Dolphin Training and Research Internship
May 27 - July 1, 2023
The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences is excited to offer a 5-week Dolphin Training & Research Internship this summer. The program is open to upper-level undergraduates or recent graduates and will be limited to 12 interns. Interns will live and work at our facility and gain valuable research and field experience as they get to know our resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) and receive an invaluable introduction to the training process.
Under the direction of senior dolphin trainer and biologist Teri Bolton, interns will engage in a wide variety of activities and gain experience and skills that will make them more competitive when pursuing future employment and research opportunities in the field of marine mammal science.
Interns will:
- Receive in-depth lectures on various topics, including evolution, anatomy, physiology, echolocation, reproduction, cognition, communication, conservation, and social dynamics.
- Utilize field research methods to observe and record behavioral interactions.
- Learn marine mammal training techniques.
- Assist in dolphin husbandry and animal care management.
- Develop and implement an independent research project.
- Interact with an extremely dedicated and caring team of marine mammal professionals.
Coral Reef Research Internship
July 8 - August 5, 2023
This summer, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences is excited to offer a 4-week Coral Reef Research Internship. The program is open to upper-level undergraduates or recent graduates and will be limited to 12 students. Interns will live and work at our facility and gain valuable research and field experience on some of the most well-developed and ecologically diverse reefs in the Caribbean.
Under the direction of professional mentors and marine biologists, interns will engage in a wide variety of activities and gain experience in the following:
- Identification of Caribbean coral, fish, invertebrates, and algae species.
- Application of field research methods to assess coral cover, abundance, and reef health.
- Development and implementation of an independent research project
- Coral nursery and reef restoration projects on the island.
- Population management of the invasive lionfish.
- Interaction with local conservation professionals.
MEET THE TEAM TO TAKE YOU THERE
Jennifer Keck, M.B.
RIMS Education & Research Coordinator
Coral Reef Research Internship
Jennifer Keck has been the Education & Research Coordinator with the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) for 23 years. She is also a PADI Instructor and has logged over 7,000 dives on Roatan's reefs. When not working with the university and academic groups that visit our facility, you can find her at RIMS's Coral Nursery, growing corals that will eventually be outplanted onto our reef. She is passionate about ocean conservation and loves sharing her passion for the underwater world with others.
Teri Bolton
RIMS Head Dolphin Trainer
Dolphin Training and Research Internship
Teri Bolton is the head dolphin trainer at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) and manages the staff directly involved in the care, maintenance, training, and research of our bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates). Her efforts, tremendous energy, and dedication are vital to the success of our facility and providing the animals with a healthy and stimulating environment. Teri is a passionate advocate for marine mammals, having spent her career as a trainer and researcher.
Important Information & Details
Dolphin Training & Research
5-Week Internship
Dates
May 27 - July 1, 2023
Eligibility
This internship is open to undergraduate students or recent graduates with a genuine interest in marine mammal science. The internship is limited to 12 interns at a time. Interns will live and work at our facility and gain valuable research and training experience working with our resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates). Learn more >>
Coral Reef Research
4-Week Internship
Dates
July 8 - August 5, 2023
Eligibility
Students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and will be 18 years old at the program's start are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be SCUBA certified. We do not offer course credit for the program but we encourage successful applicants to arrange for research or independent studies credit through their home institution. Learn more >>
Applications
Completed applications transcripts, references, and supporting documents should be e-mailed in PDF format to:
- Coral Reef Research Internship: internship@roatanims.org
- Dolphin Training & Research Internship: rims_training@anthonyskey.com
The subject line of the email should be Last name, First name - RIMS Internship Reference
Questions? Please Contact Us!
For more information about the program, please use the contact form or write to:
Jennifer Keck
Education & Research Coordinator
Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences