Paid, Full-time Nelson Institute Science Communication and/or Data Analysis Internships
Scott P. Williams
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 2:06 PM
To: Nathan Schulfer <schu...@wisc.edu>; Rebecca Ryan <rjr...@wisc.edu>; Scott Dyke <scott...@wisc.edu>; Scott P. Williams <spwil...@wisc.edu>; Sabrina Manero <sma...@wisc.edu>; Kaitlyn Heinlein <khei...@wisc.edu>; Jason Delborne <delb...@wisc.edu>; Colleen Schmit <cksc...@wisc.edu>; Morgan Edwards <morgan....@wisc.edu>; Ahna Skop <sk...@wisc.edu>; Dominique Brossard <dominique...@wisc.edu>
Cc: Karlye Wolff-DeZell <karlye...@wisc.edu>; Alyson Fleming <afle...@wisc.edu>; Paul Meier <pme...@wisc.edu>
Subject: Paid full-time Internships
Prof. Tracey Holloway
Founding Director, Nelson Institute Enterprise - Business Engagement, the Badger Way
Team Lead, NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST.org)
Professor, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin—Madison
For more on our work, please check out: hollowaygroup.org
Nelson Institute Science Communication and/or Data Analysis Intern(s)
Overview
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking one or more Science Communication Interns and/or Data Analysis Interns to support projects that connect university research and expertise with broad public, professional, governmental, and industry audiences. These are paid, full-time in-person positions based in Madison, Wisconsin, with appointments generally 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years as funding permits.
We anticipate hiring a portfolio of interns with complementary backgrounds and interests, discussed below. Applicants are encouraged to consider which areas might connect with their interests, and to apply even if they do not fit squarely into any one category. While post-bachelors and post-Masters candidates are the expected application pool, post-doctoral candidates will be considered (with salaries commensurate with background for selected candidates).
Interns will contribute to a range of interdisciplinary initiatives led by Prof. Tracey Holloway, including the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST); the Nelson Institute Enterprise, which works with businesses, and related research, outreach, and partnership activities; and related projects. NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) - HAQAST is a national NASA-funded initiative that connects NASA data and tools with decision-makers in air quality management, public health, energy, and environmental planning. The team works closely with government agencies, non-profits, researchers, and other stakeholders to apply Earth observations and scientific research for public benefit. While some interns may be funded directly by HAQAST, others may be funded by closely-related grants using satellite data for energy, air, and health applications. Nelson Institute Enterprise - The Nelson Institute Enterprise supports collaborations between the university and external partners, including businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations. Projects focus on environmental problem-solving, sustainability, climate, energy, Earth observation, oceans, and related topics. The Nelson Institute Enterprise runs the NASA Commercial Impact Hub for Energy Decision-Making, so there synergies between the HAQAST projects noted above and Enterprise activities noted here.
These positions are designed for individuals interested in science communication, applied research, digital media, public engagement, design, storytelling, data visualization, stakeholder engagement, or related fields. Individual positions will be customized to include the combination of communication, engagement, digital media, data analysis, and visualization appropriate to each selected intern.
Potential Areas of Strength or Interest
Applicants may bring experience or interest in one or more of the following areas:
A. Data Visualization and Analysis
- GIS, mapping, coding, or data analysis experience
- Interest in satellite data, Earth observations, air quality, climate, or public health applications
- Experience with Python or related analytical tools
- Relevant backgrounds may include Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Data Science, Earth Observation Informatics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Engineering, Public Health, Computer Science, or related fields
B. Design and Digital Media
- Graphic design, visual communication, journalism, photography, videography, or digital storytelling
- Website design or social media content development
- Experience with image, video, or layout software
- Creative portfolios, websites, or examples of past work are encouraged
- Relevant backgrounds include: Science Communication, Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, Marketing, or related fields or experience
C. Partnership Development and Engagement
- Interest in stakeholder engagement, external partnerships, applied research, or science policy
- Experience working with organizations, community groups, businesses, or interdisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Relevant backgrounds may include Public Policy, Environmental Conservation, Communications, Business, Sustainability, or related fields
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will depend on the intern’s background, interests, and project assignments, and may include:
- Scientific data analysis (downloading data, making maps and plots, summarizing results)
- Website design and maintenance (experience with Wordpress preferred)
- Graphic design and promotional materials (e.g. creating event invitations, laying out reports, flyers)
- Video creation and editing (for example, converting recorded Zoom content into YouTube videos)
- Social media and digital communications (content for LinkedIn, possibly other platforms)
- Communicating research findings to broad audiences (writing text for websites, newsletters, reports; developing slide decks)
- Event planning and support (coordinating logistics, catering, AV planning, etc.)
- Stakeholder and partnership engagement activities (writing professional emails, scheduling meeting, taking notes, ensuring follow-ups)
- Other occasional tasks supporting faculty, staff, and program activities
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Interns will work collaboratively with faculty, researchers, students, and external partners while building professional experience in science communication and interdisciplinary environmental work.
Desired Qualifications
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Ability to respond constructively to feedback
- Initiative, creativity, and adaptability
- Interest in environmental, climate, energy, health, or sustainability topics
Recent graduates and early-career professionals (within 3 years of degree) are all encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Timing: Compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, appointment type, and availability. Typical annual salary ranges are approximately $40,000–$65,000 for full-time appointments, depending on whether the candidate has completed their bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree.
In -person work has flexible scheduling during standard business hours. Start dates are flexible.
To Apply, pease submit:
- Letter of interest describing your background, interests, and relevant experience
- Résumé or CV
- One or more examples of past work, either as attachments or links (if applicable)
Applications should be sent to Prof. Tracey Holloway at tahol...@wisc.edu. Review of applications will begin on a rolling basis.