Established with the aim of increasing the outreach of Florida Museum programs across the UF campus, this internship award program seeks to support undergraduate students by facilitating their work on museum-based internship projects.
Internships are to be focused on gaining experience in collections work, laboratory analysis,and/or fieldwork. Awards supporting up to 65 hours of work during one semester will be funded.
Note: This internship may count toward QUEST 3 credits for students who wish to do so, though additional program requirements must be completed to receive full credit.
Eligibility:
Undergraduate students, including graduating seniors, enrolled at the University of Florida who can articulate how their involvement will expand the museum’s reach.
Students should not have had previous paid museum experience* or been in this internship before. Prior voluntary service does not disqualify.
* Conducting research, field work or outreach
Application Deadline:
Application for Spring 2027 will open from Oct 28th through Nov 15th
Internship awards will be announced in mid-December 2026.
Awardee Agreement:
Successful Awardees will meet with their mentor and agree on project activities and work schedule soon after the start of classes. A progress report and summary, including project-related photos, will due near the end of the semester. Students will also be expected to give a lightning talk presentation about their internship experience.
Please review these examples of past project reports of students in the program.
Before applying, please review the application to familiarize with the questions and all necessary information. Student without prior museum experience and those with previous unpaid museum experience are encouraged to apply. Students will select from a list of available projects (see below).
Once you have your information ready, click “Apply here”. Please note that we only accept applications submitted via UF qualtrics at the following link PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION
Funding for this internship program was provided by the Department of Natural History and iDigBio.
Spring 2027 Museum Internship Projects
Project mentor: Heru Handika, Justin Sobayo Lab/Collection: AI Biodiversity Project Description: By combining computer vision and agentic AI, we can now visualize trait similarities and query massive museum collections using natural language. The Porto Lab is developing an AI-assisted web application for large-scale trait discovery across more than 600,000 butterfly specimen images. Students will help build the app by designing intuitive interfaces, developing agents to process natural language queries, and generating automated summary statistics of the database. Skills needed: Basic computer programming, preferably Python and TypeScripts, and an interest in collection-based biodiversity research Skills to be gained: Students will gain experience experience in using computer vision for analyzing patterns in large-scale specimen datasets while developing the analytical and visualization skills necessary to communicate complex biological findings to a broad audience. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Sarah Steele Cabrera, Vaughn Shirey Lab/Collection: Shirey Global Change Lab Project Description: Atala Hairstreak Butterflies, Eumaeus atala, were previously restricted to extreme southeastern Florida and the Caribbean. Its range has grown over several decades due to the widespread horticultural cultivation of its larval hostplant, Coontie, Zamia integrifolia. In 2025, a population established in front of the Florida Museum of Natural History and survived multiple freezes during the subsequent winter. Museum researchers are working to understand the lower thermal limits of this species through cold shock and recovery experiments, the potential for this species to distribute further throughout North-Central Florida, and the potential morphological changes happening to the species in this new habitat. The collections at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity provide a plethora of specimens for analysis of these factors. An undergraduate spring intern is sought to assist with the collection and analysis of data relating to these questions and that are of interest to the intern. Such responsibilities may include conducting/helping coordinate cold shock experiments, butterfly population surveys, species distribution modeling, or analysis of morphological differences between populations. The intern will be jointly supervised by Dr. Sarah Steele Cabrera (postdoctoral associate, Daniels Lab) and Dr. Vaughn Shirey (Shirey Global Change Laboratory). Skills needed: attention to detail, time management, ability to organize data/notes Skills to be gained: experimental data collection and analysis, technical writing, insect husbandry, collections curation and digitization, R for data analysis Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Zoë Dennehy-Carr, Rob Guralnick Lab/Collection: Guralnick Lab (Biodiversity Informatics) Project Description: Today’s biodiversity is the outcome of evolutionary processes shaped by past global changes, including climatic and geological events, as well as lineage movement and interaction. Yet we still know relatively little about how these past changes led to the patterns and diversity of traits we see today, and how those traits may relate to plant resilience under continuing disturbance. We are interested in understanding the environmental and climatic drivers that may have contributed to the evolution and persistence of plant traits across space and taxonomic groups.
