The basis of this Summer Intern Program is a highly individualised research experience for each student coupled with group activities. As an intern in the VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) program, students work closely with a mentor, and often within the context of a research team, to develop an individual project. 

Students are expected to work with their mentors to develop a project idea in the form of a brief research prospectus, conduct their research, and then present results in a final program that is open to the VIMS community.

Students will also prepare a summary research paper that is maintained in the program archives. In some cases, this has been the basis for a subsequent publication in the scientific literature. 

For more information on intern research projects, check out the student research page.

The program will allow give the students an opportunity every week to attend a seminar that features a guest speaker discussing topics such as:

• "Scientific Reading, Writing and Peer Review"
• "How to Apply to Graduate School: Tips from the Faculty Who Read the Files"
• "Alternatives to Life in Academia: A Panel Discussion"
• "How to Give an Effective Scientific Presentation"
• "Ethics in Science"