Lake Sturgeon Extension and Research Opportunity

  • Date: May 30 -  August 4, 2023
  • Location: Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS), Oneida Lake
  • Summer Intern: Krystal Dixon
  • Faculty sponsor: Dr. James Watkins, DNRE Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Campus-based mentor/supervisor: Dr. Lars Rudstam
  • Field mentor/supervisor:  Stacy Furgal, New York Sea Grant
  • Stipend: $6,000
lake sturgeon on a hand
Lake sturgeon, photo credit Anna Scime

Lake Sturgeon Extension and Research Opportunity. Alongside a New York Sea Grant Fisheries Specialist, the student intern will be involved in the development of outreach/extension materials and programming that will be used in a statewide event series celebrating sturgeon in New York State in 2023. The selected applicant will also participate in on-going lake sturgeon research on Oneida Lake with Cornell Biological Field Station (CBFS) scientists, with the opportunity to learn fisheries techniques (field and lab) and contribute to identified data needs such as creating updated data visualizations, utilizing historic data, and more based on needs and interests. Housing at CBFS available.

Roles and responsibilities 

During the month of June 2023, the student intern will participate in the annual lake sturgeon survey on Oneida Lake, working aboard a research vessel under the direct supervision of the field crew lead. The intern will also participate in other fisheries surveys throughout the summer. Training on lab techniques and data analysis will be provided, as appropriate. When not in the field/lab, the student will work independently, with minimal supervision, on creating lake sturgeon outreach/extension materials and programming, to be completed by the end of the internship. The extension mentor will be on site regularly to advise and assist.

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Preferred but not required: biology or environmental science coursework Required: Interest in science communication and fisheries field/lab experience.

Learning outcomes 

The selected student will:

  • Design and create outreach/extension materials and programming to communicate lake sturgeon science to non-scientific audiences
  • Participate in field and lab-based lake sturgeon research, and analyze and interpret resulting (or historic) data
  • Work as a member of a diverse team and inclusive team