Undergraduate Student Intern

Undergraduate Student Interns

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, is seeking four highly motivated Undergraduate Student Interns to join the Benthic Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Stephanie Archer. These positions offer an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in freshwater sponge biology and environmental chemistry while contributing to research focused on metal pollution in Louisiana's coastal ecosystems.

As Louisiana's premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the state and the Gulf region. Located at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, scientific collaboration, and public engagement in one of the nation's most dynamic coastal environments.

The Undergraduate Student Interns will contribute to a study assessing whether freshwater sponges can serve as effective indicators of metal pollution within the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary (BTNEP). Responsibilities will include field work throughout the BTNE area, as well as laboratory research at LUMCON and in collaborator laboratories at the University of New Orleans and Baton Rouge Community College.

These positions are available for up to 20 hours per week, with a total of 174 hours available to be completed by December 11, 2026. This opportunity provides undergraduate students with valuable hands-on experience in field and laboratory research while working in a collaborative marine science environment.

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of Regents, serves as Louisiana's premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation. Through its statewide consortium of universities and partners, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address the environmental, economic, and societal challenges facing Louisiana, the Gulf region, and the nation.

LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities in coastal, marine, and oceanographic science and education for researchers, students, policymakers, and the public. Anchored by the state-of-the-art DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON is strategically situated within Louisiana's dynamic coastal wetlands and provides direct access to the Gulf, enabling world-class research and field-based learning experiences.

The consortium operates a nationally recognized fleet of research vessels, offering capabilities unmatched along the U.S. Gulf Coast and supporting a broad range of scientific investigations, monitoring programs, and educational initiatives. Through these resources, LUMCON strengthens Louisiana's leadership in marine science, coastal resilience, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.

LUMCON continues to expand its research, education, and outreach capacity through significant investments in infrastructure and maritime operations. In 2023, the consortium opened Blue Works, a maritime research and outreach facility located on the Maritime Campus in Houma. In 2025, a major boat slip and bulkhead project was completed on the campus, further enhancing marine operations capabilities. Additional growth includes the development of a new Marine Operations Center and the construction of the state's next flagship research vessel, the 125-foot R/V Pelican II, both scheduled for completion in 2027.

An ideal candidate should possess the following skills and competencies:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana-accredited college or university and interested in gaining hands-on research experience.
• Comfortable working in and around water and participating in field and laboratory activities.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable using computers for data entry, recordkeeping, and research support.
• Reliable, with a valid driver's license and transportation, and able to safely transport research samples between locations.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana…