Geo-referencing the US National Parasite Collection Database Internship

INTERNSHIP PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The US National Parasite Collection (USNPC), an irreplaceable resource for investigations in biodiversity and systematics of parasites, complex host-parasite systems, and emerging disease, is among the largest and most active parasite collections in the world. The USNPC is comprised of over 100,000 lots (over 20,000,000 specimens) and was transferred to the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Department of Invertebrate Zoology in the summer of 2014. Our current goal is to geo-reference a subset of the legacy records of the legacy database to make this information available for research and for the general public.

INTERN QUALIFICATIONS: Background in biology, geography or related field. Experience with Excel is required while familiarity with Google Earth, Google Maps, GEOLocate is helpful. This position requires attention to detail. Computers (Mac or Windows) can be provided as available for on-site tasks.

INTERN LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to learning about parasite diversity, the intern will learn how to: 1) Geo-reference batches of specimen records based on the information in the database using the software GEOLocate, 2) Use the reprint library of primary literature to verify geographic locality data of specimen records, 3) Use physical and online maps to verify geographic locality data.

TIMETABLE: To be completed by January 2016

TO APPLY: Send resume, cover letter, and two references to Anna J. Phillips, 202-633-1771