Project title:
Panama Paleontology Project
Primary mentor: Dr. Aaron O’Dea, STRI Staff, ODeaA@si.edu
Co-mentor: Amanda Godbold (post-doc)
Co-mentor: Kimberly García-Méndez (Lab Manager)
Location of internship. Will mentor be at this location?
Naos Marine Laboratory
Yes, mentors will be at this location
Project summary and objectives
This one-year internship opportunity is part of the Panama Paleontology Project, which uses the Isthmus of Panama and its geologically recent isolation as a natural laboratory to explore ecological, evolutionary, and anthropological patterns through time and space. The intern will gain experience in a wide range of methods and approaches relevant to the project. These experiences include fossil curation, database development and management, fossil sample processing, data analysis, logistical management, and fieldwork for modern and fossil organisms (including boat work and reef work). Additionally, the intern will conduct morphometric analyses using high-throughput imaging systems and assist with other project-related tasks. This internship offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in ecology, paleontology, and evolutionary biology while contributing to our understanding of how environmental factors shape marine ecosystems over time. The project's focus on the Isthmus of Panama provides an exceptional opportunity to study the long-term effects of oceanographic changes on marine communities, with implications for understanding current and future ecosystem responses to environmental change.
Mentorship goals including benefits to the intern
You'll be part of an international team of diverse scientists, students, and post-docs, working in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. Regular meetings with mentors will ensure clear communication of project goals and progress. Interns will receive comprehensive training in all necessary techniques and approaches to accomplish their tasks. You will gain in-depth exposure to the fields of historical ecology and paleoecology in tropical marine ecosystems, including how data about past ecosystems can inform current conservation efforts. Participation in lab meetings, seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities at STRI will enhance your scientific skills and career prospects. This internship will provide valuable experience in conducting research in a world-class tropical research institute, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Intern’s role, desired background time commitment and expected products
Interns will:
1. Assist with sampling and processing of samples
2. Contribute to database management and fossil curation
3. Participate in fieldwork and laboratory analyses
4. Assist with morphometric data collection using high-throughput imaging systems
5. Contribute to data analysis and interpretation
The internship could result in deliverables such as a scientific poster, conference talk, and/or contribution to a peer-reviewed article. Interns will take part in sharing their research with the public through lab tours and other outreach activities, developing crucial science communication skills.
Desired qualifications include: previous experience working with ecological or paleontological data; familiarity with microscopy; strong organizational skills for managing databases and collections; willingness to learn programming languages (e.g., R, Python); ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups; attention to detail; and commitment to science communication and public outreach. A background in biology, geology, or environmental science is preferred, but not required. Enthusiasm for field and laboratory work in tropical environments is essential, and ability to work in challenging situations desirable. Ability to drive a manual 4x4 is essential.
List of suggested publication or reading related to this project
O’Dea A, García-Méndez K. 2024. Quick Guide: Cupuladriid bryozoans. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.055.
Jackson JBC# and O’Dea A#, 2023. Evolution and environment of Caribbean coastal ecosystems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2307520120 (# Equal contributions). Download pdf
O’Dea A and Castellanos-GalindoG-CA, 2023. Editorial: Increasing risk of migrations through the Panama Canal. Bulletin of Marine Science. 10.5343/bms.2023.0074.
O’Dea A, Flantua SGA, Leray M, Lueders-Dumont JA, Titcomb MC*. 2022. Pleistocene sea level changes and crocodile population histories on the Isthmus of Panama: A comment on Avila-Cervantes et al. (2020). Evolution, https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14610 (download here)
Dillon E*, McCauley D, JM Morales-Saldana , ND Leonard, J-x Zhao, O’Dea A. 2021. Fossil shark dermal denticles uncover the pre-exploitation baseline of a Caribbean coral reef shark community. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2017735118.
