Explorer-in-Training Program

• Internship Period: 10-weeks, Summer 2025
• Virtual or in-person: Remote/virtual
• Stipend: $7,000 honorarium

This opportunity is for a graduate student to contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s water column exploration activities. The water column, from the surface to the seafloor, is the largest and least explored habitat on the planet. Building on previous work by NOAA Ocean Exploration staff and former interns, the intern will annotate midwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video data collected onboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer during the Atlantic Seafloor Partnership for Integrated Research and Exploration (ASPIRE) campaign. The goal of this internship will be to assist with the synthesis of water column exploration data, including quality assessment and quality control, analysis, and development of data visualizations for ROV video annotations, water column acoustics, and environmental data.

Key activities and learning outcomes:

• Analyze video, environmental sensor, and water column acoustic data (EK60 and EK80) for NOAA Ocean Exploration’s water column ROV dives conducted in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Use video annotations to create an inventory of all species identified during NOAA Ocean Exploration’s water column ROV dives in the Atlantic Ocean for the ASPIRE campaign.
• Determine biodiversity metrics (i.e. abundance, species richness) for water column fauna within the Atlantic Ocean based on NOAA Ocean Exploration water column data and how those may correlate with geographic and/or environmental features.
• Communicate internship outcomes through written reports and oral presentations, including at the 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Symposium.
• This will be a remote, virtual internship, using video conferencing to communicate with mentors. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, seminars, conferences and publications.

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Graduate students or someone who has recently completed a graduate-level degree.
• Applicants with a background or interest in biology, oceanography, and using R programming language for basic statistics.

• Internship Period: 10-weeks, Summer 2025
• Virtual or in-person: In-person at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.)
• Stipend: $7,000 honorarium plus $6,000 housing allowance and travel reimbursement for relocation

This opportunity is to learn and contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s ‘Omics priorities. Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples are routinely collected on the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and are processed for sequencing at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). Two interns will be selected for this opportunity. Under the supervision and guidance of NOAA Fisheries and NMNH staff, the interns will contribute to genetic sample processing through eDNA extraction and amplicon sequencing preparation to create metabarcode profiles. There will also be opportunity for the interns to contribute to the development of the NOAA Ocean Exploration eDNA sampling protocol.

Key activities and learning outcomes:

• Perform wet lab techniques, including eDNA extractions, quantification, and preparing metabarcode libraries for biodiversity analyses.
• Conduct bioinformatic analyses, including implementing data processing pipelines, ensuring sequence quality control (QA/QC), performing taxonomic assignments, and conducting ordination analyses to explore ecological patterns.
• Manage and share research data by submitting to public repositories, such as GEOME and NCBI, ensuring accessibility for the broader scientific community.
• Analyze and compare deep-sea biological communities to draw meaningful ecological conclusions.
• Communicate internship outcomes through written reports and oral presentations, including at the 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Symposium.
• This will be a remote, virtual internship, using video conferencing to communicate with mentors. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, seminars, conferences and publications.

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Graduate students or someone who has recently completed a graduate-level degree who are interested in how museum collections can be used to address questions in marine biodiversity.
• Applicants with a background or interest in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or genetics.
• Some prior experience in eDNA processing or analysis is preferred, but not required.

• Internship Period: 10-weeks, Summer 2025
• Virtual or in-person: Remote/virtual
• Stipend: $7,000 honorarium

This opportunity is for a communications-focused graduate student to engage and contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration marine archaeology activities and digital communication priorities. The student will work with NOAA Ocean Exploration archaeologists and communications staff to better understand significant historical sites from past and current maritime heritage-focused expeditions supported or conducted by the office with the primary aim to help create public-facing content for NOAA Ocean Exploration’s new archaeology web page. Additional activities may include historical research for other communication, education, or outreach products and related historic preservation activities.

