Undergraduate Opportunities

Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) is dedicated to creating a diverse workforce that is educated in watershed, coastal, and marine science. We offer a number of undergraduate opportunities that allow current undergraduate students to explore their interests and broaden their experience in marine science and policy. Our former fellows have advanced to careers in academia, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal government agencies.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Maryland Sea Grant’s REU is a 12-week program, where each student works with a mentor on an individual research project. It’s a special opportunity for undergraduates to develop research skills and interests by working with top science mentors studying America’s largest estuary. Students work at one of two of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s (UMCES) marine labs located on the Chesapeake Bay. Participants will gain experience in proposing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting research and will participate in workshops and seminars to help further their career. The program is best suited for students majoring in marine science, ecology, environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, mathematics, and related degrees. Students from colleges and universities where research opportunities are limited and from groups underrepresented in marine and coastal science are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Puerto Rico Undergraduate Education Initiative

This program originally started in 2012 to provide opportunities for Hispanic undergraduate college students to conduct marine science, and continues today as part of the SEAS Islands Alliance. Students are introduced to marine science through laboratory and field research projects focused on understanding the natural, economic, social, and cultural value of coastal lagoons in Puerto Rico, building relationships with local marine science professionals and faculty from UMCES and partner institutions. Programming also includes opportunities for professional development, including writing a research proposal, presenting data, applying to graduate school, and networking opportunities. This opportunity is suitable for students from a variety of fields, including computer science, biomathematics, environmental science, chemistry, general biology, and molecular biology.

Community Engaged Internship (CEI) Program

This 10-week summer internship offers science outreach and communication training with the education, communications, and MDSG Extension teams at Maryland Sea Grant. The position is for student applicants who are excited about helping to translate scientific topics related to the Chesapeake and Maryland Coastal Bays, and their watersheds. Interns assist with the planning, production, and posting of education and outreach materials for use on the program's website and social media platforms. They also have the opportunity to work on the production of one personal science outreach project, which is co-developed by the intern and MDSG mentors. This position is designed to specifically engage students from underrepresented and indigenous communities. As such, we encourage applications from students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from minority serving institutions, and individuals from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in STEM. Applicants must be a current undergraduate from a Maryland or District of Columbia college or university seeking a degree in natural, social, or environmental sciences, environmental policy, education, or science communication.

Undergraduate Multimedia Intern

Maryland Sea Grant periodically offers additional internship opportunities with our communications team for students interested in working in the field of science communication. These internships may focus on science writing and editing, social media, photography, and video work.