INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Field research with humpback whales in Maui, Hawaii. Interns will assist in the 31-year-long continuing research project by The Dolphin Institute (formerly Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory) on the winter assembly of North Pacific humpback whales in Hawaii.  Dr. Adam Pack and Dr. Louis Herman are the principal co-investigators.  Dr. Pack additionally acts as the field director.  Historically, our research has investigated a variety of topics including migratory destinations, distribution, inter-island movements, habitat preferences associated with different classes of whales, residency characteristics, competitive behavior, male escorting strategies, song and social sounds, body size and social roles, and individual life histories.   References for TDI publications on whales can be found on our website at:
dolphin-institute.org/our_research/whale_research/whaleresearchpublications.htm

During the winter/spring 2007 season we will focus on several issues: photo identification, underwater body size measurements of individual humpbacks, skin biopsy sampling, developing mitigation measures using shore-based tracking and shore to ship communication to help avoid ship/whale collisions, and possibly a third season of Crittercam deployment together with the National Geographic Society.  The internship is full time and unpaid.  However, all research staff, including interns, live together and are provided with room and board in Maui.  Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Maui.  On-water research will be aboard our 21- and/or 18-foot outboard boats. Shore-based research will be from elevated platforms along the Maui coast using a theodolite and laptop computer.  Interns will rotate between these two activities, as well as data processing at the field house.

The internship runs from approximately December 27, 2006 to May 31, 2007.
There are openings for several interns.

Requirements: College graduate preferred; experience in research, especially field research; excellent letters of recommendation, ability to live and work closely and harmoniously as part of a team.  Desirable qualifications: marine mammal experience, humpback whale research experience, boat driving experience, theodolite experience, experience with computer programs such as Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, CoolEdit, MATLAB, digital photography experience, GIS experience.

Send cover letter indicating why you are seeking this internship and why you feel you are qualified, complete resume, college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

Send applications or inquiries by email to Dr. Adam Pack at pack@hawaii.edu or by regular mail to The Dolphin Institute, P.O. Box 700694, Kapolei, Hawaii 96709.  Positions are open until filled, but early application is encouraged.  For more information on The Dolphin Institute's research and education programs see www.dolphin-institute.org.