Graduate Internships & Fellowships
Graduate students studying at the University of South Alabama Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences are guided by a world-renown faculty with expertise ranging from fisheries sciences to marine ecology and ocean physics. Outside of classroom experiences, students have access to a variety of internship opportunities where they can gain hands-on experience prior to graduation.
Alabama Ornithological Society
Dan C. Holliman Research Fund
The purpose of the Alabama Ornithological Society’s Dan C. Holliman Research Fund
is to provide small
grants in support of scientific research projects of an ornithological nature that
are clearly applicable to
Alabama birds. Priority is given to projects involving natural history or field biology
involving ornithological
research, or environmental issues that impact birds, and those performed in Alabama
or by individuals or
institutions affiliated with Alabama. Preference is also given to graduate students
(outstanding undergraduates
may also apply) or others not having access to normal mainstream funding. Applicants
are welcome to discuss
the general suitability of a potential project with the chairman (see below) before
submission. Grants will be
offered as single awards in amounts usually ranging up to $1,000, or more, and are
intended as seed-money to
help initiate larger projects, or to facilitate applications to major funding agencies.
This year, two awards are
anticipated, depending on the merit of proposals received. Grants are awarded on a
competitive basis and
receiving an award one year does not influence subsequent year's chances. Decisions
on funding will be made
within 2-3 months.
The next deadline for receipt of proposals is January 9, 2026.
Each application should include:
1. The project title; name of the applicant and the institution through which the
work will be performed,
including postal address, telephone and FAX numbers, and e-mail address;
2. A brief cover letter with the following statement: “I have read and understood
the terms and conditions of
the Dan C. Holliman research grants, as given in the Instructions. I confirm that
my supervisor and
institution are aware of my application and can receive an award (if made) without
imposing any form of
overhead costs or administrative fees.;”
3. A brief description of the significance of the project and its relevance to ornithological
issues in Alabama
(up to one page);
4. A brief description of the project and the methods to be used, in language understandable
by a scientifically
literate layperson (2-3 pages);
5. Appropriate references to the scientific literature (up to one page);
6. A detailed budget and justification with respect to the items requested, plus assurance
of availability of other
funds needed for the project (or the plans for obtaining additional support);
7. A description of the applicant’s qualifications and interests (one page);
8. The names and addresses (including phone, FAX, and e-mail) of at least two references
for the applicant.
Ideally one of these should be the student’s supervisor (if applicable), and the other
should be independent
of the project.
Grants will be made only for direct research expenses such as supplies, minor equipment, and essential
economic travel (personal vehicle costs should be based on fuel consumption rather
than on official mileage
rates). The Fund does not cover salaries, stipends, indirect costs (overheads, or
“facilities and administration”),
items such as publication costs, thesis production, or attendance at scientific conferences.
Applications will be
reviewed by a committee appointed by the President of AOS, and awards are subject
to the approval of the AOS
Board of Governors whose decision is final. The amounts awarded may be adjusted at
the discretion of AOS,
and awards may be contingent upon obtaining other necessary support.
Proposals will be judged according to the following criteria:
1) Importance of the project and its relevance to Alabama’s birdlife;
2) Scientific quality of the proposals and appropriateness of the budget;
3) Ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed work;
4) Potential to initiate a major project or to attract future funding from a major
agency.
Additional conditions. The results of the research must be reported briefly in writing to AOS, normally 1-2
years after an award has been made (2-3 pages with 1-2 tables or figures as appropriate;
standard e-files are
acceptable). Bibliographic references and copies of publications are appreciated,
and if the work contributes to
a thesis, a copy of the abstract and note of where the thesis is deposited are desirable,
but a copy of the thesis
itself is not required. Recipients should also agree, if asked, to give a presentation
on the project at an AOS
meeting (modest travel expenses will be covered). The sponsorship of AOS should be
acknowledged in
presentations and publications arising from the research. Recipients who move during
the course of a project,
or before reporting the findings, should inform the chairman of the Fund of their
new contact information.
Applications should be sent in electronic format (as e-mail attachments, in MS Word or other standard word-
processor format, or PDF file); please contact the chairman if this is not possible.
Applications will be
acknowledged on receipt.
Send applications and inquiries to:
Greg Harber
Chairman, Dan C. Holliman Research Fund
Alabama Ornithological Society
E-mail: gharber@mindspring.com
Phone: (205) 807-8055 (cell)
U.S. Department of Energy: Marine Energy Fellowship
Graduate and Postgraduate
Learn how the U.S. Department of energy's DOE Water Power Technolgies Office (WPTO) enables research, development, and testing of emerging technolgoes to advance marine energy as well as next-generation hydropower and pumped storage systems for a flexible, reliable grid.
STIPEND RANGE: $5,000 - $5,833 monthly
FELLOWS RECEIVE:
- · Competitive stipend
- · Health insurance allowance (includes medical, dental, and vision)
- · Up to $4,000 inbound/outbound reimbursement
- · $10,000 research materials and travel allowance
- · Hybrid and remote participation schedules available
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) enables research, development, and testing of emerging technologies to advance marine energy as well as next-generation hydropower and pumped storage systems for a flexible, reliable grid.
Marine energy technologies convert the energy of waves, tides, and river and ocean currents into electricity and have the potential to provide millions of Americans with locally sourced, reliable energy. The WPTO-funded Marine Energy Fellowship: Postgraduate Track will strengthen those efforts by preparing postgraduates for careers in marine energy important to WPTO by providing opportunities at DOE laboratories, industry organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, and other DOE/WPTO-approved facilities.