In this project, you will collate, clean, and analyse plant trait data to explore relationships between environmental conditions and plant adaptation. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own research questions or contribute to existing questions within a larger project investigating spatial patterns of plant biodiversity across North America. This broader project integrates plant traits, phylogenetic and molecular data, and species distributions to better understand biodiversity patterns across the continent. Skills needed: Interest in either plant ecology, evolution, or conservation. Willingness to learn and enthusiasm. Skills to be gained: Curation, processing, and statistical analysis of large plant biodiversity, environmental, and trait datasets. Basic programming in R. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Lucas C. Majure Lab/Collection: Herbarium (Botany) Project Description: Students will work with Dr. Majure to document local bryophyte diversity across the University of Florida Campus, which will require fieldwork across campus, as well as herbarium work in the University of Florida Herbarium of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Students will gain curatorial hands-on experience, as well as experience learning to identify local plant diversity of north Florida, with a focus on mosses, liverworts and hornworts (i.e., Bryophytes). The student will also be able to help add collections and taxon diversity to the University of Florida Herbarium collection. Skills needed: Interest in plant diversity Skills to be gained: Hands-on herbarium curation, fieldwork, identification of local bryophytes, and experience documenting plant diversity and adding specimens to a museum collection. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Jerald Pinson Lab/Collection: Digital engagement Project Description: Working with the full- and part-time science writers, the intern will develop stories pertaining to collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Each story will cover various aspects of a single specimen or object’s natural or cultural history and will be written in a narrative format. During this process, the intern will learn about the importance of specimen-based collection, conduct background research using a wide variety of literature (including modern studies and historical scientific treatises), perform fact-checking, develop social media text, interview museum researchers and work closely with them during the editing process, and generate imagery for their stories by collaborating with museum photographers and learning to use online libraries and archives that store digitized scientific illustrations. By the end of the internship, students will have developed 1-2 feature-length stories to be published on the Florida Museum website. Skills needed: Curiosity and an interest in scientific communication Skills to be gained: Experience working with a collaborative museum communication team and insight into museum curation, along with basic writing, editing, and interviewing skills. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Maria Vallejo, Edward Stanley Lab/Collection: Digital Imaging Project Description: Many species of living frogs are described based on their external features, some ecological characteristics and molecular data. Rarely, the skeleton is described in detail, which means that there is a lack of understanding of the anatomical details of living frogs. With this project, we will explore in detail the axial skeleton of frogs and toads using CT-scans of multiple species across phylogeny. We will document the morphological characteristics and differences of major taxonomic groups and evaluate the applicability of our findings in the fossil record. Skills needed: Interest in 3D data, frogs, morphology. Skills to be gained: Processing, visualizing, and presenting CT scan data, learning about anatomy, morphology, and ecology of frogs, presentation skills. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Jen Green, Michelle LeFebvre Lab/Collection: Florida Ethnographic Collection Project Description: The student will assist the collection manager with digitization of photographs curated in the Florida Ethnographic Collection at the museum. The photographs were taken from various indigenous artistic events and showcases in southwest Florida from the 1990s to early 2000s. The student will reassociate the photographs with the primary notes received by the donor of the collection and learn to curate photographic collections. Skills needed: No previous experience is necessary, but the work requires respectful handling of Native American objects of cultural patrimony and various museum documents. An ideal candidate will have attention to detail and ability to follow directions. Skills to be gained: Hands-on experience working with museum ethnographic collections and associated documentation, experience in digitizing and describing Indigenous cultural materials. Semester: Spring
Project Mentor: Alan Franck, Lucas Majure Lab/Collection: Herbarium (Botany) Project Description: Digitizing the plant diversity of the world – To understand plant diversity and target conservation needs, the herbarium is digitizing its collection of about a half-million specimens. Priorities include specimens from the Neotropics, Paleotropics, historic sets from the 1850s-1970s, bryophytes, and lichens. We have a very unique collection, some of which needs meticulous curatorial work. Students can focus on a particular collection, plant group, or geographic area of interest. Remote work may be possible for bryophyte or lichen projects. Skills Needed: Interest in plant diversity Skills to be Gained: Curation and digitization of plant specimens, including databasing, photography, mounting, and filing, as well as various interesting tidbits about plant species that we work with. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Verity Mathis Lab/Collection: Mammalogy Project Description: Curation of mammal material: includes digitizing data, labeling skins and bones, and possible identifications of unknown material. Skills needed: attention to detail. Ability to write legibly on small objects Skills to be gained: standard mammal curation techniques, identification skills, database entry Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Mariela Pajuelo Project Description: The Northern Humboldt Current System off the coast of Peru is one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world, characterized by coastal upwelling and spatial variation in oceanographic conditions and marine productivity. These environmental processes influence marine food webs and the resources available to marine organisms. Stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) is a useful tool for investigating trophic ecology and resource use in marine ecosystems.
