Join Our Team
Sounds of Science Internship
The objective of this 10-week professional Internship is to facilitate the growth of the Intern’s field recording and science communication skills. Interns will spend their days out in the field capturing audio recordings of the sounds of plants, insects, and voices of scientists at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. The goal of this internship is to create science communication projects focused on the sounds of science at KBS.
This Internship is unique because of its location at Michigan State University’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI, where Interns have the chance to spend a summer advancing in their field and learning about cutting-edge natural science. Interns will also have the opportunity to network and work with the Office of University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University through the MSU Science Festival and all partners.
The Intern will be trained by the KBS Education and Outreach Coordinator and MSU Science Festival Coordinator in project management, educational program development, and cross-disciplinary arts and science projects. The Intern will be evaluated on her or his progress throughout the Internship and will have weekly check-in meetings with their mentor. There will be occasional weekend and evening hours for collecting sound recordings.
At minimum, the Intern will assist the KBS Education and Outreach Coordinator and MSU Science Festival Coordinator with the following tasks:
- Collecting sound field recordings in and around KBS research plots
- Cataloging recordings to be used for future MSU Science Festival projects
- Contributing to science communication projects and events
By the end of the Internship, the Intern will have:
- Completed portfolio of sound recordings and projects that emphasize KBS research
- Significant experience capturing field recordings, conducting interviews with researchers, and communicating scientific concepts
- Gained valuable skills and experience in relationship building, project management, and the planning and execution of communication projects
The ideal candidate for this Internship should have:
- Proficiency with sound recording and editing
- A major or background in music, communication, arts, or the sciences
- Familiarity with networking and building relationships
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
- An interest in communicating about science and/or research
- Enthusiasm for learning about the world around them and gaining new skills
- The ability to productively participate in and learn from critiques
- Effective time and project management skills, strong attention to detail
Dates & Compensation
Dates: May 18 – July 26, 2025
Students are expected to arrive on-site by 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 and depart Saturday, July 26.
Hours: 20 hours weekly
Compensation: $3,500 stipend plus full room and board scholarship at KBS facilities
How to Apply
Application requirements
- Ability to participate the entire program.
- A PDF copy of your most recent transcripts- unofficial is fine
- A PDF of your current resume
- A statement of interest that highlights how this experience will enhance your learning and career goals, as well as a personal statement to give us more information about you. Each statement is 300 words max.
- Contact information for at least one reference- no formal letter is required. We will notify you before contacting any references
Enrollment requirements
Applicants must be enrolled as college students during Spring/Summer 2025. Preference for internship positions is given to MSU students, non-MSU students may be considered and can take their course requirement as a MSU LifeLong Learner. Speak with your advisor about transferring course credits to your home institution.
For non-MSU students
If you are a student who plans to transfer to MSU (not yet an MSU student), a personal identification number (PID) is required to complete this application. To obtain a PID, please register to become a Lifelong Learning Student, and a PID will be assigned to you
Visit the KBS website to learn more and submit your application before February 15
Please email Misty Klotz (klotzmis@msu.edu) with questions about this Internship, or email KBS Academic Programs (KBSSummer@kbs.msu.edu) with questions about the KBS Internship program.