Hughes Center Seeks Summer Research and Policy Interns

 


Deadline to Apply: February 27, 2026

 

The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. (Hughes Center) and the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) are seeking law and undergraduate student applicants interested in careers in agriculture, environmental conservation, forestry, policy, or law for the 2026 Russell Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Summer Internship program. Multiple students will be selected for this eight-week internship, which includes a competitive salary and the opportunity to interact with leaders from the agricultural and environmental communities, as well as state agencies. The internship will begin on June 1st and conclude on July 24th, 2026. The internship will begin with an orientation session at Wye Research Center, and the interns will attend weekly meetings at Wye or elsewhere in the state. The remainder of the time, the interns will work virtually or attend meetings throughout Maryland.



The internship will introduce you to a number of complex natural resource issues, including but not limited to, Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, agricultural practices, and local food production. During the course of the internship, you will meet diverse stakeholders and engage in the complex interaction between the agricultural and the environmental conservation and policy communities. You will be introduced to legislators and staff at state agencies as you work to resolve challenges. The internship is funded by organizations seeking to build leaders who are able to appreciate all sides of complex issues and develop solutions that consider environmental, economic, and industry needs as well as the needs of policymakers.


Interns will:

  • Work with Hughes Center and ALEI’s staff on research projects related to current agriculture, environmental, food system, and forestry issues;
  • Participate in the multidisciplinary activities of the Hughes Center;
  • Attend regional leadership meetings for agriculture, natural resources, and food systems;
  • Have the opportunity to engage with researchers, state officials and agencies, environmental, and agricultural leaders;
  • Support ALEI’s staff in the creation and administration of legal education resources and programs;
  • Support Hughes Center and ALEI staff in developing proposals for future projects; and
  • Enhance their research, communication, public speaking, and time management skills.


Interns must:

  • Be enrolled at a University of Maryland System university (UMCP, UMES, UMB) with anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or later;
  • Be able to make a commitment for the full length of the internship;
  • Be a licensed driver with their own reliable transportation;
  • Be able to attend the weekly meetings in person; and
  • Be able to attend regional events throughout the summer. Some weekend or evening hours may be required.


Compensation: Interns will be paid $19.91 an hour for a 40-hour work week.

 

To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and at least one academic and professional letter of recommendation and reference.


Deadline to Apply: February 27, 2026


To learn more about the internship visit our website at go.umd.edu/BrinsfieldInterns.