Interships
Student internships
The IGWS offers student internships during the academic year on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in working with IGWS research or collections, please email us with details on your availability and course requirements.
Recent intern projects have focused on:
- collections management of specimens in the Education collection;
- metadata entry for the Indiana Limestone Company photograph collection;
- cartography for public trails in Monroe County; and
- geologic mapping of the Bloomington quadrangle.
Paul Edwin Potter internship
A generous bequest from the late Dr. Paul Edwin Potter (1925-2020) established a summer internship program at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) in 2022. The program pairs IGWS mentors with high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in geoscience research related to Indiana.
Dr. Potter was a longtime supporter of the IGWS and strongly believed in mentoring young scientists. During his lengthy career as a geologist and professor of geology, Dr. Potter made significant contributions to the fields of sedimentology and stratigraphy. He conducted research and mentored staff at the state geological surveys of Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Dr. Potter enjoyed a long tenure as a professor of geology at both Indiana University-Bloomington and the University of Cincinnati.
Paul Potter Internship program participants will collaborate with IGWS mentors on summer research projects related to Indiana geology. Interns will practice data and physical sample management, responsible conduct of research, abstract writing and publication preparation, and academic and career networking.
Eligibility and application
The Paul Edwin Potter Internship is intended for “worthy and deserving geology students and other persons involved in high school, college, or post-graduate master’s education (excluding Ph.D candidates) in the field of geology.”
Eligible applicants are:
- high school, undergraduate, or master’s-level students;
- interested in Indiana geoscience; and
- eligible to work in the U.S.
The IGWS seeks to increase diversity within the geosciences and welcomes people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Individuals from colleges and universities where research possibilities are limited and those from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Project options (2026):
Supervisor: Polly Sturgeon, IGWS outreach coordinator
Summary: Interns will conduct a geologic collections management and outreach project at the IGWS Learning Lab. The Potter Interns will be responsible for daily collections care and programming, engage with the public in frontline operations, and conduct a research project of their choosing within the IGWS education collection. This internship is for the Spring and Summer 2026 semesters.
Supervisor: Jose Luis Antinao, IGWS research geologist
Summary: Intern will be introduced to all steps involved in work at the IGWS Luminescence Geochronology lab, including assisting in the field for sampling, archival core sampling, sample processing in our controlled lighting lab, documentation, and basic operation of lab instrumentation. This internship is for the Summer 2026 semester and includes lodging on the IU Bloomington campus.
Supervisor: TBD
Summary: Intern will research and inform on factors contributing to a wetland risk index score, with a heavy focus on groundwater connectivity. Intern will be exposed to a broad range of field, lab, and technical environments, gaining specific experience with tabular and raster datasets, GIS software, data practices, water balance, and hydrogeology. We are looking for someone with a strong geology background and an interest in geospatial data analysis. This internship is for the Summer 2026 semester and includes lodging on the IU Bloomington campus.