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Global One Health Academy

One Health Museum Internships

February 28, 2024

In collaboration with and funding from the Global One Health Academy, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting two internship opportunities for Summer 2024 related to One Health, wildlife health, and zoonotic diseases.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 27, 11:59 p.m.

APPLY HERE

To apply, you must be an NC State graduate or veterinary student with an interest in One Health – the idea that the health of plants, animals, humans, and the environment is interconnected and must be addressed holistically. NC State students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds interested in gaining further experience in the incorporation of One Health concepts in teaching, research, and public engagement associated with wildlife health or veterinary sciences topics are encouraged to apply.

Selected interns will receive a $5,000 stipend.

Description: This position will study the health of wild animals from camera trap photographs. Animal health can be assessed in photographs related to their general body condition and certain diseases that affect their fur (i.e. mange). In the Biodiversity Lab we are developing AI algorithms to identify mange and quantify animal body condition. This position will help develop these analysis tools, and use them to mine existing camera trap image databases from North Carolina and around the world.

This position will work in the Biodiversity Lab at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, which is a glass-walled lab that is visible to the public. They will work with an existing team of wildlife biologists, and there will also be some opportunities for local field work.

Expected Outcomes: The student is expected to produce a report on their work at the end of the summer, which could potentially lead to a peer-reviewed publication.

Qualifications: Background in AI, wildlife health, or camera trapping would be useful but is not required.

Schedule: Approximately 24 hours per week for 10 weeks starting the week of May 20, 2024. Work will be on-site and in-person. Final weekly schedule to be arranged and assigned once work gets started.

Primary supervisor: Roland Kays, Head of Biodiversity Research Lab (roland.kays@naturalsciences.org)

Description: This internship focuses on One Health integration into Veterinary Sciences operations through opportunities in leadership, program development and implementation, mentorship, public interaction, and presentation. The position will include mentorship of undergraduate students, collaboration with other graduate/veterinary students, and opportunities for public engagement and communication on One Health topics. It provides practical experience in researching peer-reviewed literature and public health information related to One Health including development and delivery of a Zoonotic Disease Training Program for Museum staff, students, and volunteers.

The Museum’s Veterinary Sciences (VetS) section’s primary purpose is to advance the Museum’s mission through education, research, collaboration, conservation, and animal health management. VetS provides leadership and guidance to staff, colleagues, and the public on topics associated with veterinary science, medicine, husbandry, animal welfare, and public health. VetS also provides leadership and support for the husbandry, medical care and health management of the Museum’s live animals maintained for exhibits, education, research, and conservation.

Expected outcomes: Intern will oversee and actively participate in the integration of One Health concepts into Museum Veterinary Sciences operations including a Zoonotic Disease Training Program consistent with Association of Zoo and Aquarium standards. The Intern will develop pre-recorded and online accessed educational modules including topics of select zoonotic diseases and disease pathogens. The intern will oversee and participate in the creation of at least 3 original modules over the summer. Once established, these modules will continue to be updated and expanded each summer by future interns with current information, provided to staff, students, and volunteers as an annual continuing education opportunity. Program content will be developed with additional applications in mind, including public outreach and education. At the end of the summer, the Intern will schedule and present a live Zoonotic Training session for Museum staff, students, and volunteers to introduce them to the new program and review selected modules.

Qualifications: The selected candidate must demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to work well independently and as a team member. They must have experience with managing projects and be able to ensure personal and team goals are met on schedule. They must have the ability to develop and deliver in-person educational materials to diverse audiences with varying ages, cultural backgrounds, and educational experiences. The candidate must have experience searching and reviewing peer-reviewed literature for reference in writing and/or developing presentations. They must also demonstrate an interest in One Health and topics associated with veterinary sciences.

Schedule: Approximately 24 hours per week for 10 weeks starting the week of May 20, 2024. Work will be on-site and in-person. Final weekly schedule to be arranged and assigned by the Museum’s Chief Veterinarian.

Primary supervisor: Daniel S. Dombrowski, Chief Veterinarian & Director of Veterinary Sciences (dan.dombrowski@naturalsciences.org)

Application Materials

  1. Cover Letter with Personal Statement. Include your graduate or veterinary program status, your interests in One Health and wildlife health or veterinary sciences (depending on the internship opportunity applied for), what you hope to gain from the internship, and why you are the best fit for the position (e.g., relevant leadership and research experience, other skills and qualifications as listed in the internship description). 2 pages max.
  2. Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume. Include the most recent and relevant material. 3 pages max.
  3. List of references. The contact information for 3 professional references that can be contacted if needed. One reference should be your primary academic advisor.
    1. For the “Veterinary Sciences One Health Integration Summer Internship,” it is recommended that at least one reference be a veterinarian or someone working in a veterinary, medical, or public health-associated field if possible.
  4. A copy of your transcript. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Interested NC State graduate or veterinary students may apply to both internships, but separate applications must be submitted for each, with the cover letters/personal statements tailored to the individual internship opportunities. Applicants will be selected for at most one internship and will be notified of the selection results by mid-April.

Please contact Meredith Spence Beaulieu at spencebeaulieu@ncsu.edu with any questions. Download call for applications here.