2001 MBARI Internship applicants
Application procedure:
Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. The cover letter should include a statement of your research interests (with specific mention of one of the following potential projects or areas), relevant coursework and grades, and complete contact details (home and work phone numbers and email address, if available). MBARI is an equal opportunity employer.
Below you will find a list of some potential projects and mentors (this list will be updated, so please bookmark and check this page from time to time). Clearly identifying a specific research interest/area is an important part of your application and is essential in the application process. Please contact George Matsumoto if you have any questions. I have provided links to the mentors home pages (if available) so that you can learn more about the various mentors, please DO NOT contact the mentor directly.
Peter Brewer , Ed Peltzer, and George Malby
- Laser Raman Spectrometer
- Over the last few years we have advanced the art of chemical measurement in the deep ocean through the innovative use of MBARI's remotely operated vehicles. We are now making the first ever laser Raman spectrometer measurements of a variety of chemical, biological, and geological targets in the deep sea. Challenges include the detection of methane and CO2 hydrates, the signature of bacterial mats, and the gradients in marine pore waters. We will provide opportunities for an intern to take part in both the field and laboratory parts of this program, and to learn both the theory and technique behind these measurements.
- Ground-Truthing EM300 Sidescan Sonar Data.
- This project would include testing some simple notions for bottom classification using EM300 sidescan data here in Monterey Bay. We would choose a couple of specific targets where we have "ground-truth" data from ROV video and bottom samples. The underlying acoustics could be handled by any student with reasonable mathematical sophistication. The existing software base would make programming tasks and data analysis straightforward. Students applying for this project should have the prerequisite physics, math, and programming skills.
- Potential Biological Oceanography Projects
- Aspects of Simulations of Ocean Physics and Ecosystems for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Relating bio-optical measurements from in situ instruments to primary productivity
- Petrologic Modeling of Mid-ocean Ridge Basalts
- MBARI Web
- MBARI uses its website (as well as other written materials and products) to disseminate information and data to the scientific and educational communities, and to the general public. The goal of this project is to develop accurate and useful informational web pages on MBARI research and development projects, following MBARI's web and editorial standards.
Daniel Davis
- Applications of Underwater Image-Based Measurement Technology
- MBARI has already established a leading position in the development of quantitative video techniques for use with ROVs. The techniques include the use of structured lighting, laser references for benthic imagery, camera calibration, and measurements with paired calibrated cameras. The successful development and transition of a technology to standard practice requires further proof-of-concept through the application of the technology to new and different scientific problems. The purposes of this project are to learn about some of the techniques developed at MBARI for image based scientific measurement and to develop novel applications that make use of and/or enhance these techniques for new scientific problems.
- The skills required are knowledge of and interest in an ocean science discipline as well as an interest in technology from the area of digital image processing and analysis.
Ed Delong
- Molecular Investigations in Microbial Oceanography
- Microorganisms are major mediators of energy and nutrient cycling in the sea. Although a diverse group of organisms are responsible for these processes, current methods for identifying microbial species and linking them to specific biogeochemical and biological cycles are not well developed. The underlying goal of the microbial oceanography group at MBARI is to develop and apply new tools and techniques to identify, detect, and quantify microorganisms, and relate them to the biogeochemical processes which they mediate. Much of our focus is on the use of molecular biological and biotechnological tools to elucidate these systems. Model systems of the microbial oceanography group span the taxonomic spectrum from eukaryotic plankton, to prokaryotes to viruses.
- Specific activities include:
- Development and application of DNA probes and novel instrumentation for detection and quantification of toxic and nontoxic phytoplankton (Scholin et al.)
- Development of methods for detection, quantification, and biogeochemical characterization of dominant (but unculturable) planktonic microbes (DeLong et al.)
Drew Gashler
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
- The internship will focus on the maintenance and operation of a prototype autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), which may culminate with assisting in the deployment of the vehicle in an ocean observing system. Subsystems with which the intern will gain experience will include DC brushless motors, linear actuators, RS-485 and RS-232 serial communications, 1 atmosphere housings, PC-104 computer systems, data acquisition, and submarine cabling. We anticipate that the intern will go to sea for a day at a time in order to participate in AUV operations.
