Parasite Ecology Internship – Shoals Marine Lab (The Isles of Shoals, ME)
← Back to Career Opportunities
Project overview:
The Isles of Shoals represent an exceptional location for exploring
parasite diversity in multi-host parasite systems (particularly
trematode parasites) that include intertidal invertebrates and
shorebirds. Previous work at Shoals Marine Laboratory has resulted in
interesting patterns in parasite prevalence of intermediate hosts around
the islands, as well as influences on host foraging behavior and
physiology. The Parasite Ecology Intern will collect parasite diversity
data in invertebrate hosts on Appledore Island, assist with experiments
that induce infection in intermediate hosts, and explore host behavior
in the lab and the field. Interns will learn how to identify trematode
parasite species using a microscope, how to induce an infection gradient
in host crabs, set-up and run behavior and predation experiments, and
can use what they learn from this and past work to design a related
project. The intern will be a part of the larger SML Research Internship
cohort and will participate in weekly discussions and lectures.Prerequisites:
Previous coursework in ecology and marine biology is recommended.
Previous experience at SML is preferred, but not required. Relevant SML
courses include: Ecology & the Marine Environment, Evolution & Marine
Diversity, Field Marine Invertebrate Biology, and the Shoals Research
Apprenticeship.
The Isles of Shoals represent an exceptional location for exploring
parasite diversity in multi-host parasite systems (particularly
trematode parasites) that include intertidal invertebrates and
shorebirds. Previous work at Shoals Marine Laboratory has resulted in
interesting patterns in parasite prevalence of intermediate hosts around
the islands, as well as influences on host foraging behavior and
physiology. The Parasite Ecology Intern will collect parasite diversity
data in invertebrate hosts on Appledore Island, assist with experiments
that induce infection in intermediate hosts, and explore host behavior
in the lab and the field. Interns will learn how to identify trematode
parasite species using a microscope, how to induce an infection gradient
in host crabs, set-up and run behavior and predation experiments, and
can use what they learn from this and past work to design a related
project. The intern will be a part of the larger SML Research Internship
cohort and will participate in weekly discussions and lectures.Prerequisites:
Previous coursework in ecology and marine biology is recommended.
Previous experience at SML is preferred, but not required. Relevant SML
courses include: Ecology & the Marine Environment, Evolution & Marine
Diversity, Field Marine Invertebrate Biology, and the Shoals Research
Apprenticeship.
Mentor: Dr. April Blakeslee (East Carolina University)
Dates: June 4 – August 13, 2018 (10 weeks)
SML Research Symposium: August 11, 2018
Stipend: $150/week
Includes room & board for 10 weeks, and roundtrip vessel transportation
from Portsmouth, NH to Appledore Island. Interns are responsible for
their own transportation to/from Portsmouth, NH at the beginning and end
of the internship.
One intern will be selected.