GMES Undergraduate Advising Blog

Day: January 26, 2026

Internship: 2026 Michigan State University Undergraduate Summer Geodesy Internships

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https://sites.google.com/msu.edu/2026msuundergraduategeodesy/home

Paid Summer Undergraduate Internships in Geodesy!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2026 5 PM Eastern Time

What is Geodesy?

Geodesy is the study of the Earth’s shape, size, orientation, and gravity.  Measurements of these parameters are used to determine precise coordinates of points on Earth and track how those points move over time.  Modern geodesy uses tools such as high-precision GPS/GNSS*, satellite-based radar, and land- and airborne laser scanning systems to improve our understanding of a wide range of topics including road building and construction, management of crop planting, navigation, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and sea level rise.  

Geodesy draws from a number of other fields including math, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, and engineering and opens pathways to a variety of careers in government, academia, and private industry.

*GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a general term for all global satellite positioning systems.  GPS is the global satellite positioning system run by the United States.

Who should apply for the internships?

  • Current undergraduate students who have completed at least two semesters of college before the internship start, are in good academic standing, and are interested in learning more about geodesy and its applications, geophysics, mapping, and programming
  • This year we are looking for students who have prior experience in geophysics, programming, and/or higher mathematics (geodesy experience is not required)
  • Potential interns should be available to participate in-person at MSU for 8 weeks between early June and late July (no remote participation is available)
  • Potential interns must be already authorized to work in the US (we cannot sponsor visas for these positions)

What can you expect from the internship?

  • Participate in a geodesy bootcamp that will provide a solid foundation of geodesy background, techniques, and tools.
  • Work with a faculty mentor to develop and carry out a meaningful research project.
  • Learn about educational opportunities and career paths in geodesy through presentations by MSU and outside geodesy professionals
  • Create a research poster for their project and present their results at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences

What are some possible research projects?

  • Evaluating time varying surface deformation in Alaska
  • Building and testing plate motion models for eastern Russia and Alaska
  • Developing automated tools to set up and run earthquake models that use geodetic data
  • Investigating how seasonal hydrologic changes influence GNSS data in Africa
  • And other possibilities depending on student interest and experience

What are the benefits of the internship?

Besides learning more about geodesy and gaining research experience, interns will receive the following:

  • A stipend of $7000 for the 8-week internship period
  • Round-trip travel between your home and East Lansing
  • You’ll arrange your own housing, but we will have suggestions for you

How do you apply for the internship?

You’ll need to submit the following:

  • CV/Resume
  • Coursework Transcripts (Unofficial is fine)
  • 1-2 page essay discussing research/academic interests, any research and/or work experience, and what you hope to get out of the internship.
  • One letter of support (from someone familiar with your academic background or work experience).  

CV, Transcripts, and Research essay should be sent to THIS EMAIL

Letter Writers should send Letter of Support directly to Dr. Julie Elliott at email above.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2026 5 PM Eastern Time

Questions?  Email Dr. Julie Elliott (EMAIL)

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Scholarship: 2026 Andrew Mozola – AIPG

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$4,000 Undergraduate Scholarship

Supporting the Next Generation of Geoscientists The Michigan Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) is proud to award the Andrew Mozola Memorial Scholarship to outstanding undergraduate students pursuing degrees in geology or geoscience at Michigan colleges and universities. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence, curiosity, creativity, and engagement in the geoscience profession.

Tell us your story ■ Why do you want to be a geoscientist? ■ What sparked your interest in geoscience? ■ What are your career goals? ■ How are you involved in geoscience beyond the classroom?

Eligibility ■ Enrolled at an accredited Michigan college or university. ■ Sophomore standing or higher. ■ AIPG student member at time of application. ■ GPA: 3.0 Overall | 3.5 in geoscience

Important Dates ■ Apply by: June 1, 2026 | 5 PM EST ■ Notification: June 30, 2026

Submit Applications to: Scholarship Chair: Dave Adler, CPG email: umw_hw@msn.com address: 12942 Wales Ave. Huntington Woods, MI 48070-1723 phone: (248) 810-9970 Apply today.

Invest in your future as a geoscientist.

Application Requirements ■ Cover letter telling us your story including the elements above. ■ Transcript (unofficial accepted) ■ One letter of recommendation from a faculty member in geology/geoscience. ■ AIPG student member number.

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Internship: Mining Engineer – Imerys

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https://www.imerys.com/careers/jobs/req-10861

https://www.imerys.com/careers/jobs/req-10860

The Position

Mining Engineer Internship

Job Summary

Intern – Summer 2026
Full-Time & Paid Internship
Location: Sandersville, GA
Program Length: Summer (12-16 Weeks)


About Us: Imerys is a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, employing over 16,000 people in 50 countries. We are dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.

Your Role:
Project Overview & Description: The Development of method and instructions/ SOP on how to use simple software or geo referenced pdf map to stake ( relatively accurate 1-3 feet) designs in the field without Trimble gps so sites such as Kings Mountain can have contractors or personnel get control line work staked/marked

Project Description & Deliverables: Interact with site personnel from site or multiple sites and gather ideas on skill sets or possible needs for field survey work without access to Trimple gps.  Research what software is currently used for mine design or Geology ( Deswik, rpm, ArcGIs, google earth, trimble) and develop a method that would fit site or multiple methods of completing the task. Build and test method or methods of doing this simple in field surveying and document the steps in a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that can be used at site or multiple sites help overcome the shortage of survey support.


Project Learning Objectives: Develop simple way or ways to use design data in the field without Trimble gps, along with learning how to build good Standard Operating Procedure documents.


