Academic Programs

Academic
Programs

Supporting the
next generation
of tropical scientists

Academic Programs

Academic
Programs

Supporting the
next generation
of tropical scientists

Academic Programs

Academic
Programs

Supporting the
next generation
of tropical scientists

Academic Programs

Academic
Programs

Supporting the
next generation
of tropical scientists

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Seminars

Currently, we have no upcoming seminars. For more information click here.

Overview

Whether you are an undergraduate student who has never set foot in a tropical forest — or a postdoctoral researcher who has logged hundreds of research dives on coral reefs — there are many opportunities for you to advance your academic career in tropical sciences at the Smithsonian in Panama. Every year, STRI hosts approximately 800 young scholars from various academic levels from undergrads to phd students in field courses, interns with staff scientists and fellows pursuing their own research questions. They join one of the largest and most diverse communities of early-career academics anywhere in the tropics.

What is the difference between fellowships and internships?

Smithsonian fellowships are for individuals who design and develop proposals for independent study or collaborative research in fields pursued by and of interest to STRI scientific staff. Smithsonian internships are learning experiences guided by a mentor, occurring during a specific time frame, which provide benefits relating to an intern’s education, coursework, or career goals.

How are interns and fellows selected?

To reduce the conflicts of interests and mitigate power imbalances in the selection of interns and fellows, STRI has implemented a set of guidelines for the award processes. Learn more about these changes that apply to the different fellowships and internship programs at STRI.

Opportunities by Academic Level

Undergraduate (internships)

STRI Internships

Join the lab of a STRI scientist for three months.

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Short-Term Fellowships

Launch your own research project under the guidance of a STRI scientist. 

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Graduate

All Internships

Join the lab of a STRI scientist for three months.

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Short-Term Fellowship

Conduct your own research project under the guidance of a STRI staff scientist.

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Smithsonian Institution 10-week Graduate Student Fellowships

Supports students formally enrolled in a graduate program.

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Smithsonian Institution Predoctoral Fellowships

For Ph.D. candidates.

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Postdoctoral

Earl S. Tupper Three-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship

STRI's most prestigious fellowship offers freedom to pursue a research project at any of the institute’s facilities across Panama.

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Smithsonian Institution Postdoctoral and Senior Postdoctoral Fellowships

Opportunities for recent postdoctoral researchers and those who have completed their Ph.D. seven years, or more, ago.

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Smithsonian Institution MarineGEO Fellowships Postdoctoral

Research opportunities at SI’s global network of marine research sites.

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Smithsonian Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry of Museum Collections

Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship in the area of biomolecular mass spectrometry

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Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Scholars who have held a doctoral degree or equivalent for less than seven years are invited to apply to advance research on an aspect of molecular evolution, population genetics, or systematics.

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Academic Programs Office

STRI's Academic Programs office manages fellowships and internship programs, helps match applicants to staff scientists and facilitates field courses of visiting universities.

Owen McMillan

Owen McMillan

Dean of Academic Programs

In addition to running a genetics lab that focuses on speciation of a large genus of tropical butterflies, Owen oversees the Office of Academic Programs. He charts STRI's long-term vision for internships and fellowships and is an advisor for young scholars, especially in the fields of genetics and evolution.

Adriana Bilgray

Adriana Bilgray

Academic Programs Manager

Adriana is the main contact for visiting interns and fellows. She assists students with various administrative issues, including stipends and housing, to ensure their stays are smooth and successful. She has offered indispensable assistance to thousands of STRI alumni who have participated in our academic programs.

Paola Gomez

Paola Gomez

Academic Programs Coordinator

Paola coordinates internships and STRI-operated initiatives. She also promotes STRI’s academic community and often joins students in the field to help them get the most out of their transformative experiences in Panama.

For more information email the STRI Office of Academic appointments: STRIFellows@si.edu

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