Ocean Acidification Internship
The Ocean Acidification Program at Mote was created to research and understand responses of ecologically important species — like corals — to projected levels of ocean acidification. The program is currently developing two research facilities, one in Sarasota and one at the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration on Summerland Key in the Florida Keys for studies of how corals and other reef species will react to changes in pH as well as climate change (ocean temperature). These seawater systems include both flow-through and large mesocosm-based designs.
There are multiple Ocean Acidification program locations and projects that accept interns. If interested, please select the Ocean Acidification Program in your internship application, and specify the program location or project in your statement of interest.
The Ocean Acidification Program in Sarasota, FL, directed by Dr. Emily R. Hall, focuses on monitoring changes in carbonate chemistry (pH, total alkalinity, total dissolved inorganic carbon, and pCO2) in the coastal and offshore areas of Sarasota, FL. A second focus of this lab is to find mitigation strategies for Florida’s annual harmful algae blooms, also known as “red tide.” We test both natural and man-made products on their ability to inhibit Karenia brevis and their toxins, and characterize the effects on general water quality, carbonate chemistry, and other non-target species. The goal of this project is to find a suite of products that can be used to stop a red tide bloom with minimal negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Interns will work alongside Jessica Frankle (Staff Chemist) on carbonate chemistry, water quality, bottle cleaning and preparation, animal husbandry, and experimental design. This internship will be located at the ocean acidification testing facility (OASys) at the main lab in Sarasota, Florida.
Research activities vary depending on current and future projects but may include: setting up and maintaining indoor tank experiments in an ocean acidification or red tide experimental system, monitoring water quality with a YSI or pH probe, counting red tide cells via microscope, preparing and acid washing bottles, sampling seawater chemistry in coastal or offshore ecosystems via boat, and analyzing seawater samples for pH, total alkalinity or total dissolved inorganic carbon in the laboratory. Interns will become familiar with scientific literature and data analysis software programs and gain experience in preparation of scientific manuscripts.
The roles and responsibilities of an Ocean Acidification intern include:
- Carbonate chemistry analysis (DIC, TA, pHT)
- Cleaning glassware, sample bottles, and other lab equipment
- Multiparameter meter calibration and sampling
- Hazardous waste use, control, and cleanup
- Sample preservation
- Some experimental work and field work on boats
- Data and statistical analyses
Qualifications:
- Must have chemistry experience
- Must have knowledge of Microsoft Excel
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
- Preferably able to work in a wet environment or on boats
Ocean Acidification interns are accepted year round, with an average internship length of 12-14 weeks. This is a full time internship. Hours are primarily Monday-Friday from 9-5, with occasional long hours and weekends.
