STEM Professional Learning Intern (Desert Research Institute, Pack Intern, Spring '27)
**This internship is hosted by Desert Research Institute and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio (NCS).
Students are highly encouraged to complete a 15 minute drop-in or schedule an in-person or virtual 30-minute appointment with a Career Mentor BEFORE submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS best practices will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
After the application period closes in Handshake, the NCS Internships Team reviews the applicants and sends eligible students' applicant packages to employers for them to reach out to conduct interviews and make the final intern selection. Employers will contact students directly if they are interested in moving forward with them as a candidate.
About Desert Research Institute:
Desert Research Institute (DRI) is Nevada’s scientific research institute, founded in 1959 to empower experts to focus on science that matters. DRI works with communities across the state –and the world– to address their most pressing scientific questions. DRI created the STEM Education Program to support PreK-12 educators in research-based, STEM education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, so all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work, live and contribute in our community. We achieve our mission by offering experiential learning opportunities that support individuals’ pathway to the STEM knowledge economy and workforce.
The STEM Education Program provides inquiry-based STEM curriculum through our Green Boxes, presents educator professional development trainings, offers college internships, provides workforce development opportunities, and facilitates all-ages outreach programs.
Internship Description:
The STEM Professional Learning Intern will support DRI's STEM Education Program by assisting with the development, evaluation, and delivery of educator professional development experiences. Throughout the internship, interns will work alongside experienced STEM educators to observe and document professional development educator trainings, adapt current scientific research into K-12 educational resources, and gather educator feedback to identify effective instructional practices for an adult audience. As a capstone experience, the intern will co-facilitate a STEM professional development workshop, applying the skills and knowledge developed throughout the internship to support high-quality learning experiences for educators. Through their experience evaluating and collaborating on K-12 STEM educator trainings, this intern will gain hands-on experience in adapting current scientific research to educate a variety of audiences, leaving with science communication skills that are integral to working in any STEM field.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8-15 hours per week, 15 weeks total)
- Attend and observe STEM educator professional development workshops to learn best practices in adult learning, facilitation, and participant engagement.
- Assist with the planning, preparation, and implementation of STEM professional development trainings, including curriculum materials, hands-on activities, and event logistics.
- Develop supplemental educational resources, including blog posts, activity highlights, and other communications that extend learning beyond professional development workshops.
- Document professional development experiences by capturing photos, videos, and educator interviews to showcase program impact and support future outreach efforts.
- Gather and synthesize educator feedback to identify effective instructional strategies and provide recommendations for enhancing future professional learning experiences.
- Collaborate with DRI staff to research, document, and apply best practices in STEM professional development and adult education.
- Co-facilitate a STEM educator professional development workshop as a capstone project, demonstrating growth in instructional delivery, facilitation, and educator engagement.
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
The STEM Professional Learning Intern is expected to support DRI's mission of connecting science to society by contributing to high-quality professional learning experiences for educators. Interns will gain hands-on experience in instructional design, adult learning, curriculum implementation, facilitation, and program evaluation while working alongside experienced STEM educators. By the end of the internship, interns will:
- Develop an understanding of effective professional learning practices through observation, participation, and reflection.
- Support the successful planning and delivery of STEM educator professional development workshops.
- Create educational resources and communications that extend learning beyond professional development events.
- Identify and document best practices in STEM professional learning by gathering educator feedback and evaluating participant experiences.
- Demonstrate effective communication, facilitation, and collaboration while working with DRI staff, educators, and community partners.
- Co-facilitate a STEM educator professional development workshop as a capstone experience, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout the internship.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring ‘27 semester
- December ‘26 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Pack Internship Grant Program
- Interest in STEM education, outreach, or community engagement.
- Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Reliable transportation to attend events on and off DRI's campus.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support events and trainings.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience attending, developing, or supporting community outreach events; passion for education.
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants should be available to work during our normal hours of operation, M-F, 9am-5pm. Nights and weekends may be required in conjunction with trainings.
PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.