Research internships, sponsored by EV Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, provide hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. The projects focus on quantifying and identifying microplastics in environmental samples.
Lab interns will learn skills specific to POPs research projects such as:
How to read and conduct project protocols
Process water samples via vacuum filtration
Clean suspected plastic particles via sonication
Perform chemical digestion on organic samples via wet-peroxide oxidation
Analyze suspected plastic particles using a micro Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (u-FTIR) instrument
Input and organize data
Students will also learn and apply general laboratory knowledge such as:
Communication internships allow for the intern to work remotely making this the ideal position for an interested applicant who requires more flexibility in their schedule.
These students will:
Gain writing experience for different types of audiences
Education and outreach internships focus on translating information about plastic pollution, POP in general, and relevant research to members of the public.
Interns will attend:
Educational tabling events at locations such as local farmers markets and concerts
School programs
Fundraising events
These interns will:
Present Powerpoints
Conduct educational activities
Create informational tabling materials
Recruit new members to our email list
Gain confidence in public speaking and social engagement
Ocean Friendly Establishment internships are dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable business practices. While availability for this internship is flexible when working on remote tasks, a vehicle is required for in-person visits to our OFEs.
Interns will:
Keep up with social media posting
Recruit businesses and restaurants to the OFE program
Manage the printer/framer to facilitate the distribution of certificates
Review and evaluate current OFE's status' and ratings
Maintain outstanding relationships between POP and OFE's
Trees4Trash internships require a flexible schedule with weekend availability and a vehicle. Through our T4T program, for every 25 pounds of trash that is removed from the environment, a tree is planted.