Science Communication Internship Program

A group of 11 people stand for a photo.
2019 interns in Phoenix with President Don Siegel and staff.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Science Communications Internship program for the GSA Annual Meeting is on hold. We hope to work with student members again in Portland, 2021.

Each year GSA accepts a small number of geoscience students who are interested in science communication as a possible alternative career path, to collaborate with the GSA Science Communication Fellow during the Annual Meeting. Applicants should have some writing or media experience beyond academic research style and an interest in making technical material accessible to wider audiences.

Selected students work under the tutelage of the GSA Communications staff and GSA’s Science Communication Fellow to select, arrange, and conduct interviews with at least two presenters (of the students’ choice) at the meeting.

Their assignment is to compile a summary of the presenters’ work that is suitable for a non-technical audience. Assignments can be completed in written form for possible publication online on Speaking of Geoscience (GSA’s guest blog), or in an alternative audio or visual media.

Earth fissures are long, narrow cracks in the ground that form where the ground is sinking. These man-made hazards can erode very quickly, posing a threat to nearby infrastructure. GSA Science Communication Intern Emily Zawacki created a video about earth fissures in Arizona in conjunction with the GSA 2019 Annual Meeting in Phoenix.

In addition to communications mentoring, interns may also have opportunities to network with working members of the press, assist in the GSA Newsroom, meet GSA leadership, and participate in press events.

Internships require full four-day attendance at the meeting, and a flexible 10-hour work commitment during the meeting in order to connect with interviewees. Completed hours qualify toward a free meeting registration in accordance with GSA student volunteer program guidelines, but no travel assistance to attend the meeting is available at this time.

The experience is meant to build students’ confidence and skills for conveying scientific subject matter in compelling ways.

Thanks to UTD GeoScience Studio for producing this short video highlighting the opportunities available through GSA's Science Communication Internships.