USDA-ARS Scientific Fellowship in Agricultural Research, Learning, and Extension Training
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: The objective of the Agricultural Research, Learning, and Extension Training Fellowship is to provide a mentored-based training of undergraduate students in research activities related to TARS projects. During the summer internship periods, participants will have the opportunity to learn about tropical plant diseases, phylogeny of plant pathogen communities, fungal genomics, tropical insect pests, tissue culture techniques for tropical plants (in vitro propagation of cacao, papaya and Musa), soil and plant chemistry such as chemical characterization of soil and plant tissues, including sampling, processing, analyzing samples using atomic absorption (AA) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, Kjeldahl distillation, wet digestion techniques, dry ashing, determination of soil pH, soil electrical conductivity, soil organic matter, etc. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about field plot techniques which will involve becoming familiar with pollination techniques, grafting, drip irrigation, pruning, fruit characterization (Brix, titratable acidity), quality and production.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of the mentor, participants will learn:
- How to detect tropical plant diseases,
- Tissue culture techniques for tropical plants,
- How to sample insects from tropical plants,
- Soil and plant chemistry sampling and evaluation,
- Horticultural activities such as: grafting, pruning, fruit characterization.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Luz Serrato-Diaz (luz.serrato@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 3, 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for eight weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.