Southeastern Centre of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECVBD) Summer Research Intern

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Department:

Health and Human Services

About Our Job

The Sarasota County Mosquito Management Program will host a Southeastern Centre of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECVBD) Summer Research Intern to participate in an operational research project. Under the supervision of the program entomologist, the intern will conduct a field-based project designed to address complex challenges related to vector-borne disease prevention and the control of container-breeding mosquitoes.

The internship will provide hands-on training in field surveillance techniques, mosquito species identification, and collaborative problem-solving.

Job Description:

Project Title: Operational Evaluation of Bromeliad Habitat Removal on Adult Mosquito Abundance Using BG-Sentinel Surveillance.

Department Responsibilities

Field Surveillance

• Assist in the weekly deployment and retrieval of BG-Sentinel mosquito traps at six trap locations per week.
• Ensure traps are properly assembled, placed, and serviced.
• Maintain field logs, environmental observations, and data entry records.
• Assist field staff in the adult mosquito surveillance program when needed.

Laboratory Work

• Learn mosquito identification techniques using dichotomous keys.
• Identify, count, and record individual mosquitoes to species level.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.

Data Management

• Enter surveillance data into MapVision databases.
• Assist with mapping trap locations and maintaining site documentation.
• Organize, clean, and harmonize datasets.
• Assist with preparation of data visualizations.

Research Development

• Conduct background literature reviews.
• Assist with documentation of research protocols and methods.
• Contribute to interpretation of results and operational implications.
• Assist in planning a future project evaluating the effectiveness of vector control interventions, disease surveillance strategies, and public health interventions in real-world settings.   

SECVBD Competency Development

During the internship, the student will work toward at least three SECVBD competency goals, including:

• Field Surveillance Techniques
• Operational Research Skills
• Collaborative Problem-Solving

Additional competencies may include Vector Control Strategies, Risk Assessment and Management, or Policy Analysis and Advocacy, depending on the student’s interests.

Expected Deliverables

By the conclusion of the internship, the student will:

• Attend all SECVBD internship professional development sessions and weekly meetings.
• Compile and analyze a dataset of adult mosquito collections and prepare a written report summarizing the work undertaken.
• Submit a brief written narrative describing completion of SECVBD competencies.
• Deliver a presentation to Mosquito Management staff and the SECVBD at the close of the internship program.

Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to future operational reports or publications, depending on project outcomes.

Training Provided

The intern will receive training in:

• Mosquito surveillance methods.
• BG-Sentinel trap deployment.
• Mosquito identification techniques.
• Data management and documentation.
• Scientific research and communication.

Internship Duration

The internship is expected to last 7–8 weeks, depending on student availability and SECVBD funding parameters.

Preferred Qualifications:

To successfully meet SECVBD requirements, applicants should:

• Be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in the natural sciences at an accredited college or university.
• Have familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis software such as R.
• Be able to work outdoors under challenging conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, swampy terrain, and exposure to biting insects.
• Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record to operate a District vehicle, as required for the position at the time of hire.

Student is hired through the University of Florida as OPS employee. UF manages payroll and funding. Work to be completed onsite with Sarasota County Government.

Pay Range: $15 per hour (high school student) up to $20 per hour (Grad/Masters student), based on your credit hours earned.