For summer 2026 we are excited to offer two (2) separate, yet related, opportunities for undergraduate students.

SURP – COSZO will provide students with the opportunity to experience and conduct project-based research on the COSZO (Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory), participate in professional development, build community with young scientists, and learn how to navigate the pathways to a career in oceanography. SURP – STEAM-E will provide students with the opportunity to create an art piece focused on and inspired by the scientific research at COSZO. STEAM-E interns will participate in professional development, and build community with other young scientists and artists.

The internships are hosted by APL-UW, from 22 June to 21 August. Interns receive a stipend of $7000, housing, and limited travel expenses.

Applications for 2026 closed on 15 March

Questions? Contact:

Conducting oceanographic research aboard the University of Washington’s R/V Rachel Carson was a highlight for the group of student interns hosted at the Laboratory in 2025. During a two-month internship program, Amanda Labrado, STEM Development Program Coordinator, guided the cohort through a professional development seminar series, matched each with an APL-UW scientist mentor to tackle project-based research, and encouraged peer-to-peer learning and networking.

Summer research projects will focus on the NSF-funded Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory (COSZO). The project goal is to add cabled seafloor science junction boxes and a suite of geophysical sensors to each of three primary nodes on the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Regional Cabled Array (RCA) located on the slope and shelf of the Cascadia subduction zone off Newport, Oregon. There will be a 2-week cruise associated with the summer program on a Global Class research vessel with the JASON remotely operated vehicle during which the equipment will be added to the OOI RCA. The interns will play an important role in logging JASON dives and recording cruise activities.

REQUIREMENTS:

APPLY NOW. (Complete the Fillout application form.)

Research centered on the NSF-funded Cascadia Offshore Subduction Zone Observatory (COSZO) will inspire the STEAM-E interns’ art pieces. There will be a 2-week cruise associated with SUPR –COSZO, which STEAM-E interns may have the opportunity to join.

REQUIREMENTS:

APPLY NOW. (Complete the Fillout application form.)

What would the art STEAM internship entail?
The art interns will be creating an art piece based on the research project of their APL COSZO SURP intern partner. They will not be conducting scientific research like their intern partner though. Their final products will be a poster detailing their art piece and providing background and scientific inspiration. We are using art broadly here, so the pieces can be paintings, musical compositions, etc.

Can I apply for both or can I only apply for one?
You can only apply for one of the opportunities.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
No, but you do need legal permission to attend school or work in the U.S. because we cannot sponsor students at this time.

Can this internship lead to other opportunities at APL and UW?
Yes, you will be exposed to different researchers, scientists, and technicians at APL and UW that may have future opportunities for you. This may also be how you decide where to go to graduate school or apply for future job opportunities. This is a great way to network and learn about different career options as well.

Will my application be considered without my recommendation survey submitted at the same time as my application?
No, you must submit a complete application, including all required attachments. Download, complete and submit a copy of the reference survey.

What are you looking for in your applicants?
APL COSZO applicants need to demonstrate a strong interest in oceanography, which is a broad area of research, be curious about the natural world around you, and have a willingness to learn from your mistakes. STEAM-E interns need to demonstrate a strong interest in oceanography and passion for bridging science and art creatively.

Will I be considered and/ or eligible if I have very little background in physics and oceanography and/or research experience?
Yes, we do not require you to have an in-depth knowledge of either nor prior research experience.

If my background is in biology, will there be a project for me?
Yes, there will be a variety of research, including marine biology.

If I'm transitioning from community college to university, am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled in an institution or within a year from graduating with your undergraduate or Associate’s degree, you are eligible.

Will I personally pay tuition for the seminar summer course?
No, any UW tuition costs will be covered for the summer course you will be enrolled in through this program. However, please let us know if you receive financial assistance throughout the rest of the year if you are a UW student as this may impact the rest of the year’s amount you are eligible to receive. If you are not a UW student, this is not a concern for you.

If I live in Seattle, do I need to live in the dorms provided?
It is not required to live in the provided housing accommodations, but it is an option provided to all interns.

What will day to day look like?
You will be expected to complete 35 to 40 hours/week, except on holidays. We highly recommend that your focus is solely on this program since you will be required to:

What is the time commitment?
This depends on your project and mentor. Some may have more field or lab work than others while others projects may be more technical or focused on data processing. However, our programming includes opportunities to experience field work and hands-on laboratories.

Are we working toward a main goal at the end of the summer?
Yes, you will present your research at UW Office of Undergraduate Research Summer Symposium.

Are there any preparations I should do before I begin my project?
Yes, you will participate in a virtual Pre-Orientation and be introduced to your mentor via email prior to the program start date. However, your main responsibility is to rest and be ready for a fun and intense summer.

How many mentors are there, and how will I get my mentor?
There are enough mentors for each student to be paired with their own mentor, unless you have co-mentors. STEAM-E interns will have one art mentor and one science mentor. Their science mentor will also be mentoring an APL COSZO intern, who will be their program partner. Most mentors will only have 1 student and the match depends on your interests and their projects. However, if you and your mentor(s) meet during orientation and decide it is not a good fit, we will rematch you with a project and mentor that is better suited for you.