Restoration of Endangered Mussels in the Osage River

Internship Opportunity

The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems at the University of Missouri is pleased to announce an undergraduate internship opportunity, as part of the Chip and Teresa McGeehan Career Pathways Program.

Overview

The Pathways Program underscores the Johnny Morris Institute’s commitment to experiential undergraduate education.

This student intern will be working directly with scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Columbia Environmental Research Center. The intern will gain experience in aquaculture, freshwater mussel biology, and restoration techniques.

The internship is open to all undergraduates in the fields of Natural Resources or Biological Sciences. Preference may be given to undergraduates in the University of Missouri system, but all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Funds for this internship are provided by the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation to enhance efforts to restore mussel habitat on the lower Osage River.


Applicants should send the following to Dr. Rick Relyea (jmiinternships@missouri.edu):

  • Letter of interest
  • Professional letter of recommendation
  • Resume

Applications are due by February 13, 2026.

The description below provides an overview of duties, responsibilities, location, and salary.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the mentor/field supervisor directly with questions.

Undergraduate Summer Internship

Location: U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO

Mentor: Mr. James Kunz, Biologist (jkunz@usgs.gov)

Length of Internship: 3 months (approximately May 16 to July 31, 2026 as negotiated with supervisor/mentor)

Salary: $20/hr, 40 hours per week

Transportation: Travel expenses will be provided for fieldwork

Ready to Apply?

All application materials are sent to jmiinternships@missouri.edu

Apply Now

Internship description

The U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center researches contaminants and habitat stressors affecting aquatic ecosystems. Biologists are developing innovative techniques to restore and augment freshwater mussels in their original habitats, with a specific focus on the endangered Scaleshell mussel (Potamilus leptodon).

This project involves propagating and culturing mussels in laboratory and pond environments, optimizing culture requirements, and rearing them for population augmentation. The internship offers hands-on experience at a state-of-the-art federal research facility, with opportunities to learn lab techniques and work alongside experts in biochemistry, toxicology, ecology, fisheries, and river studies while contributing to endangered species recovery.

Duties

  • Mussel Culture: Learn laboratory- and pond-based techniques for culturing freshwater mussels.
  • Aquaculture Support: Assist with the care of host fish required for the mussel life cycle.
  • Propagation Assistance: Help collect glochidia (larvae), infect fish hosts, and monitor juvenile mussel health.
  • Water Quality: Conduct essential water quality measurements to ensure organism health.
  • Field Activities: Participate in mussel augmentation and monitoring in Missouri streams and rivers, including the Osage River.
  • Science Communication: Develop educational materials for social media and public outreach.
  • Research Support: Assist with data entry, analysis, graphing, and drafting summaries for scientific presentations and publications.

Qualifications

  • At the undergraduate level, the emphasis is on recruitment, career exploration, and introducing top performing students to career paths in fisheries and aquatic systems research and management.
  • Students are eligible for the program when they meet the following criteria:
    • Undergraduate student at an accredited university/college in good standing. Students who will be graduating before the internship begins are not eligible.
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher is desirable (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Preference will be given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.
    • Pursuing a degree in fisheries and wildlife, biology, environmental science, or related natural resources or science.

Special Ability Requirements

  • This role includes both laboratory and field activities. Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and appropriate personal-protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, safety glasses) are required. The USGS will provide laboratory and over-the-water safety training.
  • Must be willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Requires the use of waders and travel via watercraft.