Programs

Internships at the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide intensive, hands-on research experience for undergraduate students. These programs are typically summer-based and focus on different areas of biological and environmental science, including marine biology, ecology, and oceanography. Interns work closely with leading scientists on individual research projects, contributing to ongoing studies and developing their scientific skills in a collaborative research environment. While specific program details may vary, most internships are 10-12 weeks long and involve fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, and presentation of research findings. The MBL is committed to fostering the next generation of scientists by offering a stimulating and supportive atmosphere for learning and discovery. The programs are often funded, aiming to remove financial barriers for participants. Applications for these competitive internships open in mid-December for the following year. Prospective interns are encouraged to research the specific programs that align with their interests and academic background. For inquiries, students can contact the designated program coordinator for further information.

Jeff Metcalf Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) Program

The Jeff Metcalf Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program offers University of Chicago students a unique opportunity to engage in world-class scientific research at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL). This 10-week summer experience is designed for first, second, and third-year undergraduates to explore scientific fields beyond their coursework and participate in comprehensive discovery research. The program aims to foster student-faculty relationships, build academic and professional credentials, and help students clarify their career aspirations.

Logan Science Journalism Program

The Logan Science Journalism Program offers a unique opportunity for science journalists, writers, editors, and broadcast journalists to step away from daily deadlines and immerse themselves in fundamental biomedical or environmental research. Founded in 1986, this program is hosted at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a leading center for scientific discovery. Participants will engage in hands-on research training, choosing between two intensive introductory courses: one focused on biomedical research and the other on environmental research. This immersive experience aims to provide journalists with a deeper understanding of scientific processes.

Logan Science Journalism Program - Environmental Hands-On Research Course

Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) Education Programs

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is a renowned center for biological research and education, bringing together scientists and students globally to tackle significant questions in biology. Since 1888, MBL has fostered a unique, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to scientific advancement. The lab offers transformational courses and hosts thousands of researchers and students annually, creating a vibrant community dedicated to scientific inquiry and discovery.

MBL/UChicago Graduate Research Fellowship Program

This PhD program is a collaboration between the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) and the University of Chicago (UChicago), offering a unique research and educational experience. It combines the extensive research environment of the MBL in Woods Hole, MA, with the academic resources of UChicago. The partnership, formalized in 2013, has fostered synergies in research and teaching that now extend to graduate students.

NSF REU – Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER

This Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program offers a unique 10-week opportunity to conduct research on Arctic coastal ecosystems. You will investigate the factors controlling the function of these environments and their responses to climate-linked changes. The program involves fieldwork along Alaska's Beaufort Sea coast, as well as time at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA, and/or the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, TX. You will join a multidisciplinary team, gaining broad experience in the Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research (BLE-LTER) program and pursuing a focused research project. Participants should be prepared for approximately four weeks of strenuous fieldwork in the Arctic, conducted in two trips, with time spent at research institutions between field excursions. The program includes virtual and in-person cohort activities focused on field safety, professional development, and sharing research findings.

NSF REU – Oceanic Flux Program

This 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, offers students the opportunity to participate in studies of carbon cycle processes within ocean ecosystems. You will work with deep particle flux materials collected from sediment traps in the Sargasso Sea as part of the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP). The project's focus will adapt to your interests and qualifications. Previous undergraduate projects have involved chemical and isotopic analyses of the flux, as well as biological studies using image analysis to understand the seasonality of biogenic components within the flux, such as calcareous microplankton and aggregates.

NSF REU – Plum Island LTER

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Plum Island Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) offers a unique 10-week research opportunity. Participants will engage in a large-scale, multidisciplinary project investigating the impacts of sea-level rise, climate change, and altered human land use on coastal marshes, estuaries, and watersheds surrounding Plum Island Sound, Massachusetts. This program provides hands-on research experience in various ecological and biogeochemical fields. Students will work closely with experienced mentors to design and execute independent research projects, contributing to a dynamic research environment. The program aims to immerse students in wetland science, fostering interaction with diverse scientists and presenting findings at a symposium.

NSF REU Biological Discovery in Woods Hole

The NSF REU Biological Discovery in Woods Hole Program at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) offers undergraduate students interested in life science careers a unique research opportunity. Guided by faculty with expertise across various biological disciplines, ten highly motivated students will be placed in the laboratory of an MBL research scientist. Participants will engage fully in laboratory exercises and activities, gaining hands-on experience in biological discovery. This program specifically encourages applications from students attending smaller colleges.

The Blue Economy Internship Program (BEIP)