USDA-ARS Evaluating Cacao Stresses and Pests Internship
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS), located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: The participants will conduct research within the cacao collection at TARS and be in the Entomology/Plant Physiology laboratory. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participants will gain experience on the following activities: collecting field data and processing samples in the laboratory; measuring leaf-area indices; identifying and curating insects from various kinds of traps; maintaining healthy insect colonies; and maintaining organized written records.
Learning Objectives: The participants will gain extensive knowledge in field plot techniques, plant physiological parameters, sampling techniques, integrated pest management, pesticide application tactics, and insect identification.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Luz Serrato-Diaz (luz.serrato@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 22, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in the one of the relevant fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree.
- Academic Level(s): Undergraduate Students.