Internship Opportunities

UC Davis TERC Internships for Scholars

The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) has led the continuous investigation and monitoring of Lake Tahoe for over 50 years. Known for its beauty and remarkable transparency, Lake Tahoe is a natural jewel in the Sierra Nevada mountains. However, the lake and its watershed continue to face numerous challenges, including eutrophication, forest pathogens, complex pollinator interactions, food web alterations, aquatic invasive species, wildfires, population and development pressures, and more. TERC’s research is directed toward finding solutions to these and future challenges, as well as working with government agencies and other partner organizations to see these science-based solutions implemented.

The TERC Internship for Scholars program offers a cohort of students a unique opportunity to participate in this applied research experience. The eight-week program runs from late June through late August, and interns are required to be present for the entire program. This competitive and highly selective program is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. Interns are selected based on a combination of their academic records, career aspirations, and the needs of the TERC program.

Working under the mentorship of TERC faculty, staff, and graduate students, interns assist with current research and education projects in a variety of subject areas and disciplines, including:

Limnology
Hydrology
Aquatic chemistry
Forest ecology
Botany
Entomology
Science education
Data analysis
Modeling
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
eDNA
And more

In addition to contributing to ongoing TERC projects, each intern completes an independent project within the scope of their mentorship and participates in weekly seminars focused on science communication and professional development.

Following selection, each intern assists a TERC mentor who provides an outline of the summer’s research and project activities. Interns also participate in a weekly professional development seminar designed to help prepare them for careers in science and beyond. Guest presenters with science backgrounds share how they apply their expertise in non-academic careers and offer insight into a range of professional pathways. Interns will also participate in activities focused on developing science communication skills, including communicating scientific concepts to different audiences and effectively sharing their research.

The program also provides opportunities for interns to engage with the broader Tahoe science and policy community. Interns can attend the annual Tahoe: State of the Lake Presentation and the annual Lake Tahoe Federal Summit, where state and federal elected leaders convene at Lake Tahoe.

Summer Stipend: $3500 per student and dorm housing in Tahoe City for the 8-week period.