Program Details 

The Save A Coral Research Assistant Internship Program is a 3+ month internship designed to give students who have graduated with a BSc in marine science or related fields an introduction into field-based research careers in marine conservation & coral biology. Interns will work closely alongside our research coordinator and Save A Coral staff members to gather critical information on the coral reef ecosystems of the Caribbean.

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Participants will be have the opportunity to implement their own research initiatives while also actively participating in coral restoration, leveraging 3D printing to enhance restoration outcomes, microfragmentation, mariculture, water quality analysis, populations monitoring, and community outreach. 

Skills Learned

Coral Biology & Restoration

• Coral species identification (Caribbean focus)

• In-situ coral husbandry and propagation

• Microfragmentation techniques

• Coral health assessment (growth, stress, disease indicators)

• Coral restoration methodologies and best practices

• Benthic surveying methods

• Invasive species control

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Mariculture & Life Support Systems

• Management of coral life support systems (flow, filtration, lighting, temperature)

• Water quality monitoring and maintenance

• Algae and biofouling management

• Nursery operations and maintenance protocols

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Research & Laboratory Skills

• Experimental design and execution

• Data Processing 

• Data collection and organization for ongoing research projects

• Basic statistical thinking and observational rigor

• Sample preparation and dissection techniques (as applicable)

• Research documentation and record-keeping

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Technology & Innovation

• Exposure to 3D printing applications in coral restoration

• Collaboration with engineers and designers on restoration tool development

• Testing and evaluation of novel restoration substrates and techniques

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Professional & Outreach Experience

• Science communication and public outreach

• Participation in educational and community events

• Team-based research collaboration

• Grant writing 

• Creating Research Proposals

How To Apply

Fill out the Save A Coral Internship application form and email it to saveacoral.org@gmail.com along with: 

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• A copy of your CV

• Copy of Highest Dive Certification

• List of Dive certification

• Dive Insurance ID number​

• Copy of Dive Log

• Unofficial Transcripts  

• Recommendation letters  

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When submitting your application please be sure to use the subject line format: (Last Name, First Name) SaveACoral RA Application. 

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 We will be in touch within a 3 week period about the status of your application.