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Here is where I am applying to work between my undergrad and grad school programs. There is a research internship in entomology available at the Archbold Biological Station. Archbold is an independent, nonprofit research facility, devoted to long-term ecological research and conservation. The actual position I am applying for is with entomologist, Dr. Mark Deyrup. The goal of his research is to document distribution of 70+ species of arthropods restricted to Florida scrub habitat at 20+ preserves of various sizes all along the Lake Wales Ridge. This will help assess the adequacy of Florida's habitat preservation system for protecting specialized invertebrates.

My research on the place has proven that this is one of the best opportunities available to me, and I think I can land the position with two excellent letters of recommendation.

This internship has me really excited. It's career-oriented, far from Michigan and closer to Umbonia crassicornis! Plus, there is a $100/week stipend and a free room in the dorm. Hopefully the excitement to explore the natural (and "real") world will win out over my reluctance to actually grow up and leave my familiar role in EL behind.