{"id":1125,"date":"2024-07-10T22:54:27","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T22:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-usc-dornsife.pantheonsite.io\/wrigley\/?page_id=1125"},"modified":"2026-06-18T17:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T17:33:15","slug":"summer-research-internships","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/education\/undergraduate-internships\/summer-research-internships\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Research Internships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--full-width-cta \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--full-width-cta\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n<div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n  \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Real Research, Real Impact\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                        \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Study the coastal ocean with some of the world\u2019s leading scientists! <\/p>\n<p>Our Summer Research Program gets you into the lab and the field for hands-on, life-changing experiences. Help advance real research projects led by USC and USC-affiliated faculty as you prepare you for a career in environmental or sustainability science.<\/p>\n<p>We also regularly connect USC undergraduate students with Wrigley Institute-affiliated faculty who have school-year openings in their labs.<\/p>\n<p><b>Applications for 2026 research internships are now closed. Complete the interest form below to stay informed and be notified about the next application cycle.<\/b> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n    \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n        \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/usc.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_3wvC8T3DQdYbNdQ\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Complete the interest form\"  \n>\n    Complete the interest form \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--featured-block image-left\"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--featured-block\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"text-image-container\">\n    <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          How it Works\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>The 2026 Summer Research Internship Program is a 9-week residential experience focused on scientific investigations of the coastal ocean. Students will contribute meaningfully to research projects led by USC and USC-affiliated faculty, with additional mentoring and professional development provided by graduate students and Wrigley Institute staff. Research projects and cohort activities may take place at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles, at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Catalina Island, or in a hybrid format across both locations. Your specific internship location will depend on the project you join and the mentor(s) you are assigned to work with.<\/p>\n<p>The experience will include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hands-on research training, including laboratory and\/or field training<\/li>\n<li>Special seminars on oceanography and marine science<\/li>\n<li>Professional development workshops, networking, and science training opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Cohort-building activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Award Details: Summer research<\/strong><strong>\u00a0internships are open only to USC continuing undergraduate students.<\/strong> All interns receive a $5,400 stipend, plus room and board at WMSC. Housing is not provided at USC&#8217;s University Park Campus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Program Dates: <\/strong>June 15 \u2013 August 14, 2026 (9 weeks)<\/p>\n<div class=\"links-container\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/usc.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_3wvC8T3DQdYbNdQ\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Complete the interest form\"  \n>\n    Complete the interest form \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"image-container\">\n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2024\/07\/Miguel-Sanchez-REU-w-Inessa-Research-Internships-768x768.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2024\/07\/Miguel-Sanchez-REU-w-Inessa-Research-Internships-1280x1280.jpg 1280w,https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2024\/07\/Miguel-Sanchez-REU-w-Inessa-Research-Internships-768x768.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 50vw, (min-width:768px) 100vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"2023 Wrigley Institute Graduate Fellow Inessa Chandra, wearing a blue lab coat, and 2023 REU student Miguel Sanchez, wearing a navy blue shirt and blue bandana, smile as they stand together in a science lab. The wall behind them is covered in shelves and small bottles of chemicals.\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--spacer \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--spacer\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          2026 Research Projects\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Summer research internship projects vary from year to year. Projects may include lab work, field work and\/or largely be computational, depending on the topic. See the list of 2026 project topics and mentors below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Rocky Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitats: Assessing Live-Dead-Fossil Community Fidelity in Molluscan Assemblages <\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0This project investigates the relationship between living and dead-shell molluscan communities in shallow rocky reefs along the Southern California coast. Using SCUBA and intertidal surveys, students will help assess how accurately dead assemblages represent modern species composition. The results will inform conservation paleobiology and support long-term management of coastal ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduate Student Mentor:<\/strong> Priyanka Soni, Ph.D. Candidate USC Earth Sciences<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. David Bottjer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Active AAUS Certified Diver status<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Location:<\/strong> WMSC, Natural History Museum, and UPC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Does kelp persistence and abundance affect fish trophic relationships and community composition?