The Wild Dolphin Project/Internship Opportunities
The Wild Dolphin Project, established in 1985, conducts the longest-running underwater dolphin research study in the world, focusing on Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in the northern Bahamas. During the summer research season (May – September), internships are offered to undergraduates, recent graduates, high school seniors, and overseas students.
Internship details:
Trips depart from West Palm Beach, Florida, every Tuesday morning and return nine days later on Wednesday afternoon.
Students must be currently registered in a relevant university or high school program, have swimming and snorkeling skills, and be willing to spend nine days at sea.
Intern responsibilities include conducting daily dolphin watches, assisting with data logging and underwater photography, reviewing underwater video, and giving presentations.
Evening lectures cover dolphin identification, biology, behavior, and acoustics, led by Dr. Herzing or scientific colleagues.
Required skill sets include the ability to live at sea for nine days, strong swimming and snorkeling skills, proficiency in photography and data processing, and a working knowledge of biology and life sciences.
Interns must provide verification of student status, be enrolled in a biology, psychology, or environmental studies program, and possess a current passport for travel to the Bahamas.
Important notes:
Dr. Herzing may not always be on board during intern trips.
Interns learn about dolphin behavior, sounds, relationships, and natural history during the trips.
The internship offers valuable experience on a research vessel and provides an opportunity for recommendation letters and resume building.
Interns are encouraged to take the experience seriously and use it to explore their interest in research and fieldwork.
The Wild Dolphin Project internship offers a unique opportunity to engage in marine mammal research and gain hands-on experience in the field.
