The MMA’s Aquarium Internship program for college students is at the very heart of the organization. The interns gain valuable experience and bring their excitement and passion for science to thousands of people, adults and children alike. They make the MMA’s busy summer season possible, from running the programs to leading tours through the museum to conducting research of their own, the interns are vital to the success of the entire organization.

The Maria Mitchell Association’s Aquarium displays local Nantucket species. It is an excellent place to learn about the unique and varied sea life that is found in the oceans surrounding the island. Displays are constantly changing and range from crabs and shellfish to fish, small sharks, rays, and eels. All animals at the Aquarium are collected locally and are released back into the wild at the end of the season.

Interns are immersed in all aspects of operating a high energy and very popular public aquarium and its marine science programs. The interns gain experience leading programs for visitors of all ages, caring for marine life, regulating water chemistry, and collecting species through snorkeling, seining, and wading. The interns learn to work with, and ultimately manage, high school interns and volunteers. Because we run a small aquarium, the interns are able to experience all aspects of aquarium management from cleaning tanks, and running tours to collecting species.

Each year, we need to raise $60,000 to fund our six Aquarium Interns. We hope this inspires you to become curious about our internship program and to support our efforts.