In this project, the student will assist with preparing biological tissue samples from marine organisms collected in Peruvian waters, including octopuses, seahorses, and porpoises, for stable isotope analysis. The student will learn laboratory techniques for processing samples, including drying, homogenizing, weighing, and preparing tissues for isotopic analysis. The student will also organize and analyze stable isotope data to explore variation in isotope values among individuals, species, or sampling locations, depending on the samples available. Skills needed: Attention to detail, organizational skills, interest in marine biology and ecology, and willingness to learn laboratory techniques. No previous laboratory experience is required. Skills to be gained: Experience in biological tissue preparation for stable isotope analysis, laboratory protocols, sample organization and data management, and an understanding of how stable isotopes are used to investigate marine trophic ecology. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Megan Ennes Lab/Collection: Museum Education Research Group Project Description: Science museums, zoos, and science centers play an important role in helping people learn about science outside of school. The educators who work in these settings help visitors explore scientific ideas, connect science to their everyday lives, and develop an interest in science. However, these educators do not always have access to the training, professional development, or career advancement opportunities they need to grow in their professions.
This research project explores how informal science educators understand themselves and their roles as professionals. We are especially interested in how educators view their skills, knowledge, contributions, and professional identities, and how these views develop throughout their careers. By interviewing science museum educators, we aim to better understand their experiences and identify ways that museums and other organizations can better support their professional growth.
As an undergraduate research assistant, you will have the opportunity to participate in several stages of the research process. Responsibilities may include helping develop interview questions, recruiting science museum educators to participate in the study, assisting with interviews, transcribing interview recordings, and analyzing interview data to identify common themes and patterns.
