The Dallas Zoo is committed to providing students with opportunities to participate in and conduct research at the zoo. Participation ranges from high school students who volunteer on research projects to Ph.D. candidates from various universities who perform their research at the zoo. The research department also has paid and unpaid internships available. Students can spend a semester or a summer learning the nitty-gritty of research at a zoo.
Similar internships are available in animal management and conservation education.
Specific duties are variable depending upon type of internship. All unpaid interns are managed through the Volunteer Department. For details please contact Sherri Reneau, Director of Volunteer Services (214-943-2771 (ext 335) or contact us through dallaszooresearch@dallaszooed.com
CURRENT INTERNSHIPS
Introductory Research Intern (Volunteer)
Introductory research interns are college student volunteers who assist the Zoologists and other staff members with ongoing research projects. Students must have at least one year of introductory biology courses to be eligible. Their duties focus on learning research techniques, data collection, sample processing, data entry, and data analysis. Introductory research internships usually occur during the summer and require a commitment of at least 100 hours and 6 weeks. All interns receive an evaluation and letter of reference; some also receive college credit.
Advanced Research Intern (Volunteer)
Advanced research interns are college student volunteers who help complete a specific project under the guidance of the Zoologists. Students must have research experience equivalent to an introductory research internship to be eligible. Their duties focus on data analysis and write up. Advanced research internships usually occur during the summer and require a commitment of at least 200 hours and 10 weeks. All interns receive an evaluation and letter of reference; some also receive college credit.
Independent Study Internship – Research Project (Volunteer)
Independent study research project interns are college student volunteers who receive credit for individual research projects done during the school year or during the summer. Students must have had at least one year of introductory biology courses to be eligible. Their duties include all the aspects of undertaking a complete research project. Independent study research project internships require a commitment of at least 90 hours per semester/term during the school year and at least 180 hours over the summer.
Independent Study Internship – Research Aide (Volunteer)
Independent study research aide interns are college student volunteers who receive credit for assisting the Zoologists and other staff members with ongoing research projects during the school year. This internship is for students in the D/FW area and is not available during the summer. Students must have had at least one year of introductory biology courses to be eligible. Their primary duties focus on learning research techniques, data collection, sample processing, data entry, and/or data analysis, depending on the amount of time they are available. Independent study research aide internships require a commitment of at least 30 hours per semester/term.
Senior Research Intern (Paid)
Senior research interns are paid college students who perform a specific project designed for the internship. Under the guidance of a Zoologist or Research Technician, the intern takes the project from data collection through data analysis. The Zoo offers one Senior Research Internship per year, which occurs in the summer for 400 hours over 10 weeks. The 2007 senior research internship will involve a project on perch design and use by birds in a free-flighted aviary.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
