Summer Experience

Overview

Students will learn about all phases of Miner Institute’s nutrient management research program which aims to identify agricultural best management practices that enhance soil and water quality while maintaining farm profitability. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of research trials, as well as conduct their own independent research project. Students will gain experience in all aspects of the research process including, soil and water sample collection, field data acquisition, field equipment maintenance/ programming, laboratory instrumentation/analytical methods, as well as basic data management and application.

Weekly meetings provide opportunities for communication across disciplines for all research staff at Miner Institute. Students will also participate in a weekly seminar series. Students will be asked to work long hours on occasion, but no more than would be expected in a research facility as a graduate student or technician. Students may work approximately every other weekend.

Research Project

Each student will write a research proposal and conduct an independent study focused on a specifi c research question in the area of nutrient management and water quality. Students will attend lectures with other research interns where topics such as scientific writing techniques, experimental design and applied statistics are discussed. Each student will work with a faculty member to plan, conduct, and summarize their independent project. At the end of the summer, oral and written reports will be presented.

Enrollments, Credits, & Compensation

This program is available to students in their junior or senior year of study in agronomy, environmental science, or a related discipline. Students are encouraged to register for college credit at their home institution. Students are responsible for making arrangements for credits. This program is designed as a 4-credit course, although other arrangements may be made through the student’s home institution.

Each student’s wage for the semester is $3,000, this includes housing in the Middleton Miller Student Housing Complex and  breakfast and lunch each weekday in our on-site cafeteria.  A refundable $100 security deposit for the room is deducted from the first paycheck.

The 2024 program begins May 20 and ends August 16.

To Apply

Applicants are required to provide the following:

• Completed Summer Experience application
• A copy of college transcript
• Two letters of recommendation, one from college advisor and one from a previous employer
• Letter outlining career goals and reasons for application, include any research experience and skills

* Non-US residents should contact Miner Institute for additional details prior to completing application process.

Miner Institute provides equal employment opportunities.

Send completed applications and letters of recommendation by February 15 to:

Laura Klaiber
Research Scientist
Miner Institute
P.O. Box 90
Chazy, New York 12921
klaiber@whminer.com
518-846-7121
518-846-8445 (fax)