Student Assistant - Entomology

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The Forest Insect Ecology Lab (PI Dr. Kayla Perry) is seeking a motivated student intern for the 2026 summer to support a collaborative project that aims to examine multitrophic relationships among plants, insects, birds, and mammals in forest ecosystems.

Responsibilities will include setting/collecting insect traps in the field; processing and sorting insect samples in the lab; identifying insect specimens using a dissecting microscope; enter, organize, and quality-check data using Microsoft Excel and Teams; maintain drift fence and camera trap recording arrays for small vertebrates (mammals and amphibians) in good working order; securely upload and store data from camera trap scandisk memory cards on a regular basis;

support day-to-day field logistics, including equipment preparation, loading, and maintenance; general laboratory organization and cleaning; work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions; communicate progress, observations, and issues to project supervisors; collaborate professionally with faculty, staff, graduate students, and fellow interns.

Breakdown of responsibilities:
Support field research projects – 75%
Sample sorting and identification – 20%
Laboratory cleaning & maintenance – 5%

Desired qualifications:
Interest and willingness to learn about and work with insects; background in biological or agricultural sciences; must have driver’s license; ability to work independently once trained; ability to work outside in varying weather conditions; strong organizational skills; good communication and teamwork. Experience working in the field or laboratory is preferred, but not required.

Experience with plant and/or insect identification is preferred, but not required. All necessary training will be provided.

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