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0This study aims to determine how the persistence of giant kelp,\u00a0<i>Macrocystis pyrifera<\/i>, forests drive variation in the trophic interactions of predatory fish with distinct feeding habits and the community composition of reef fishes. To investigate this, students will help collect three species of fish from sites with varying kelp persistence and abundance to obtain various internal structures and analyze their diets; conduct environmental surveys to understand prey availability, variation in the fish community, and base information about the fish collection sites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduate Student Mentor:<\/strong> Kara Stella, M.S. Candidate CSUN Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Mark Steele, CSUN Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Active AAUS Certified Diver certification is preferred but not required. The position will primarily involve laboratory work, with potential opportunities for diving.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> WMSC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Monitoring the seasonal environment of the kelp forest floor<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Summary:\u00a0<\/strong>The Schwartzman lab studies the microscopic life stages of giant kelp and their associations with microbes. Our project this summer involves deploying environmental sensors to measure temperature and light in the kelp forests around Catalina Island to help us understand the conditions that the microscopic stages of kelp, called gametophytes, experience in the field. This project will involve diving to deploy and retrieve the sensors, as well as learning to analyze time series data. We are looking for a student with AAUS certification. Please note that prospective applicants will be also participate in the project from the Steele lab (CSUN), and will be co-mentored by Dr. Steele and his graduate student, Kara Stella.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduate Student Mentor:<\/strong> Zoey Papka, Ph.D. Student USC Marine Environmental Biology (Co-mentor Kara Stella, M.S. Candidate CSUN Biology)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Julia Schwartzman, USC Marine Environmental Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Active AAUS Certified Diver status<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Location:<\/strong> WMSC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Decoding the contribution of microbes to the survival of giant kelp in its microscopic stages<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Summary:<\/strong> This project investigates the relationship between coastal microbial communities and the microscopic \u201cseed\u201d stage of giant kelp,\u00a0<i>Macrocystis pyrifera<\/i>. We use a combination of microscopy and high throughput sequencing to characterize the microbial community members and their effects on kelp growth. As part of this project, you will participate in three collections of water from the kelp forest in June and July at WMSC. The remaining time, you will be based at UPC conducting lab experiments and data analysis. Students should have basic biology lab experience, an interest in marine microbial ecology, and be interested in field research. Coursework in topics such as molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, statistics, and data analysis in R preferred, but not required. Field sampling will involve driving a boat to locations around Catalina Island, collecting water samples, and processing them in the lab at WMSC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduate Student Mentor:<\/strong> Kurt Castro<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Julia Schwartzman, USC Marine Environmental Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Basic biology lab experience, an interest in marine microbial ecology and field research<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Location:<\/strong> WMSC and UPC (hybrid)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Chromosome-Level Genome and Ecological Survey of Americardia biangulata from Catalina Island<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong>Summary:\u00a0<\/strong>Marine invertebrates around Catalina Island especially infaunal species remain poorly studied; this project combines SCUBA-based transect surveys with omics approaches such as eDNA to uncover this hidden biodiversity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postdoctoral Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Ruiqi Li, USC Marine Environmental Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Carly Kenkel, USC Marine Environmental Biology<\/li>\n<li><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Active AAUS Certified Diver status and some experience with the command line<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Location:<\/strong> UPC, with some field work at WMSC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-RHPgjJQH4E\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Investigating antibiotic resistance in Vibrio across the channel<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-RHPgjJQH4E\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-RHPgjJQH4E\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul>\n<li><strong><strong>Summary: <\/strong><\/strong>Several <i>Vibrio<\/i> species are known human pathogens and can cause potentially severe or fatal illnesses collectively referred to as vibriosis. However, comparatively little is known about the relationship between <i>Vibrio<\/i> and marine mammals. This project, in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Care Center, addresses this gap. The research intern will contribute to the development of a culture collection from natural ecosystems and perform wet-lab and bioinformatic approaches to classify <i>Vibrio<\/i>\u00a0isolates at the species and strain levels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postdoctoral Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. Gerid Ollison<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Dr. John Heidelberg, USC Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies<\/li>\n<li><strong>Project Location:<\/strong> WMSC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n      \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Eligibility &#038; How to Apply\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p>Applications for 2026 research internships are now closed. Complete the interest form to stay informed and be notified about the next application cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= https:\/\/usc.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_3wvC8T3DQdYbNdQ\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Complete the interest form\"  \n>\n    Complete the interest form \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Eligibility<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-XlpWToZQuc\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-XlpWToZQuc\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\">Applicants must be continuing USC undergraduate students (not graduating in May of their internship year). Priority will be given to USC Dornsife undergraduate students.<\/li>\n<li data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">\n<div class=\"elementToProof\" role=\"presentation\">Projects will take place at WMSC<b>, <\/b>UPC, or a hybrid between the two campuses; housing is only provided at WMSC.