#  Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 

 



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###    Program Overview  expand\_more  

 

 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](http://www.stri.si.edu/english/scientific_staff/index.php).



 

 

 



###    Program Dates  expand\_more  

 

- June - August (varies per student)



 

 

 



###    Application Requirements  expand\_more  

 

 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.



 

 

 



###    Program Costs & Availability of Funding  expand\_more  

 

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



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

###  Questions?

 Contact [Rachel Murray-Crawford](mailto:///rachelmurray@fas.harvard.edu), Assistant Director of Student Programs