Finding an internship or research position can be difficult due to the competitive nature of these opportunities, and securing a position in the environmental field is no different.
Since President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget plan was released, the National Park Service has seen funding cuts of more than $1 billion. Around $900 million of this amount was specifically cut from the national parks and their operations. As of July 2025, the park service workforce has seen a 24% decline and has been understaffed at certain sites.
The park service isn’t the only organization that has taken a hit in terms of federal funding. The University’s Soybean Innovation Lab has seen funding cuts; the lab has gone from having 30 staff members to nine.
While it may be increasingly difficult to find research and internships in environmental fields in the current climate, University students have still found ways to discover opportunities and gain meaningful experiences.
Donovan Jensen, sophomore in LAS, completed a geology undergraduate experience with the Keck Geology Consortium. He emphasized how helpful it can be to find unique research opportunities in your own backyard.
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Jensen searched for geology REUs near him online, and there happened to be one 30 minutes away from his hometown.
Through his geology research experience in Beloit, Wisconsin, with the Keck Geology Consortium, Jensen collaborated with other students and interacted with faculty from the consortium. There were also tabling events with other environmental organizations, allowing for further networking opportunities.
The University boasts many chances to become involved with environmental research on a range of topics. Whether you’re interested in crop sciences, environmental psychology or more, the University offers opportunities to participate in research that focuses on improving and protecting the natural world.
While there are many places to find environmental research positions and internships through universities online, such as through the University’s National Resources & Environmental Sciences Career Information page or through Texas A&M University’s Natural Resources Job Board, opportunities are made available in other ways, too.
Sophia Ranes, a junior in ACES, heard about her summer research opportunity through her University email.
Ranes gained scientific knowledge through NRES field courses and participated previously in a summer research experience with the University’s Bug2School program.
“Both (opportunities) taught us some really valuable lessons on data analysis — how to record, how to show and then extrapolate that data right back out to whatever study you’re trying to do,” Ranes said.
Maryam Tariq, a senior in ACES, recently participated in a summer internship with Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, New York. Tariq shared that she picked up valuable skills through her internship that she still carries with her today, such as independence and collaborative skills.
“(My research) kind of taught me about self-sufficiency,” Tariq said. “If I don’t know how to do something, I can always figure it out, and I don’t always have to give up or give in.”
Along with working independently to solve problems, Tariq discussed how important it is to be flexible in a research lab because research plans and methods may change to best support a study. This same flexibility can apply to your search for research and internship opportunities.
“Apply to anything and everything, and don’t let a timeline or due date stop you,” Tariq said. “You never know what can happen if you just ask.”
Forming strong relationships with professors and advisers during a research experience or internship is additionally beneficial. While connecting with advisers can lead to further collaboration and teamwork skills, it can also open doors for future research opportunities and networking.
“If you’re on the fence about (research), you should apply, ” Ranes said. “(Professors) really want to see their students continue to do research or go further after their undergrad.”
While applying for environmental internships and research can be daunting, unique environmental experiences are waiting to be had. All it takes is to click “apply” and begin your application.
