Years of interns
0
Total alumni
0
Schools and institutions
0

Where ocean science careers begin

In 1997, we welcomed 13 ambitious ocean explorers as our first class of MBARI interns. Since then, hundreds of aspiring scientists, engineers, educators, and innovators have passed through our halls, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking research, and a community driven by curiosity and discovery.

Today, MBARI alums are leading research programs, developing new technologies, teaching future generations, launching companies, and tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. As we welcome our 30th class of interns in 2026, we are sharing their stories—and the many ways MBARI is shaping the future of ocean science through the people we inspire.

An intern sits at a computer in a dark video lab, manipulating a photomosaic collage of seafloor imagery.
Two interns disassemble an autonomous robot in a brightly lit engineering lab. The robot has a yellow plastic housing with an orange plastic tail cone, and is sitting on a black plastic cart.
An intern holds up a clear plastic bottle to examine its contents. He is wearing purple gloves. In the background is a scientific instrument.
An intern hands two children stickers at the MBARI Open House. She is standing behind a table next to a multi-colored spinning prize wheel.
An intern wearing purple gloves uses a pipette to load DNA samples into a clear plastic tray. He is seated next to a counter with DNA sampling instruments. In the background is a genetics lab.
An intern wearing black goggles operates a laser imaging system in a dark laboratory. She is adjusting a glass beaker containing a deep-sea coral illuminated by bright green laser light.

Featured Interns

Meet the Team

Join the next wave of ocean exploration

The curiosity that drives MBARI’s work also drives our commitment to cultivating new talent, ensuring that the next great breakthroughs begin with opportunity. MBARI’s Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for talented college students and educators to work directly with MBARI scientists, engineers, and staff.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES