There is a significant amount of work to be done in order to create a science culture where all voices and life experiences are included. Here at MSI, we believe that one important action is to use our resources and expertise to create opportunities for others, especially early career scientists who are under-represented in the geosciences.
To this end, one of the main activities MSI researchers are engaged in is providing research experiences to undergraduates, both UCSB undergrads and those from other campuses. UC Santa Barbara is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and we are very focused on creating positive experiences for our students here, providing a welcoming and exciting on-ramp in the marine science.
Opportunities
Explore the many established research opportunities at MSI, along with currently available research experiences.
Programs
Other opportunities at UC Santa Barbara
The Promise Scholars Program
The Promise Scholar program at UC Santa Barbara empowers high-achieving, first generation students from low-income households.
Gorman Scholar Program
The Gorman Scholars Program provides UCSB undergraduates across all STEM majors with an opportunity to receive invaluable mentoring from faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students mentors while pursuing innovative interdisciplinary research projects.
IGPMS
Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science
The Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Marine Science at the University of California Santa Barbara is a multidisciplinary program bringing together marine faculty from across campus to train the next generation of oceanographers and marine scientists.
Education and Outreach
Hands-on experience with the natural environment
The REEF
The Research Experience & Education Facility
Oceans-to-Classrooms (O2C) and the REEF endeavour to provide “An Ocean View of the World” to people of all ages to increase science literacy and inspire environmental stewardship of our Ocean resources through education.
Open Positions
Latest opportunities for an immersive involvement in Marine Science
Entity: Benioff Ocean Initiative
Deadline: August 26, 2022
The Benioff Ocean Initiative is hiring for a couple of internship positions this fall quarter:
Science communications
The intern will have the unique opportunity to support one of Benioff Ocean Initiative’s flagship projects, Whale Safe, which uses state-of-the-art technology to collect, analyze, and disseminate near real-time whale and vessel data in the Santa Barbara Channel with the goal of preventing fatal whale-vessel collisions. Compensation is $16/hour.
Supporting our Whale Safe project
The intern will have the unique opportunity to learn how to support a research group’s internal- and external-facing communications about the array of marine-related issues in the group’s diverse portfolio. This may include but is not limited to the Benioff Ocean Initiative’s social media, e-newsletters, and website. The intern will also take ownership over a self-driven communications capstone project. Additionally, the intern may assist in other project support tasks as needs arise. Compensation is $20/hour.
Paid: Yes
To apply, students should send their application materials to boi-contact@ucsb.edu
Riparian Restoration Assistants
Entity: Lambert Lab
We are looking for motivated students interested in ecological field work - first timers welcome. Paid and internship positions are available for undergraduates to assist with a large ecological restoration project in the Santa Clara River (Ventura County). Students will participate in all aspects of restoration including collecting, growing, and planting native plants, weed control, biological assessments, and related research data collection and analysis. A valid driver's license and transportation (mileage paid) are helpful but not required.
Paid: two paid positions available, internship credit also available
N/A
To apply, students should send their application materials to alambert@ucsb.edu
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Josie Spiegelman
The REEF
Program Coordinator Intern
Josie is a second year Japanese & environmental studies double major from Mill Valley. Her position as an intern at the REEF is vital in coordinating programs and scheduling our team of undergrads. In the fall, you can find Josie playing on UCSB’s Club Field Hockey team.
When I was first hired at the REEF I was instantly presented with opportunities to succeed and work with amazing mentors. Being able to work on my professional development while also connecting with other motivated and hardworking undergraduates has truly helped me to find my place here at UCSB.
