Last October, we shared the story of Jen Eells, a dedicated biologist whose passion for Florida’s small mammals, especially bats, left a lasting impact on wildlife conservation. Tragically, Jen passed away in a car accident on July 22, 2024 while conducting critical bat monitoring research in north Florida. Her commitment to preserving bat populations and their ecosystems is a legacy that continues to inspire her colleagues.
In honor of Jen’s memory, we introduced the annual $5,000 “Jen Eells Small Animal Research Internship,” designed to give students hands-on experience in the field of wildlife research. Today, we’re proud to announce that this internship is now accepting its first applicants, continuing Jen’s legacy and empowering the next generation of wildlife biologists.
This unique internship provides aspiring researchers the chance to work alongside experts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Participants gain practical experience capturing and tracking bats, monitoring bear populations, and deploying camera traps to detect species such as mink, weasels, and panthers. The program also offers opportunities to assist with non-mammal projects, giving interns a well-rounded introduction to wildlife conservation. Based in Gainesville, this flexible, paid internship runs from mid-May to mid-August, with applications open until March 30, 2025.
For more details on how to apply, visit FWC’s website.
