Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is a world-renowned center for tropical research located in Panama. The research conducted at STRI is extremely diverse – ranging from behavioral ecology to molecular genetics to paleontology – and united by a mission to advance our understanding of tropical biology and biodiversity.

Internships at STRI give students the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists from around the world, gain hands-on experience in their area of academic interest, and delve into Panama's rich culture.

Interns will be selected based on merit and potential for achievement. Placement depends upon the availability of a match between the applicant's interest and a new or ongoing project supervised by a STRI staff scientist. We encourage applicants to directly contact potential supervisors. Staff research profiles and contact information can be found here. 

• June - August (varies per student)

Please first consult with the staff scientist with whom you are interested in working.

• Personal statement (2 - 4 pages detailing your interest in pursuing this position (your statement is very important during application evaluations, and should include: your past and present academic history and other experiences that you feel have prepared you for an internship, including living and working in the tropics; what you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals; what about STRI particularly interests you and leads you to apply for an internship)

• Updated resume

• Transcript (unofficial is sufficient)

• Two letters of reference

• Name of your proposed advisor/mentor

Students should send application inforomation directly to the STRI lab coordinators.

Students will cover all costs of their stay in Panama and are encouraged to find Harvard Funding for this opportunity.