Internships

Natural Resources Extension Internship Program

Extension provides non-formal education and learning activities to both rural and urban residents and communities throughout the country. The FNR extension program has a broad environmental scope including fisheries, forest management, invasive species, urban forestry, sustainability, wildlife, and wood products (purdue.edu/fnr/extension). The Natural Resources Extension Internship program was developed to provide an opportunity for students to enhance their career skills through practical, hands-on experience. Our extension internship program can help students:

• Develop leadership and decision-making skills in handling creative challenges
• Gain experience developing extension products including publications, online videos, presentations, and/or more
• Participate in professional development opportunities
• Build professional references and contacts
• Clarify career goals
• Learn from a diverse and experienced group of natural resources professionals

Eligibility Criteria

Internships are open to Purdue and non-Purdue students. Requirements for the position(s) include status as a college student in a natural resources or related discipline at a U.S. institution of higher learning, or individuals who have completed a degree after January 1, 2024 in natural resources or related discipline; evidence of initiative; ability to work independently; and commitment to conservation of natural resources.

Application Process

Internships are available year-round pending available funding. Application instructions and more information may be found in the current FNR Extension Internship Application Instructions. Interested applicants may also contact a FNR extension mentor who fits your area of interest.

Renewable Resources Extension Act

The FNR Extension Internship Program is funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA). Natural Resources Extension Interns focus their work on one or more RREA program areas. The RREA, Public Law 95-306, was passed June 30, 1978 to address educational needs in managing the nation’s renewable resources. Funds are appropriated annually by the Congress and allocated to the various States by U.S. Department of Agriculture under an established formula. RREA funds for Indiana, administered by Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, are used on programs to help woodland and rural landowners enhance forest health and wildlife resources. Critical issues in the 2018-22 RREA Strategic Plan are:

• Ecosystem Services
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat
• Generational Succession and Other Land-Ownership
  Changes
• Invasive Species
• Landowner Engagement
• Public Awareness and Youth Engagement
• Rural Communities
• Water and Wetlands
• Wildfire Prevention and Management

Internship Program Contact

Brian MacGowan, Project Investigator, RREA Program in Indiana, macgowan@purdue.edu.

Current Student Interns

Allison Schuliger (2024-Present), aschulig@purdue.edu
FNR Student Web Designer

Ishani Mishra (2024-present), mishr201@purdue.edu
FNR Extension web designer & videographer

Leif Blake (2024-Present), blake50@purdue.edu
FNR Student Web Designer