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The mission of the CEB internship program is to engage interns in authentic environmental research and outreach experiences to enhance their expertise in science, education, and outreach, especially related to the management of natural resources.

CEB runs a year-long internship program open to UCI undergraduates of all majors.  UCI student interns receive academic credit through Bio Sci 197: CEB Internship (Dr. Kimball is listed as the Instructor of Record) and may additionally receive credit through Bio Sci 199, ESS 198, or ESS 199.

Prerequisite: Must have taken the following UCLC modules prior to fall enrollment: 1) Laboratory Safety Fundamentals, 2) Hazardous Waste, and 3) Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).

CEB Intern Application

Thank you for your interest in the CEB internship program! The application window for the 2023-24 academic year is now closed.

If you have any questions, please contact Haley Heesch (hheesch@uci.edu).

Stay tuned for more information about applying to the CEB internship program!

Research Projects

CEB interns participate in ecological research projects related to conservation and restoration in Orange County. Interns  work directly with local land managers and UCI scientists. Projects are conducted in a combination of field, lab, and greenhouse settings. The program consists of a full year of 199 units in addition to at least one unit of Bio Sci 197 (the CEB Internship course). Training and cohort-building activities during the Fall Quarter develop research skills such as plant identification, vegetation sampling methods, and operation of specialized equipment. During Winter and Spring Quarters, interns focus on collecting data in the field. Interns attend weekly meetings throughout the internship to discuss relevant literature, data analysis, and other topics related to our research projects. Interns who participate in the program for more than one year have the opportunity to develop their own, independent projects related to our ongoing research program.

Education & Outreach Projects

CEB interns participate in informal, K-12, and after-school education programs and work to translate complex science to public audiences. Interns participate in communicating science on board Citizen Science cruises, at the Environmental Study Loop, and at the Back Bay Science Center. This internship is designed for students interested in gaining more exposure and experience in teaching and informal science education. The program involves a full year of Bio Sci 197 units with the Fall Quarter focused on cohort building and training at UCI and in the field, and Winter and Spring Quarters focused on getting experience teaching and communicating in the field. There is also a possibility of participating in a paid Summer Program focused on student-scientist pairings and student-directed projects. The internship benefits students are either already in the Cal Teach program, or considering Cal Teach, and especially those who hope to work in informal science education settings (e.g. parks, zoos, aquaria) by helping them to make informed decisions about future career opportunities