Key activities and learning outcomes:

• Write web content and co-design NOAA Ocean Exploration’s archaeology webpage. No access to or experience with web-design software is needed. Basic knowledge of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, etc.) and the Google suite are needed.
• Conduct historical research, gather supporting documents and imagery, and write public-facing content for Pacific-focused maritime heritage fieldwork.
• Learn about the NOAA Ocean Exploration program, archaeology, and communications portfolios alongside a diverse team of NOAA Ocean Exploration archaeologists and communications staff.
• Communicate internship outcomes through written reports and oral presentations, including at the 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Symposium.
• This will be a remote, virtual internship, using video conferencing to communicate with mentors. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, seminars, conferences and publications.

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Graduate students or someone who has recently completed a graduate-level degree.
• Applicants with a background or interest in maritime studies, maritime archaeology, maritime heritage, and/or science communication.

• Internship Period: 10-weeks, Summer 2025
• Virtual or in-person: Remote/virtual
• Stipend: $7,000 honorarium

This opportunity is for a communications intern to contribute to the communication and outreach priorities of NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Under supervision and guidance from staff from both offices, the intern will assist in developing communications products focused on the incorporation of Hawaiian language in communicating about the value and importance of the deep sea and the exploration work being conducted on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in the central Pacific Ocean as part of the Beyond the Blue campaign.

Specific deliverables will be determined based on NOAA needs and the intern’s interests and may range from products focused on writing, art, video production, Hawaiian studies, and more. Potential project ideas include the development of one major communications product such as a multimedia-rich web feature focused on Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a series of web stories, and/or a series of “print” products such as posters or postcards.

The intern may also contribute to other activities related to active, ongoing expeditions during the 2025 Okeanos Explorer field season, such as helping to draft social media posts or web stories or co-hosting live interactions with the ship and participants on shore.

Key activities and learning outcomes:

• Develop a diverse portfolio of communication products that can be used for future educational and professional endeavors.
• Learn science communication principles and apply local Hawaiian knowledge to enhance public awareness of research in the Pacific Islands region.
• Work alongside a diverse team of local Hawaiian specialists, communications and outreach staff, and marine scientists.
• Co-produce engaging content to share with broad, public-facing audiences and local Hawaiian communities.
• Communicate internship outcomes through written reports and oral presentations, including at the 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Symposium.
• This will be a remote, virtual internship, using video conferencing to communicate with mentors. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, seminars, conferences and publications.

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Current or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate-level students.
• Applicants with a background or interest in science communication, Hawaiian Studies, art, video production, and/or writing.
• Applicants who have a foundational understanding of marine science concepts.

• Internship Period: 2-4 weeks, expedition dates TBA
• Virtual or in-person: NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, Hawaiʻi/Pacific Islands region
• Stipend: $208/day plus travel reimbursement

This opportunity is for at-sea training in seafloor mapping and exploration aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. With only 26.1% of our world ocean’s seafloor mapped to modern standards, seafloor mapping is a national and international priority. Contributing to seafloor mapping efforts is an integral part of NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission, providing critical bathymetric data needed to achieve a baseline understanding of previously unexplored areas. As part of the team conducting mapping operations, explorers-in-training will be directly responsible for making sure that incoming data accurately represents the true seafloor. This includes monitoring data acquisition, defining instrument and sound speed processing settings, and cleaning raw data with support from experienced ocean mappers. Beyond seafloor mapping, explorers-in-training will also gain tangible skills in the use of geographic information system (GIS) software and data management, and experience what it’s like to live aboard a research vessel for multiple weeks at sea 200–700 nautical miles from shore, working with a team of colleagues from all different backgrounds.

Expedition dates & locations:

The 2025 Okeanos field season will take place in the central Pacific Ocean region as part of the Beyond the Blue campaign, requiring travel to/from Hawaiʻi, USA or other areas of the Pacific Islands region. Tentative expedition dates, days at sea (DAS), and port locations for 2025 Explorer-in-Training opportunities are listed below. Participants will also need to be available at least 2 to 3 days before and after the expedition for travel and mobilization/demobilization.