Ideal Candidates Are:
    •    Pursuing a degree in: Relevant field, e.g., Mining Engineering, BS

Environmental, Geology, etc.
    •     Strong oral and written communication skills.
    •    Problem Solvers: Enjoy collaborating to tackle challenges.
    •    Leaders: Demonstrate leadership in various settings, such as school clubs, sports teams, or work projects.
    •    Authorized to Work in the U.S.
    •    Able to pass a drug screen and background check.


Compensation: The wage range for this role considers various factors such as location, student classification, and major. We offer competitive wages that reflect the value of your contributions and the cost of living at the program’s geographical location. 


Relocation Support: Assistance to help you where you need to go.
Competitive Wages: Attractive compensation for your valuable contributions.


Why Join Us: Step into the future with Imerys. We invite motivated individuals to join us and contribute to our mission. At our manufacturing plants, you’ll help transform minerals into solutions and products that enhance people’s lives. Our operations span a diverse range of customer markets, making efficient and effective use of precious natural resources.


Opportunity to Drive Improvements: Thrive in a dynamic, informal, and non-hierarchical culture where your ideas matter.


Broad-Based Experience: Work on diverse projects across various businesses and organizations.


Collaborative Communication: Influence and collaborate across boundaries, enhancing your teamwork skills.


Unique Experiences: Take on increasing responsibilities within an exciting and evolving business environment.


What Our Internship Program Offers:
Immediate Responsibilities: Dive into real projects from day one with clear responsibilities and impactful tasks.


Continuous Coaching & Mentoring: Receive guidance and formal training from passionate professionals and your dedicated manager.


Senior Leader Visibility: Engage with senior leadership and gain invaluable insights into the industry.


Dynamic and Respectful Environment: Enjoy a work culture that values every individual, promotes agility, and supports work/life balance.


Priority for Full-Time Positions: Successfully complete your internship and university graduation to gain priority for full-time opportunities at Imerys.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

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Internship: Geologist – Imerys

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By

https://www.imerys.com/careers/jobs/req-10965

The Position

Geology Internship

Job Summary

 Intern – Summer 2026
Full-Time & Paid Internship
Location: Sandersville, Georgia
Program Length: Summer (12-16 Weeks)


About Us: Imerys is a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, employing over 16,000 people in 50 countries. We are dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.
Why Join Us: Step into the future with Imerys, we invite motivated individuals to join us and contribute to our mission. At our manufacturing plants, you’ll help transform minerals into solutions and products that enhance people’s lives. Our operations span a diverse range of customer markets, making efficient and effective use of precious natural resources.
Opportunity to Drive Improvements: Thrive in a dynamic, informal, and non-hierarchical culture where your ideas matter.
Broad-Based Experience: Work on diverse projects across various businesses and organizations.
Collaborative Communication: Influence and collaborate across boundaries, enhancing your teamwork skills.
Unique Experiences: Take on increasing responsibilities within an exciting and evolving business environment.
What Our Internship Program Offers:
Immediate Responsibilities: Dive into real projects from day one with clear responsibilities and impactful tasks.
Continuous Coaching & Mentoring: Receive guidance and formal training from passionate professionals and your dedicated manager.
Senior Leader Visibility: Engage with senior leadership and gain invaluable insights into the industry.
Dynamic and Respectful Environment: Enjoy a work culture that values every individual, promotes agility, and supports work/life balance.
Priority for Full-Time Positions: Successfully complete your internship and university graduation to gain priority for full-time opportunities at Imerys.
Your Role:
Project Overview & Description: The creation of a library of in-situ density measurements from cut geological core samples for application to the geological models used at Sandersville, Andersonville, and Eufaula. Additionally, statistical correlation of cut core geochemistry to corresponding density will be used to create a predictive density model for future exploration targets.

Project Description & Deliverables: A successful candidate will have an intrigue for marginal marine diagenesis and the formation of Fall Line wide-spread kaolinic and bauxitic deposits found in middle Georgia and Alabama. A high-tolerance for performing repetitive tasks and measurements is also essential (with an understanding that tedium will lead to a great final work and library of knowledge).

The candidate will extract cut clay core from historical drill campaigns and use a state-of-the-art handheld 3D scanner to generate digital models of each core sample through which a volume measurement will be calculated. Each sample will also require a corresponding moisture measurement simple drying oven operation and loss on ignition testing at 110°C. There may be opportunity for collection and geotagging of in-field samples at active or historical mine sites if core archives are deemed inadequate. Core interval geochemistry will be statistically correlated to density measurements to create a predictive model for clay density.

Project Learning Objectives:Experience the guided development of a library of geological knowledge to serve as a foundation for mine engineering, target evaluation, and predictive geochemical statistics.

Ideal Candidates Are:
    •    Pursuing a degree in: Relevant field, e.g., Mining Engineering, Geology, etc.
    •     Strong oral and written communication skills.
    •    Problem Solvers: Enjoy collaborating to tackle challenges.
    •    Leaders: Demonstrate leadership in various settings, such as school clubs, sports teams, or work projects.
    •    Authorized to Work in the U.S.
    •    Able to pass a drug screen and background check.
Compensation: The wage range for this role considers various factors such as location, student classification, and major. We offer competitive wages that reflect the value of your contributions and the cost of living at the program’s geographical location. 
Relocation Support: Assistance to help you where you need to go.
Competitive Wages: Attractive compensation for your valuable contributions.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Ready to Shape the Future?
If you’re eager to learn, grow, and make a significant impact, we want you on our team. Apply now to start your journey with Imerys and unlock endless possibilities.

Continue Reading →