Marine Energy Fellowship applications are reviewed (and offers are made) two times per year:
Summer Cohort | Start Dates: May-July. Application Deadline: December 12, 2025 at 5:00pm ET.
Fall Cohort | Start Dates: August-October: Application Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.
What will I be doing?
As a participant with the Marine Energy Fellowship: Postgraduate Track, you will advance your experience and skills utilizing the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at DOE laboratories, industry, federal agencies, NGOs, or other approved facilities to accomplish your research goals, all while networking with top scientists in the field. You will enhance your education and training in marine energy, increase your marketability in these disciplines, gain access to top scientists and state-of-the-art equipment, and gain insight into research and career opportunities. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from experts researching, developing, and testing emerging technologies in marine energy and/or blue economy.
You will conduct research at a host facility. Because you are responsible for finding a host facility and securing a mentor, you will be embedded in a facility whose research aligns with your research goals and who can provide the resources you need for your research. Your mentor may also be a resource for your next career step!
Who is an ideal candidate?
Highly motivated recent graduates who have completed a degree program in a topic applicable to marine energy, including but not limited to innovative technologies for domestic power generation from marine energy technologies.
Applicants who are able to independently secure a hosting facility and mentor to host them for the appointment; virtually, hybrid, or in-person.
Where will I be?
You will identify the host facility where you want to conduct your research and a potential mentor currently conducting or directing research, development, and/or testing in a marine energy topic.
The appointment period for this fellowship is 12 months at the identified hosting facility, virtually, hybrid, or in-person. For a list of potential host facilities, please visit https://orise.orau.gov/marine-energy-research-program/applicants/host-facilities.html Applicants are not limited to this list.
Program Provisions
You will receive a competitive monthly stipend ($5,000 for post-bachelor's, $5,833 for post-master's, and $6,667 for postdocs), health insurance supplement, travel and education allowance up to $10,000, and limited tuition reimbursement. An inbound-outbound transportation allowance up to $4,000 may be provided for eligible candidates temporarily relocating and/or traveling to the hosting facility.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Be a recent graduate with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a qualified program at an accredited U.S. college or university. The degree must have been obtained within 24 months of the appointment start date.
- Have conducted research, development, and/or testing in an area aligned with WPTO mission and marine research priorities.
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Proposed Project
- Title
- Project description: The project description should be a maximum of two pages and summarize the applicant's project aims and learning objectives at the host facility, how the project supports the mission of the host facility, role of the host facility and mentor, timeline, expected outcomes, and relevance to WPTO priority research areas for marine energy.
- Academic records showing that the applicant is either currently pursuing a degree, or the degree was obtained from a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program requiring a thesis.
- If currently pursuing at the time of application, the degree must be conferred by
the appointment start date.
If degree obtained, it must have been conferred within the past 24 months at the time of application. - Transcripts or copies of the student academic records provided by the applicant from internal institutional systems may be submitted.
- Letter of Support from proposed mentor at host facility. The letter must demonstrate knowledge of and concurrence with the proposed project description and agreement to host the applicant if an appointment is offered.
- Professional summary detailing knowledge, skills, and background in an area aligned with marine energy.
- A current resume/CV (2-page limit)
If you have questions, or have issues uploading documentation, please send an email
to DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov and list DOE-EERE-RPP-2025-Summer-MEF-Postgrad in the subject line of your email.
HudsonAlpha Institute is now taking applications for Summer 2026 BioTrain Internships!
Apply now for these paid positions for undergraduate and master's-level graduate students. The BioTrain Internship program is in its 18th year of placing students in engaging experiences in a wide variety of positions across the Institute and our associated companies. This unique internship program accepts 25–30 interns each summer for a nine-week session that includes Biotech Boot Camp and weekly professional development seminars.
Positions are available in Huntsville and Dothan, Alabama.
Deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2026
A list of all positions can be found HERE
https://godive.co.za/shark-program/
Go Dive Mossel Bay is an education-oriented dive school located in Garden Route of South Africa.
2025 Tuition Fees:
1 month internship: $2900 USD
2 month internship: $5200 USD
3 month internship: $6700 USD
Courses offered:
- The Shark Program
- NAUI Divemaster Program (prerequisites)
- Scuba Courses
- Conservation Projects
- Seabird & Penguin Husbandry
- NAUI Clean Ocean Diver Workshop
- Species Identification & Ocean Literacy
- Coastal Clean Ups
- Research Techniques
- Population Dynamics (Fin ID)
- Sustainable Fishing/Benthic Shark Tagging
- Nudibranch Surveys
- Reef Surveys
- Skippers Training
Internship Details:
Location: OSA Conservation Campus, Southern Costa Rica
Duration: 3 months
Accommodation & Meals: Interns will live at the OSA Conservation Campus [a remote biological station], located in the heart of the OSA Peninsula’s tropical rainforest. Rustic shared accommodation will be provided, with three meals per day prepared by our campus kitchen team.
Room and Board Cost: $40/day ($3,600 for 3 months) – This includes accommodation,
meals, and operational costs. Please note that this rate includes a 50% discount on
our regular volunteer rates.
Available Internship Dates:
Group 1: May – July
Group 2: July – October
Group 3: October- January
Application Deadline: Rolling applications based on availability for upcoming groups.
How to Apply:
If you’re ready for an unforgettable field experience that will expand your knowledge
and skills, we want to hear from you! Please send your CV, cover letter, and preferred
group dates (based on availability) to seaturtles@osaconservation.org with the subject
line:
“Sea Turtle Short-Term Intern – [Group Name]” (e.g., Sea Turtle Short-Term Intern
– Group 1).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to contribute to sea turtle conservation while learning valuable skills in the field


