The Undergraduate Interagency Resource Teams at the White Mountain Research
Station of the University of California were created in 1994 to support re
source-agency mandated and academic research objectives by providing qualif
ied students who can learn, apply, and improve research and agency monitori
ng protocols. Drawing from documented elements of other successful internsh
ip programs, we identified four basic components that we believe may enhanc
e the potential success of the interns; (1) self-directed learning methodol
ogies, (2) multidisciplinary approaches to science, (3) reflection on and d
ocumentation of intern learning, and (4) principles of a positive work envi
ronment, including teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communicati
on. During a 10-week summer session, the Interagency Resource Teams expose
approximately 17 students to the professional worlds of natural resource ag
encies and research scientists. In this environment, we have also observed
that the internship program not only exposes students to resource managemen
t careers but may also help bridge the gap between resource agency speciali
sts and academic researchers.