The Thomas More University Biology Field Station, home of the Center for Ohio River Research & Education (CORRE), is offering eight paid research internships for undergraduate students. These internships are in the fields of aquatic biology, conservation, ecology, and environmental science. Projects involve animal husbandry, bioassessments/biomonitoring, climate change, fisheries, harmful algal bloom monitoring and toxicology, among others. Internships include a $5000 stipend and free on-site housing. Students are responsible for food & travel. These positions are funded by CLIMBS - Kentucky Climate Resilience, the Duke Energy Foundation, Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky, the Terracon Foundation, Thomas More University, and WAVE Foundation. Learn more about the positions on the internship website, and apply using the form (click here to apply) by 5 PM Eastern February 13, 2026.

Time Period: Internships begin on May 31st and finish Aug 1st, 2026 with a short break at the mid-point over the Fourth of July weekend.

The CORRE interns will be assigned to one or more of the following projects:

• Animal Husbandry (aka Lab Crew): These positions entail working in the aquaculture labs at the Station, designed for the propagation of freshwater fish and native mussels. Work includes daily monitoring of the fish, mussel, and hellbender tanks, physiochemical sampling, and tank maintenance. In addition, interns may conduct an experiment in aquatic toxicology in collaboration with the USEPA, located nearby in Cincinnati, OH. This internship is primarily lab-based, unlike the other two which are primarily field-based. One animal husbandry crew member will work two days per week at the Newport Aquarium with the biologist crew.
• Big River Ecology (aka River Crew):  This study is part of the long-term monitoring of the Ohio River near Zimmer Power Plant in Moscow, OH which began in 1971.  Work includes physiochemical sampling, fish collections and habitat analyses.  The hours are generally from 9am-12pm and 6-9pm, Monday-Friday.  Night electrofishing will occur from 9pm-12am four times during the study.  Fish tissues will be collected for DNA sequencing analyses.
• Stream Ecology (aka Stream Team): This project entails extensive stream assessments throughout Northern Kentucky, in conjunction with the Sanitation District No. 1 and the Boone County Conservation District.  Interns will work alongside biologists from these agencies to conduct bacterial tests, physiochemical sampling, fish & macroinvertebrate collections and habitat analyses.  All work will occur during the day from Monday-Friday. 

In addition, each intern will develop a small-scale independent study research project.
*Please note all research interns will also serve as Environmental Educators for our STEM outreach programs, including daylong field trips, overnight camps, and tours.

Eligibility (these are the minimum requirements for eligibility.)

• Minimum 3.00 G.P.A. and Good Academic Standing
• Successful completion of General Biology I & II or General Chemistry I & II (or equivalent courses) by Summer 2026
• Preference will be given to students with career aspirations in aquatic biology, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, and/or field biology
• Early career students seeking their first internship position are encouraged to apply

Physical Demands of Essential Functions of the Job (can be adjusted with reasonable accommodation)

• Stand for up to three hours straight
• Tolerate high heat index, humidity, and exposure to inclement weather
• Safely lift and carry objects and equipment up to 40 pounds 
• Navigate rough and hilly terrain

Application Materials 

• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcript
• Resume or CV—limited to 1 page
• One Letter of Recommendation (sent directly to Dr. Chris Lorentz, lorentzc@thomasmore.edu, or uploaded to this form)
• Application Form (click here)