- Innovative Products from MBARI's Video Laboratory
- MBARI's video archives and annotation data provide a valuable research tool for studying organisms found in the deep sea. This technical and creative project will utilize video annotation data and related resources to further enhance the value of these deep-sea video observations. The primary focus will be to investigate and provide a proposed solution for development of a digital video server for the institute. This feasibility study will involve research and testing of existing industry tools such as video digitization hardware, software control, storage devices, and access/delivery options. Therefore, familiarity with principals of software engineering, network security, serial communication and device control will be beneficial. The secondary focus of this project will be to explore production of an educational or scientific video program; this may include videography, story development, and editing. The intern will have the opportunity to work with a variety of staff and industry experts as well as contribute new knowledge towards the advancement of MBARI's research efforts. The candidate must exhibit the ability to work efficiently and independently following guidance from mentors.
- LEGOS
- The LEGO DACTA ROBOLAB lets students of all ages learn about robotics by connecting motors and sensors to a microcontroller "brick" using standard LEGO blocks. These kits are used in classrooms to teach basic engineering skills. Students can build robots that exhibit complex behaviors such as following a line, exploring a maze, or identifying and retrieving objects.
- We would like to extend the range of applications of these kits to include underwater exploration. All existing kit components, however, are designed to work on the classroom floor, and would be quickly destroyed by water. The goal of this intern project is to design and build new sensors and motors that can function up to two meters underwater. The intern will then use these components to build a LEGO ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) or AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle).
- This is definitely a "hands on" project requiring creativity and perseverance, so the intern should be very comfortable working with hand tools and finding new uses for ordinary materials. Some knowledge of mechanical design, electronics, and programming is also required.
- Identifying archival environmental reports
- The Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN) is a recently initiated program to develop a comprehensive monitoring program for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) in collaboration with MBARI. One aspect of SIMoN is the identification and archiving of environmental reports pertaining to the MBNMS. This internship would serve as a first step in discovering agencies and other sources of such reports. The projected outcome would be a database of reports from which regional libraries, especially the MBARI/MLML Research Library, would attempt to acquire archival copies. Recommendations on the feasibility of creating a digital archive are also expected.
- Midwater Ecology.
- Interns will have the opportunity to assist with the lab's several ongoing research projects concerning the ecology of mesopelagic and bathypelagic animals, and/or to develop a new project within the midwater program. We are presently focused on gelatinous predators (siphonophores, ctenophores, and medusae), as well as larvaceans, squids, and fishes. We utilize the ROVs Ventana and Tiburon, extensive video and data archives, and a seawater lab facility for this work.
- Conservation Program Development
- Evaluate MBARI's conservation procedures and practices, as it relates to program development, facilities and building material options, and recycling. Make recommendations on information to be posted. Candidate will be involved in Conservation Program web page development. The intent is to elevate staff, community and vendor awareness of sustainable procedures and practices.
- Mid-Ocean Ridge Processes
- I am interested in having an intern to work on mid-ocean ridge processes. The intern will be reviewing ROV video from the Juan de Fuca Ridge and compiling field data. The field will be integrated with rock chemistry to map lava flows and how the chemistry is modified by the shallow magma distribution processes. Alternatively, an intern could also focus on black smoker chimney formation and work with Karen Salamy and myself on mineralogy and growth processes.
Nicole Tervalon
- Integration and Testing of Science Instrumentation
- on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
- MBARI is currently developing an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of operating in the Arctic Ocean and collecting science data for an extended period of time (up to 10 days). Our full engineering test of the vehicle in the Arctic Ocean is scheduled for October of 2001. Between now and the end of the summer we will be acquiring, integrating, and testing the suite of science instruments which will be used aboard this AUV. The project would involve hardware and/or software development associated with the development of the scientific instrumentation package. It could also involve data analysis from these instruments to verify performance and reliability. The intern may be asked to go to sea for a number of single day test cruises.
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Interns will have the opportunity to work in our molecular biology facilities and assist with ongoing research projects concerning modes of dispersal and evolutionary relationships of deep-sea hydrothermal vent animals. We currently focus on estimating rates of gene flow in mussel, clam, snail and tubeworm species that live in eastern Pacific hydrothermal vents and cold-water seeps. Also, students interested in the conservation and evolution of fish can become involved in our long-term studies of desert stream-dwelling species that can reproduce sexually or by cloning. Students will be exposed to DNA sequencing and protein electrophoretic techniques and gain experience with our live fish colony.