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How to Apply<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-XlpWToZQuc\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-XlpWToZQuc\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p class=\"p1\"><b>You will need the following information and materials to complete your application:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li>Basic contact and academic information<\/li>\n<li>Your responses to three, short-answer questions (1,000 max characters):\n<ul>\n<li>How will this internship help you achieve your goals after graduation?<\/li>\n<li>Tell us about any relevant research, classroom, and\/or internship experiences you have had that prepared you for this opportunity (note, previous experience is not a requirement).<\/li>\n<li>Please rank the available 2026 research topics and briefly explain the reasons behind your ranking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>A STARS report or unofficial transcript<\/li>\n<li>A resume or CV (2 pages max)<\/li>\n<li>A professional or academic reference (contact information only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-XlpWToZQuc\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Resources for Crafting a Strong Application<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-XlpWToZQuc\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-XlpWToZQuc\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>See the following external resource for tips on crafting a strong application for your research internship.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pathwaystoscience.org\/pdf\/Applying_LettersOfRecommendation.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to obtain a strong letter of recommendation &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pathwaystoscience.org\/pdf\/Applying_WritingEssaysAndPersonalStatements.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to write a strong essay or personal statement &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n        \n          \n          \n          \n          \n          \n  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--editorial-cards \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--editorial-cards\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          2026 Summer Research Program Interns \n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"cards-container\">\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/Jackeline_Gonzales-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/Jackeline_Gonzales-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Jackeline Godinez Gonzales\n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Decoding the contribution of microbes to the survival of giant kelp in its microscopic stages<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Kurt Castro (USC PhD Student) and Dr. Julia Schwartzman<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/placeholder-5x7-1-768x432.avif\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/placeholder-5x7-1-768x432.avif 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Paige Mercer\n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Monitoring the seasonal environment of the kelp forest floor<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Zoey Papka (USC PhD Student) and Dr. Julia Schwartzman<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/KeiraNorrell_headshot_ZINS-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/KeiraNorrell_headshot_ZINS-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Keira Norrell\n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Rocky Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Habitats: Assessing Live-Dead-Fossil Community Fidelity in Molluscan Assemblages<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Priyanka Soni (USC PhD Student) and Dr. David Bottjer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/stevenwei-editorial-cards-horizontal-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/stevenwei-editorial-cards-horizontal-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Steven Wei \n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Chromosome-Level Genome and Ecological Survey of Americardia biangulata from Catalina Island<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Dr. Li Ruiqi (USC Postdoc) and Dr. Carly Kenkel<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/alice-yin-editorial-cards-horizontal-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/04\/alice-yin-editorial-cards-horizontal-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  role=\"none\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Alice Yin\n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Does kelp persistence and abundance affect fish trophic relationships and community composition?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors:<\/strong> Kara Stella (CSUN MS Student) and Dr. Mark Steele (CSUN Biology)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n      \n        <div class=\"card\">\n\n          \n                                      \n                \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/06\/Quackenbush_Adam_EXTRA-1-768x432.jpeg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/wrigley\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/116\/2026\/06\/Quackenbush_Adam_EXTRA-1-768x432.jpeg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 23vw, (min-width:768px) 39vw, 83vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n                  alt=\"person next to koala\"\n        \n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n          \n          <div class=\"text-container\">\n            \n                            <h3>\n                  \n                    Adam Quackenbush\n\n                                  <\/h3>\n            \n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--description\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Project:<\/strong> Investigating antibiotic resistance in Vibrio across the channel<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentors: <\/strong>Dr. Gerid Ollison (USC Postdoc) and Dr. John Heidelberg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n  \n      <div class=\"links-container\">\n      \n            \n<div class=\"f--field f--link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a \n  class=\"link\"\n  href= \/wrigley\/education\/undergraduate-internships\/summer-research-internships\/past-research-interns-and-projects\/\n    aria-label=\"Read more about Past Research Interns and Projects\"  \n>\n    Past Research Interns and Projects \n  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FC0\" points=\"19.3,27.5 29.3,17.5,19.3,7.5 16.3,10.4 21.4,15.4 6.7,15.4 6.7,19.6 21.4,19.6 16.3,24.6 \"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n          <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":0,"parent":713,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1125","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Summer Research Internships - Wrigley Institute for Environment and 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