Undergraduate researchers are vital to the functioning of our research in the field and the lab. We are dedicated to advancing the knowledge of marine ecology and generating opportunities for students in the field. The majority of our active research occurs during the summer field season. We are a fast-paced and highly collaborative research team during this time, striving to develop a welcoming collegiate atmosphere.
The Peterson Marine Community Ecology Lab is seeking to interview and select two to four (2 – 4) highly motivated volunteer research assistants and one to two (1-2) paid research assistants for summer 2025. Volunteer research hours can be used towards research credit or internship hours with Dr. Bradley Peterson (MAR 487 and MAR 488). Interns may be involved with a number of hands-on projects over the summer, with roles including:
- Assisting with the collection and planting of eelgrass seeds for research intending to understand how to increase the resilience of eelgrass to warming temperatures. Retrieving and deploying temperature loggers throughout Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Bay, and Peconic Bay for ongoing monitoring efforts.
- Working with a variety of equipment and techniques as a part of a number of long-term surveys of coastal ecosystem health. This may include fish seining, eelgrass health surveys, suction sampling of clam populations, water quality sonde deployments, and more.
- Assisting with a project to understand the effectiveness of using different methods to assess the biodiversity of artificial reef structure offshore of Long Island, NY. Prepping and assisting in swapping acoustic receivers used in movement tracking of fish and invertebrates.
- Snorkeling and/or diving to gather eelgrass reproductive shoots for trials involving thermal stress tolerance. Aiding in the setup and maintenance of aquacultural systems for controlled experiments involving seagrass health.
Take a look at our research pages for more information about what we do! Volunteers will be asked to commit at least two days per week from late May/June through August. Paid assistants will require four to five days a week. The exact start and end dates are negotiable.
We look for people who are comfortable and enjoy being outdoors, especially in the field on boats and in the water. Volunteers should be in good physical shape and enjoy hands-on work. The ability to swim is a requirement; dive certification is recommended for fieldwork. All divers will be required to complete AAUS certification’s online course previous to the agreed upon start date.
Looking to dive in the future but have yet to complete the proper training? Check out the courses offered through the scientific diving program at Stony Brook University.
We understand that field experience in the natural sciences is an issue of access therefore we encourage underrepresented students who are interested in our work to apply. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis, with the bulk of decisions being made in early April.
If you have any questions, please contact Lucas Iudica (lucas.iudica@stonybrook.edu).