2026 Summer Internship for Indigenous Undergrads
Applications due: April 15th, 2026, application available soon
Internship dates: June 22nd, 2026 - August 13th, 2026
Location: Salish Sea Research Center, Northwest Indian College, Bellingham, WA 98248
Stipend: $6,000 + supplementary meal stipend
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Benefits:
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Develop scientific skills in the lab and field
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Complete a group research project with hands-on mentorship
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Experience the Pacific Northwest
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Improve your résumé and build connections for a career in science or natural resources management
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$6K stipend, meal stipend, and housing provided
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One time, round-trip travel costs to attend the internship
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Potential funding to present your group project at a national scientific conference
Requirements:
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​Identify as Indigenous
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Enrolled in an undergraduate program
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Commit to attend all 8-weeks of the summer internship, 20-hours per week
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Be willing to participate on various projects in collaborative groups
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Be able to provide a W9 for tax purposes (stipend is taxable income)
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Complete an entrance and exit survey, required by our funding source
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Abide by the NWIC Code of Conduct
Additional Details: The summer internship at the Salish Sea Research Center is in its 9th year. You will spend the first five weeks building scientific skills through guided projects (see below). In the last three weeks, you will use these skills to conduct open-ended research on one of three topics of your choosing. Interns meeting requirements will have the option to present their research at one of three national scientific conferences. You should expect to work both indoors and out, including in inclement weather. We will provide necessary outdoor gear and equipment. Housing will be provided at Western Washington University, near the heart of Bellingham, with daily transport provided to the Salish Sea Research Center.
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Questions: Please direct questions to Anthony Lapsansky, anthonyl[at-symbol]nwic.edu
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Week 1:
Research Focus: Invertebrates as Indicators
Freshwater invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, annelid worms, etc.) vary in their sensitivity to pollution and habitat degradation. Thus, by surveying the community of invertebrates in a pond or lake, we can assess the health of the system. Interns will learn how to sample invertebrates following standard practices, identify those invertebrates, and evaluate the health of local ponds and lakes.
Week 2:
Research Focus: Shellfish and Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful algae blooms represent an escalating threat to recreational, commercial, and subsistence shellfish harvests. Interns will collect shellfish and learn how scientists at the SSRC process shellfish samples to quantify toxin levels.
Week 3 & 4
Research Focus: Longfin Smelt Spatial Ecology using eDNA and GIS
Longfin Smelt are a small forage fish with an anadromous life-history, meaning they spend most of their time in the ocean before returning to freshwater to reproduce. While the spawning behavior of these smelt is somewhat predictable, we know little about where they spend their time while at sea. This information could be key to Longfin Smelt management and conservation. Interns will assist SSRC researchers with mapping the distribution of smelt using eDNA and GIS.
Week 5:
Research Focus: Predator-Prey Interactions in Marine Plankton
This project will use experiments with local plankton communities to explore the relationships between zooplankton grazers and phytoplankton prey. Activities will include field collection of zooplankton and phytoplankton including red tide species, setting up grazing experiments, and measuring different biological parameters like chlorophyll and toxin concentration.
Week 6 - Week 8
Group Research Projects
In the final 3 weeks of the internship, students will choose one of three potential group projects based on the above research focuses. Students will develop and test their hypotheses using equipment from the SSRC and under the guidance of a senior mentor. Group projects will culminate in a short presentation to other members of the internship and selected community members.