• EX2506: July 22 - August 11 (21 DAS), Palau - Guam
• EX2507: August 20 - September 4 (14 DAS), Guam - Guam
• EX2508: September 12 - October 8 (27 DAS), Guam - Palau
• EX2601: October 16 - November 20 (28 DAS), Guam - Honolulu

Note that the expedition schedule is subject to change due to a variety of factors including federal budget appropriations, weather, mechanical issues, and other logistical challenges. Final expedition dates and locations, as well as any changes in the expedition schedule, will be communicated with selected applicants. You can follow along and check for updates on the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer field season here and watch live video coverage of expeditions here.

Key activities and learning outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of shipboard exploration and research operations, and develop scientific, collaborative, and outreach communication skills.
• Monitor data acquisition from multibeam sonars, perform preliminary data processing, and create mapping products for live, real-time displays.
• Experience life at sea on a federal research vessel, including sharing a berthing space with others working on the vessel and coordinating shared living and working space with other scientists and mariners who may work different watches, shifts, or have different duties.
• Stand an 8-hour watch every day at sea, working alongside experienced mapping watchleads. Watches are rotational and working hours may include overnight shifts. Time outside of the intern’s 8-hour watch shift may be spent networking with scientists and other ship personnel and includes personal time for sleep, meals, exercise, etc.
• Participate in other shipboard ocean exploration operations including the use of oceanographic sensors (e.g., CTD, navigational) and sampling techniques (e.g., water column and eDNA sampling) depending on the expedition mission objectives.
• This internship is focused on seafloor mapping and does NOT involve participation on expeditions involving remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations.

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Undergraduate or graduate-level students or recent graduates.
• Applicants with a strong interest in ocean mapping, oceanography, GIS, field work, expedition operations, and/or data management.
• Applicants that are comfortable working and living in close quarters, being isolated with the mission team at sea for up to four weeks with no port calls.
• Applicants with a strong attention to detail and ability to closely follow standard operating procedures.

Ship environment & safety:

• The ship is a working vessel and conducts 24-hour mapping operations. Participants are expected to work 8-hour shifts daily, including on weekends, and shifts may include working late hours or overnight.
• The ship is home to a 49-member crew consisting of professional mariners, engineers, stewards, NOAA Corps officers, and science staff. Participants will be living and working in shared spaces. Accommodations include shared 2 to 4-person bunk rooms and shared bathrooms. Participants will also have access to common areas including the mess hall/galley (cafeteria), library, lounge, gym, and outdoor deck spaces.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at specified times. Snacks are accessible around the clock. WiFi is available throughout the ship for personal use and connecting with people on shore.
• NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer often travels through international waters and may use U.S. and international ports. Participants are required to possess a valid U.S. passport at the time of their expedition. NOAA Ocean Exploration or UCAR CPAESS are unable to reimburse or provide assistance for passport application or renewal fees for participants.
• Participants are required to complete the NOAA Harassment Prevention and Reporting Training and abide by NOAA codes of conduct and office/ship policies while onboard the Okeanos Explorer. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are not permitted onboard the ship.
• Living aboard the ship may include adverse weather, seasickness, and varying stability/motion depending on sea state. Participants should be able to step over a 24-inch high door sill, walk on slippery or uneven walking surfaces, climb stairs, carry 15 lbs, don a survival suit in less than one minute, ascend/descend a rope ladder, hear the ship’s general alarms.
• Participants will be required to complete an application for medical qualification to sail on a NOAA Ship, including disclosing medical conditions, medications (prescription and non-prescription), known allergies, and major surgeries, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.
• Participants will receive a detailed safety briefing at the start of the expedition and are expected to participate in weekly safety drills for emergency preparedness, including for potential abandon ship, man overboard, fire, or other emergency situations.
• 24/7 access to a limited medical facility and trained medical personnel, as well as shore-side medical advice and support for minor to emergency medical issues.
• Swimming off the ship is not allowed.