This project offers hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, interviewing, data analysis, and the study of science education in informal learning environments. It is a great opportunity for students interested in museums, science communication, education, psychology, or research on people’s experiences and professional development. Skills needed: An interest in museum education, organizational skills, ability to work independently Skills to be gained: experience in qualitative research methods, interviewing, data analysis, and the study of science education in informal learning environments Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Miranda Zwingelberg Lab/Collection: Museum Registrar Office Project Description: A Museum Registrar oversees the technical and regulatory aspects of collection transactions across the museum. They work with collections staff to develop and maintain best practices in these as well as with collection policy, care, and databases. This project will help with the review, organization, and digitization of Anthropology collections records. The student will also assist with adding to and updating the Collections Management Database in support of ongoing standardization and NAGPRA efforts. Skills needed: Attention to detail, good communication and organization skills, ability to read handwritten documents. Skills to be gained: Knowledge of museum registration practices and associated collections records and data. Experience working with a Collections Management Database, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat. Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Megan LeBlanc Lab/Collection: NAGPRA Office Project Description: The student will assist with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) related compliance activities. Tasks may include reviewing archaeological site and collection records, drafting consultation support documents, and creating an archive of the FLMNH’s NAGPRA progress to date. Skills needed: No previous knowledge of NAGPRA is required, but the student is expected to handle culturally sensitive information respectfully. Must be detail oriented, work well independently and collaboratively, and have effective written communication skills. Skills to be gained: The student will develop an understanding of NAGPRA law and regulations while gaining practical experience in ethical museum practices and repatriation. Semester: Spring
Project Mentor: Steve Manchester Lab/Collection: Paleobotany Project Description: Investigating 55 million year old fossil plants based on leaf impressions and pollen. Skills Needed: interest in geology and/or botany Skills to be Gained: microscope use, camera and photoshop methods Semester: Spring
Project mentor: Kelsey Fenner, Edward Stanley Lab/Collection: Digital Imaging/ Herpetology Project Description: With over 1800 currently recognized species; skinks epitomize diversity across all aspects of their biology. They have a near cosmopolitan distribution and can be found on nearly every landmass outside of the poles including some of the most remote islands in the world. Skinks live in almost every biome from the arid interior of Australia to the lush tropical rainforests of South America. Many skinks are terrestrial, but Scincidae also includes species that are fossorial, psammophilous, arboreal, saxicolous, rupicolous, semi-aquatic, and even species specialized for swimming through dense vegetation (grass-swimmers). Skinks also vary greatly in body size, with some species having skulls less than a centemeter long, this extreme reduction in body size has resulted in interesting morphological adaptations that allow these tiny creatures to remain functional at a very diminutive size. Skinks are also the poster child for limb reduction with some researchers estimating as many as 50-70 independent reductions within the lineage. Interns will be involved in data collection for a large research project looking at ecomorphology and trait evolution within Scincidae. This project will involve processing micro-CT data to create 3D anatomical models of museum specimens. Students will help take and record standardized anatomical measurements on over 250 species of skink to help unravel the morphological mysteries of this group to better understand the immense diversity of this clade. Skills needed: Excellent record keeping, attention to detail, an interest in herpetology, morphology, ecology, and or evolutionary biology, curiosity, a willingness to learn new techniques Skills to be gained: Protocols for access and use of museum collections; knowledge and understanding of lizard cranial anatomy and morphology; acquisition and processing of microCT scan data; qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of data generated; scientific writing and presentation of scientific studies Semester: Spring
Intern Testimonials
“An invaluable opportunity to familiarize yourself with careers in scientific fields that often go unnoticed, gain research experience with a supportive mentor, and overall a great way to gain new experiences you might not receive anywhere else”
“My internship experience was a valuable one. I was able to gain hands on experience in artifact preservation and the techniques and measures taken to maintain cultural artifact collections. I had fun too and was able to meet new friends and mentors that will go beyond this experience.”
“This internship gave me a chance to gain a better understanding about the processes to acquire new items for collection and the work done to care for a collection”
The Florida Museum Undergraduate Internship Program (FMUIP) Committee organizes the internship program.
The Florida Museum Undergraduate Internship Program Committee:
Shyla Davidson (iDigBio member)
Steve Manchester (NH chair)
Mariela Pajuelo (NH member)
Jerald Pinson (NH member)
Julian Correa (NH graduate student member)
John Slapcinsky (NH member)
Andrea Torvinen (NH member)
Past Committee Members
Charlie Cobb (2021 – 2022)
Adania Flemming (2020 – 2022)
Nicole Fuller (2019 – 2022)
Jen Green (2022 – 2025)
Lilian Hendricks (2020 – 2021)
Amy Hester (2024 – 205)
Bill Keegan (2021 – 2022)
Taliesin Kinser (2020 – 2022)
Michelle LeFebvre (2019 – 2022)
Alberto Lopez Torres (2024 – 2025)
Gil Nelson (iDigBio member)
Larry Page (2022 – 2023)
Juliette Rubin (2022 – 2023)
Caroline Storer (2019 – 2022)
Shamindri Tennakoon (2020 – 2021)