Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)

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Moana “Ulu” Ching and Noelani Puniwai
Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (uhintern@hawaii.edu)
Tel: (808) 933-0705

In collaboration with university and community partners, several summer environmental internship programs under the umbrella of the Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) are offered for students who meet the qualifications for each program. These programs are part of an effort to build interest among students in considering careers related to the sciences, especially those interested in the environment, and to provide them the opportunity to apply information and skills learned in the classroom to real life natural resource management issues on their islands.

The University of Hawaiʻi Hawaiian Internship Program (UH-HIP), offered since 1997 targets local students, especially those of Native Hawaiian ancestry, interested in studies and careers related to the environment. The program offers students the opportunity to work with environmental groups and agencies in the state of Hawaiʻi for ten weeks during the summer. Most internships provide full-time employment by the participating agency. Eligible students earn academic credit for the internship experience in the Fall semester.

The Micronesia and American Samoa Student Internship Program (MASSIP) has been offered since 1994. The program offers students from the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa) the opportunity to return home for the summer to work with environmental agencies and organizations. Internship availability varies each year. Financial resources are usually available for travel expenses, and modest stipends are offered by the host agencies. Eligible students earn academic credit the following Fall semester.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates Site Program: Tropical Conservation Biology (REU) This summer residential research internship program provides opportunities in the field of conservation biology with UH Hilo professors and partner agency researchers in East Hawaiʻi. This program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), targeted students with little research experience, especially those from underrepresented groups in science, and provided them the opportunity to explore the exciting field of conservation research.