The Massasoit STEM Internship Program
Photo/Video Credits: Brent Olson
What is the Massasoit STEM Research Program?
Massasoit STEM offers Research Internships that are unlike any other internship you will find. The important difference is that these positions are more like a real job—doing real science. You will not spend your time watching other people do the important stuff! We believe that the best way to learn how science works is to do real science, even if you have little or no experience and have not had very many science classes.
Even though, our research is done by students, we maintain the standard of producing meaningful, publication-quality scientific results. To maintain these standards, students are trained to independently do the many tasks required for a successful research program. That is why we say these positions are more like a real research job than a traditional internship.
So then, why do we call it an internship?
Traditionally, internships are meant to allow people to get experience in a certain field, to learn about the jobs they may want to have in the future, and to gain knowledge and experience that will help them land that first job. Even though we have high standards for our work, we are also dedicated to these goals, and we focus on teaching research while doing research. In other words, we believe that the best way to teach good research is to do good research. Furthermore, we know that good research involves much more than just collecting data or doing some menial, repetitive task in the laboratory. To be a functional scientist requires many different skillsets.
By working with the senior researchers in our group (faculty & staff), students will improve scientific literacy and public speaking in our Journal Club, learn experimental design and data collection by participating in the Native Pollinator Project, and even have the opportunity to develop and present their own findings at a scientific meeting like ESA (Ecological Society of America). These activities are part of a process that is designed to improve professionalism, soft skills, and critical thinking. The confidence that comes with these achievements will set you up well for whatever challenges follow.
What if I I am not a biology major (or just not interested in ecology)?
Yes, if you want to be an ecologist, this program might seem like a perfect fit. However, we have had many great interns who were pursuing several other types of STEM education. The good news is that the foundational skills of science are universal. In fact, most of our research interns do not want to become ecologists, and a large percentage do not even want to be any kind of biologist. You have lots of time to decide what you want your career to be. We want to help you get some basic skills that can help get there once you decide, even if you change your mind a couple of times.
The internship is part-time during the school year (10 hours/week), and full-time (30 hours/week) during the summer.
The pay is minimum wage.
Please follow the link below to apply, and email questions to STEMResearch@massasoit.edu. Preference will be given to those students who have participated in the STEM Scholars program.
Click here for the application!
Still not sure if this internship is for you? Try taking a look at some of our current and future projects below!
Bee Community Sampling, Processing, and Identification
Learn how to sample for and identify bees, as well as many other small organisms. We currently allow sampling during the Spring season to the Fall. Once sampled, you will have the chance to learn how to process and identify bees from non-bee organisms such as wasps and flies; however, the next step would be to further identify any bees as close to species as possible.
Bee Database
Sampling and processing bees is great, but what we do with those is the most important part. Currently, we have a database that has around a decade’s worth of quality data related to the diverse community of native and non-native species of bee and non-bee specimens. Data entry to that scale takes true diligence from those who take part.
Bee Forensics Project
Currently, in one of our most interesting projects. We collect, extract, and sequence DNA from bee-collected pollen to better understand what sort of plants they’re targeting. We are even looking at the bacteria within their guts since bees will ingest pollen during pollen collection!
STEM Presentations
Participate in local events that help spread this scientific knowledge as well as being a positive force within many communities. These events can be both paid and volunteer work.
Cell Cultures
This project is currently in the early stages of development as we further understand how to best incorporate it with our current research program. Please stay tuned because the policies and terms of the cell culture project are subject to change.