Undergraduate Opportunities
FGCU’s Coastal Watershed Institute offers several types of Undergraduate opportunities related to our ongoing marine research. These opportunities can range from lab-oriented analysis experience to field work and sampling. These opportunities are typically arranged by the motivated student through recommendation by individual professors, typically those who are CWI members. Typical opportunities might include:
- Internship opportunities related to completion of specific BA and BS degrees
- Paid student research assistant positions
- Service Learning opportunities for any BA and BS degree
- Volunteer opportunities for personal and academic growth
- Occasional Work-Study opportunities
Graduate Opportunities
FGCU’s Coastal Watershed Institute provides research opportunities and support to students pursuing Master’s degrees in disciplines related to CWI’s mission. CWI’s ongoing research and research assets such as watercraft, vehicles, specialized scientific instruments, and laboratory equipment often play a role in the successful completion of research conducted for Master’s theses.
Graduate opportunities are typically arranged by the motivated student through acceptance into FGCU’s MS and MA programs. Research relationships and programs are typically established during the application process with the relevant department and the individual advising professor, typically those who are CWI members.
Success Stories
Arielle Taylor Bob Halstead Lisa Van Houdt
Interning with Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI) was a true stepping stone experience
in the path to my career. The knowledge I gained while interning with CWI helped to
strengthen my skills in the lab, field, and in the science community. My time with
CWI also helped assure myself that I wanted to continue with a career in the environmental
field. After graduating, I received a job as an Environmental Specialist with the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection- Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves
(CHAP). The skills I learned with the Coastal Watershed Institute were invaluable
as they are used every day in my current job. With CHAP, I spend most of my time in
the field, conducting water quality and resource monitoring and management within
the Charlotte Harbor estuary complex. I love working for the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic
Preserves office and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to intern with Coastal
Watershed Institute.
My name is Bob Halstead, and I am the Membership Administrator and Research Assistant
for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. BTT is a non-profit research and conservation organization
that seeks to protect bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries, as well as their habitats,
through science-based conservation efforts. My experience with CWI has helped me
in so many ways already with this job, like how “field day” doesn’t always mean warm
sun, cool breeze, and calm waters. Being able to be a part of the ongoing research
and monthly monitoring allowed me to gain greater insight into how estuaries work
and the importance of maintaining long-term data, both of which are crucial to the
work being done with the bonefish, tarpon, and permit. I wouldn’t be who I am today
without the friends and memories I made during my 1 ½ years with CWI.
I am currently an Environmental Consultant for the Department of Environmental Protection.
I serve as the Liaison for the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council, which is
council of stakeholders from many disciplines and organizations that participate in
water resource monitoring and management. My internship at CWI not only gave me field
experience in biology and water quality monitoring aspects-but also firsthand experience
in Florida water quality issues and the ability to link field studies with the policy
issues key to an environmental communications position.Internships, Service Learning, Research
- For Opportunities on Campus, please contact: cwi@fgcu.edu
- For Opportunities at Vester, please contact: vfs@fgcu.edu
Learn More about our research happening at Vester
Check back often for updates on the latest ways to get involved
We’re here to answer your questions.
Coastal Watershed Institute
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965
(239) 590-7526