions.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 4: Predator-prey Interactions in Tidal Freshwaters Intern
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: George Mason University, Potomac Science Center, Woodbridge, VA.
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 Weeks: 40 hours a week
Graduate Student Mentor: Riley Moreau
Faculty Advisor: Dr. T. Reid Nelson
Description: This internship offers a unique opportunity to investigate predator prey relationships in valuable tidal freshwater nursery habitats and the impact of invasive species through a combination of diet analysis and field experimental work. Tidal freshwaters, typically located within major metropolitan areas at the head of estuaries, provide valuable nursery habitat for resident and migratory fishes, which in turn provide a valuable prey resource for both native and invasive piscivores. However, it remains unclear how the diet of invasive and native (naturalized) piscivores compares and what factors drive predation in these ecosystems. Here, the intern will gain hands on experience with boat electrofishing surveys to quantify the summer piscivore community, diet analysis to determine their forage base, and experiments using Predation Event Recorders (PERs) to determine what factors drive summer predation. Candidates should be comfortable with being on a boat, fish euthanasia, be able to lift 50 pounds, and excel in collaborative environments.
Deliverable: The intern’s work will directly contribute to a better understanding of predator prey dynamics in tidal freshwater nursery habitat. Their main deliverable will be the summer diet analysis of native and invasive piscivores, to determine which prey sources are most abundant and overlap in prey sources among these predators. Additionally, the intern will analyze video footage from the PERs, to quantify the predator community responsible for PER predation events, and to determine how environmental factors may shape predator type. Upon completion, this data will inform whether certain species preferentially prey on anadromous fishes that are experiencing poor recruitment (e.g. River Herring, Striped Bass) or if prey type is consistent throughout the community, providing a valuable data source to fishery managers.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 5: Summer 2026 Aquaculture Ambassador Program Internship
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: VT Seafood AREC, Hampton, VA
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 Weeks: 40 hours a week
Program Purpose: this internship is designed as a hands-on workforce development and career preparation program that equips undergraduate students with technical, professional, and applied research skills relevant to careers in aquaculture, controlled environmental agriculture (CEA), and related fields. The program integrates experiential learning, industry engagement, and applied research to strengthen the regional aquaculture workforce pipeline.
Position Overview: The aquaculture ambassador intern will receive hands-on training in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), hydroponic/aquaponics food production systems, live feed culture, fish breeding procedures, and daily fish husbandry. The intern will also be participating in weekly professional development activities and engage directly with industry professionals and researchers through weekly speaker series and regional field trips.
Core Training Areas and Responsibilities
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems:
- Operate and maintain RAS following standard operating procedures
- Conduct daily fish husbandry tasks, including feeding, tank maintenance, health assessments, and biosecurity practices
- Measure, interpret, and record water quality parameters
Live Feed Production
- Culture, maintain, and harvest live feeds (artemia, rotifers, copepods, etc.)
- Monitor live feed density, culture health, and water quality
- Apply live feed enrichment and feed strategies relevant to larval and juvenile fish production
Hydroponics & Aquaponics
- Assist with operation of hydroponic/aquaponic systems, including Babylon microfarms vertical farming system
- Support crop production activities such as planting, harvesting, and system maintenance
- Monitor plant health, nutrient availability, and system performance
- Understand nutrient cycling and system integration between fish and plant production
 Fish Breeding
- Assist with zebrafish (danio rerio) breeding and rearing, including spawning setup, egg collection, larval care, and growth monitoring
- Follow research protocol, maintain accurate records, and support experimental data collection
Independent Applied Research Project
- Complete a supervised, small-scale research project aligned with aquaculture or controlled environmental agriculture
- Develop skills in problem solving, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Communicate results through a written report and/or oral presentation, building professional communication skills
Professional Development & Industry Engagement
- Participate in a weekly speaker series featuring aquaculture researchers, extension professionals, and industry leaders
- Learn about career pathways, workforce expectations, emerging technologies, and industry needs
- Partipcate in field trips to regional aquaculture and/or aquaponics facilities
- Build professional networks and gain exposure to diverse employment settings
Required Qualifications
- Current undergraduate student in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field
- Interest in aquaculture, applied research, or CEA careers
- Ability to follow protocols, work as part of a team, and maintain accurate records
Workforce Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Demonstrate job ready technical skills in aquaculture and CEA
- Apply best practices in RAS operation, live feed production, and fish husbandry
- Understand integrated aquaponic and vertical farming systems
- Complete an independent research project relevant to aquaculture industry needs
- Develop professional skills in communication, teamwork, and problem solving
- Build awareness of and connections to regional aquaculture career pathways
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 6: Plastic Pollution Prevention Intern
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration and Schedule: This is a part-time position 30-40 hours per week from the Virginia Beach office. This is a summer position for a duration of 10-12 weeks (to be determined by school schedule)
Supervisor: Christina Trapani
VASG Fellow Mentor: Joseph Barnes
About Clean Virginia Waterways: Clean Virginia Waterways’ (CVW) mission is to enhance the health of Virginia’s water resources through pollution prevention, education, and stewardship activities involving Virginians from the classroom to the boardroom. CVW is dedicated to advancing proven policies to reduce plastic pollution and marine debris, committed to citizen stewardship of Virginia’s rivers, streams, bays, beaches and groundwater, affiliated with the Ocean Conservancy, the co-founder of the Virginia Plastic Pollution Prevention Network, the co-author of the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan, the organizer of the International Coastal Cleanup in Virginia since 1995, and a nationally-recognized leader in litter prevention educational programming, litter research and marine debris solution development.
