HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Undergraduate/Graduate 2012 Summer Research Internship
Otter Point Creek Component
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Maryland
Application Deadline
All applications must be received by April 15.
Background
The Otter Point Creek Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (Maryland Reserve) co-sponsor a summer research internship. Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students to conduct a summer research project within the Otter Point Creek Component of the Maryland Reserve. The Maryland Reserve is one of 25 Reserves throughout the country that serve as field laboratories for the betterment of coastal zone management through research, education, and stewardship.
Site Description
The Otter Point Creek Component is one of three sites that comprise the Maryland Reserve. It contains 704 acres of upland and riparian forest, tidal freshwater marshes, streams, creeks, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water. Otter Point Creek is located in the tidal headwaters of the Bush River in Harford County, Maryland. Staff from the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center oversees all efforts and activities at Otter Point Creek. Students are encouraged to work with staff to coordinate the use of laboratories, field equipment, and other amenities (canoes, boats, storage space, etc.) in support of their research project. Students are also encouraged to incorporate education and volunteer opportunities, if applicable, in their research efforts.
Research Topics
Otter Point Creek is an ideal site for a broad range of research topics with a diversity of habitats (tidal freshwater marshes, SAV beds, and riparian and upland forests). Students can work with the Reserve's Research Coordinator and the Park Naturalist to develop their own research projects based on one of the following topics:
- Beaver Habitat Sustainability Study
- Mapping of Phragmites patches and wild rice at Otter Point Creek
- Study the marsh colonization process at the HaHa branch mudbank
- Short-term sedimentation study at the HaHa branch marsh
- Physical characterization of the vernal pool including size, gps location, vegetation, soil parameters, etc.
For more detailed information about the projects, please contact Kriste Garman, Park Manager, at 410-612-1688 or via email at ksgarman@harfordcountymd.gov.
Qualifications
Internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Students should be self-motivated, have good communication and writing skills, and be comfortable working in physically challenging environments.
Application Requirements
Qualified applicants should submit the following:
1) a short proposal (five or less single spaced pages that includes a title, hypotheses, methods/procedures, objectives/goals of study, and references) see template and example
2) copies of unofficial transcripts
3) two letters of recommendation and
4) a one-page resume.
All applications must be received by April 15.
Internship Requirements
The successful applicant is expected to develop an expanded detailed proposal, conduct independent research, and provide a final report, public presentation and newsletter article for the Otter's Tale, about their project within one year of completing their project.
Financial Support
The Otter Point Creek Alliance will provide a stipend totaling $2,000 in four equal installments of $500. Final payment is made upon the receipt of the final report. In addition, the Chesapeake Bay Reserve will provide up to $500 for supplies and/or sample analysis. Interns should figure on working a minimum of 20 hours a week for a minimum of three months during the summer.
Send complete applications to:
Kriste Garman, Park Manager
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
700 Otter Point Road
Abingdon, MD 21009
For more information contact:
Kriste Garman at 410-612-1688 or ksgarman@harfordcountymd.gov
Calendar of EventsView all
- Nature Tots & Nature Kids02/06/2012 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amExplore and discover the natural world around us during the winter season through sensory activities, songs, movement and a short hike.
- Nature Tots & Nature Kids02/06/2012 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmExplore and discover the natural world around us during the winter season through sensory activities, songs, movement and a short hike.
- Nature's Playgroup02/08/2012 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme.
- Nature's Playgroup02/08/2012 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme.
- White-tailed Deer Survey02/11/2012 @ 9:00 am-12:00 pmHarford County seems to be experiencing explosive population growth - and not just with humans. So, we need your help to determine if the deer population of Leight Park is a healthy size. Join us and get the scoop on poop as we conduct pellet (deer scat) counts out on the trails to determine how many deer call us home.
What's Happening
