The Bermuda Zoological Society is accepting applications for the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation summer internship programme.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and must be enrolled as a college or university student, entering their second year or above.

The deadline for applications is February 27 and application forms can be accessed through the BZS website and should be submitted by e-mail to volunteer@bzs.bm.

The BZS said the Ernest E. Stempel internship programme offers young Bermudians hands-on experience in marine biology, animal husbandry, conservation science and environmental research.

Working alongside experienced professionals, the charity said interns gain exposure to real-world scientific research and animal care while contributing to critical conservation efforts for Bermuda's unique ecosystem.

Roma Hayward, Animal Care and Quarantine Officer at BAMZ, said: “Our programmes have been a gateway for many students finding their passion and we have seen many different paths develop through our internships, including careers in animal husbandry and medicine, zoological science, environmental science, marine biology, conservation and sustainability, research and education, just to name a few.”

Ms Hayward, who also serves as internship manager, added: “Our goal is to inspire a love for island environments and action towards stewardship.

“Whatever direction our interns take we find that their hands-on experiences at BZS/BAMZ stay with them for a lifetime.

“They stay connected and give back regardless of the career they end up choosing.”

The BZS highlighted the achievements of Noah da Silva, a former summer intern.

Mr da Silva attributed his scientific passion and research trajectory directly to his transformative summer internship with BZS and BAMZ.

The internship, which began as a summer exploration of Bermuda's unique biodiversity, evolved into something far more significant, according to Mr. da Silva.

His research on endemic snails and soils started during the internship and became the foundation for his senior thesis at Dartmouth College in the United States.

It has since transformed into a full independent research project with direct conservation applications for Bermuda's vulnerable endemic species.

“Without a doubt, my time at BAMZ has changed the course of my life,” Mr da Silva said.

He said BAMZ and the BZS have been his “playground, school, workshop, training centre, employer and now research partner”.

He added: “At Aqua Camp, I first gained my love of science and the natural world, reinforced through my work as a Junior Volunteer and counsellor.

“But the Stempel internship takes the cake in terms of impact. I never would have expected the reverberations that my internship at BZS would produce within my life.”

He said the internship reshaped the way that he interacts with science — it became an accessible field for him.

“Before that summer, science and research were very much the domain of the 'researchers,' the professors and the government people,” he said, adding: “I learnt that we can take science into our own hands, no matter where we are in our careers. Sometimes it starts with digging in your backyard!”

He highlighted the efforts of his mentors Alex Amat, BZS Educator and Robbie Smith of the Natural History Museum.

“I was consistently supported and challenged by them, and I've continued working with them to this day,” he said of Dr Amat and Dr Smith.

For young Bermudians considering careers in environmental science, animal care or conservation, the BZS said the internship programme provides a unique gateway to understanding the breadth of opportunities available on the island.

It said many participants, like Mr da Silva, discover that meaningful scientific work and research careers are not only possible in Bermuda but can serve as launching pads for international recognition.