Description: This internship position will offer the opportunity for a student to assist with all aspects of Clean Virginia Waterways’ litter prevention efforts, including outreach and education, data collection, forming partnerships, volunteer management, raising funds, social media, research and more. Specifically, interns will be responsible for planning monthly litter cleanups in Hampton Roads (Finding locations in need of service, Volunteer and partner recruitment, Marketing the cleanups, Collecting and entering data); Implementing the Keep It Beachy Clean Litter Prevention Program (Distributing program materials and forming partnerships with hospitality groups, parks, and city staff throughout Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Securing sponsorships for the Keep it Beachy Clean Program, Managing social media accounts and website updates, Creating new materials as needed for outreach and engagement); Conducting research for the Marine Debris Strategy Director; Grant writing and assistance with event organizing.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Virginia college or university. The student must have completed at least one year of study prior to the start of the internship and must be enrolled as a student throughout the duration of the project. Recent graduates (graduating May 2026 or earlier) are not eligible for this opportunity. Students seeking a degree in a related field are preferrable.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be willing to work from the Virginia Beach office at least 2-3 days a week.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills and comfort speaking with business owners, managers, and the public.
- Proficiency in Google Drive, Canva, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Comfortable leading volunteer groups for beach cleanups.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
Deliverable: The intern will present a final report and 20 minute oral presentation to staff during the last week of the internship.
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
Position 7: Outreach and Engagement Summer Intern
Deadline: February 20, 2026 Before 11:59 PM EST
Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia
Wage: $17.00/hour
Duration: 10 Weeks: 40 hours a week
Supervisor: Lisa Lawrence
Unit Mission Statement: The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.
With the W&M Batten School & VIMS, the Office of Outreach and Engagement is a collaborative team of professionals providing education and outreach programming for the Institute. The office’s goal is to increase scientific and environmental literacy of diverse audiences to improve Virginia’s coastal communities and beyond. This goal is achieved by translating science, increasing accessibility of marine science education, and advancing visibility of VIMS research and resources.
Position Summary:Â The Outreach & Engagement Summer Intern(s) will work closely with the VIMS Office of Outreach and Engagement team to prepare, deliver and evaluate education and outreach programs that promote hands-on, experiential learning in marine science. The Intern(s) will assist with K-12 summer camps, teacher professional development opportunities, and public outreach events. Responsibilities may include logistical support, preparation of materials, activity facilitation, and collection and analysis of program evaluation data.
Required Qualifications
Your past experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including schoolwork and volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translate to these openings.
Education:
- High School diploma and completion of at least one year of undergraduate study by the start of the internship
- Recent college graduates may also apply
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
- Strong interest in science education, with a focus on marine or environmental science, and enthusiasm for helping others learn about science. Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific topics to youth and general audiences
- Comfort working on vessels (boats, canoes, kayaks), in and around water, and in field conditions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism and reliability
- Proficiency with basic productivity software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Google equivalents) and familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X).
Preferred Qualifications
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
- Familiarity with Chesapeake Bay ecosystems
- Experience with K-12 audiences in education, camp, mentoring, or outreach settings
- Coursework or experience in marine science or education
- Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving ability
- Experience using lab or field research equipment
Conditions of Employment:
- 10-week temporary hourly position running approximately May 18 – August 8, 2026 (specific dates may vary depending on academic calendars)
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions and around nuisance plants and animals
Summer interns will have the opportunity to work and learn in a variety of roles in the following areas:
Education:
- Support a variety of outreach and education programs, including field-based summer camps, teacher workshops, and public outreach events
- Assist with week-long summer camps for students in grades 3 – 10, including field experiences, laboratory investigations, craft-based activities, and maintaining a safe learning environment
- Serve as near-peer mentor for high school participants in a two-week STEM summer camp
- Support teacher professional development workshops by preparing materials, helping deliver classroom and field lessons, and contributing to program evaluation
- Assist with organizing, analyzing and reporting evaluation data to inform future programming
Outreach:
- Assist in the planning and delivery of public outreach programs, including Marine Science Day, festival exhibit booths, and public tours
- Help develop communications materials, such blog content, social media posts, photographs, videos and interviews
- Support the creation of promotional and educational resources including presentation materials, flyers, handouts, and visual media
Independent Project:
- Intern(s) will complete an independent education or outreach project selected from a list of available options. This project will be completed throughout the summer alongside team responsibilities and presented at the end of the internship.
Note: Please answer the following questions in your personal statement/cover letter:
 What experience have you had with marine science?
- What experience have you had with education or outreach programs?
- What do you hope to gain from this internship?
Application Submission: Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
The Application Process
Your application package should include:
Full Name
Major/Degree program
College or university
Anticipated year of graduation
Resume (1-2 page max.)
A one- to two-page resume or list of past work, volunteer and community experience (position title, organization, employment start and end date, short description of responsibilities and accomplishments).Â
Letter of Interest (1-page max.)
Virginia Sea Grant is a multidisciplinary organization and values individuals from a wide range of academic disciplines and career paths. Please describe:
- How this internship contributes to your broader career ambitions
- Your motivations for participating
- Two professional skills you want to gain or refine as part of this program
Professional References
Submit two professional references. Please include:
- First and last name
- Contact information (workplace/university, phone, email)
- Relationship to you (past employer, college professor/advisor, etc.)
Application Submission
Applications must be submitted online via the Virginia Sea Grant Applications Portal. All elements must be submitted by the deadline. VASG will not accept late applications under any circumstances (e.g., internet delays), so please allow ample time to submit your applications in advance of the deadline.
