High school student research intern

Overview

Stuart shows RAHSS participant Shea (2019) how to collect pollen from a flowering Echinacea plant.

We are accepting applications for summer 2026!

Are you a high school junior or senior interested in gaining research experience? Do you like working outside and learning about plants and insects? If so, then our research internship may be right for you!

The Echinacea Project has conducted research experiments on tallgrass prairie plants and insects in the Kensington-Hoffman area since 1995. Prairie used to cover this landscape, but it is now restricted to small patches. We devote a lot of effort to Echinacea angustifolia, the species of purple coneflower native to Minnesota. We also investigate other plants and insects to gauge the health of native prairies in their current fragmented habitat.

Plants and insects in these small habitats face ecological and genetic threats, and we conduct long-term cutting-edge research experiments to assess whether these populations will persist.

We’re seeking high school students to participate in a paid, summer-long field biology internship. You will work with a team to collect data on the ecology and evolution of the purple coneflower in prairie patches. You will participate in field research activities, gain experience in GPS and mapping techniques, learn to identify plants and insects, and measure plant traits. You will contribute to our research goals, and in the process, you will learn about the evolutionary, genetic, and ecological concepts that motivate our research.

You can contribute to the scientific understanding of the ecology and evolutionary biology of Echinacea angustifolia.

Ning (high school student 2024) collects nectar from an Echinacea floret using magnifying glasses and a microcapillary tube

Daytona (high school student 2022) measures the longest leaf of an Echinacea plant. Photo credit:
Geena Z

Alexa (high school student 2023) collects pollen from an Echinacea plant

• Participate in a paid, summer-long field biology internship focused on data collection and field research related to Echinacea angustifolia in prairie patches.
• Work with a team to collect data on the ecology and evolution of the purple coneflower.
• Engage in field research activities, gain experience with GPS and mapping techniques, learn to identify plants and insects, and measure plant traits.
• Contribute to research goals and learn about evolutionary, genetic, and ecological concepts behind the project.
• Contribute to the scientific understanding of the ecology and evolutionary biology of Echinacea angustifolia.

• Position: paid internship; full-time preferred, part-time negotiable in advance for summer activities.
• Hourly wage: $16.50–$19/hour, commensurate with experience and skills.
• Location:
  
  study area is 25 square miles between Kensington & Hoffman, MN.
• Housing is not included; participants must provide their own transportation to and from the research base daily (Mon–Fri).
• Duration: start in June and run for 9–10 weeks.
• Final date to receive applications: please apply by March 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST; applications will be reviewed until positions are filled.

• High school student who wants to work outdoors, is patient, has good hand-eye coordination, and has fine motor skills.
• Willing to work hard in all weather conditions and be interested in science.
• Optional bonus: skills related to plant identification, making video content, computer coding, or database management.

• Fill out the application form (required) and send your resume (optional) to
• Ask one of your teachers to email a letter of recommendation to the same email; a science teacher is preferred but any teacher who can speak to your character and academic performance is appropriate.
• Submit your application by March 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled.

If you have any questions, contact us via email ().