Doc Gruber Memorial Scholarship
Supported by McPZ Foundation
We understand that financial barriers can limit opportunities for people in the early stages of their careers, and we are making efforts to make internships more accessible for people with financial constraints. Thanks to the support of the McPZ Foundation, we are pleased to announce the Doc Gruber Memorial Scholarship for early career scientists wishing to intern with the BBFSF in 2025.
To be considered, please read the Internship Information page, and fill out the entire Internship Application Form, including the section marked Scholarships. Interns awarded a Doc Gruber Memorial Scholarship will be required to write a blog post for the BBFSF, which can be personal, scientific, or a mix of both.
Partial or full scholarships will be awarded for a duration of two to four months, and will cover all costs associated with living at a remote field station (shared accommodation, three meals a day, Internet, laundry), all field activities, instruction and training, as well as Florida Keys research trips. The scholarship does not include your travel expenses, equipment, US Visa fees (if necessary), travel insurance, or any extra expenditures during the internship.
Funding for scholarships is limited and applications are competitive. We are seeking hard working individuals who are eager to take on new challenges, work proactively and learn a variety of skills.
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Doc Gruber Memorial Scholarships are available for Bahamian & international applicants who are 18 years of age and up.
TESTIMONIALS
Articulating the experiences and lessons I have endured the past few months into a couple sentences is difficult to say the least. More than anything, I am grateful for the personal and professional growth this space has offered me. It was a catalyst for embracing new challenges and finding comfort in unfamiliar experiences. While it has only been three months, the Lab has had a profound impact on my perspective. It has sharpened my mind and made me recognize the potential for opportunity all around us. That’s what this place does—it connects you to the bigger picture. The internship program is an opportunity to foster growth, and without the Doc Gruber Memorial Scholarship, this would have never been an option for me. This internship is the true start of my future in research, conservation, and education. Our careers all begin somewhere, and I am forever thankful that mine was with the Bimini Shark Lab.
To all future interns and scholarship recipients,
Congratulations, and the biggest advice I have is to never let your “pinch me” mentality fade away. Stay in awe of the wildlife and grateful for the people and opportunities that brought you to this moment. Whether you want to be a shark scientist or simply are keen for conservation, the Lab will bring unmatched lessons and experiences. And if you are considering applying for this opportunity, dive in.
Emma Beaver - USA
I am deeply grateful to have been awarded the Dr. Gruber Memorial Scholarship, which enabled me to intern at the Bimini Biological Field Station. This was an incredible opportunity through which I got to immerse myself in hands-on field work, engage with a passionate and diverse team, and expand my understanding of shark research as well as the importance of communicating it to wider audiences.
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Through the internship, I not only developed invaluable field skills, such as shark tagging, but also gained a deeper appreciation for the role of research in addressing conservation challenges. The mentorship and collaboration at the lab helped me grow professionally and personally as I honed essential skills such as teamwork, adaptability, public speaking, organizational skills, and networking.
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This scholarship made it possible for me to be part of an organization dedicated to advancing science and conservation, and I am inspired to carry forward this legacy in my own career. Thank you for this transformative experience and the opportunity to be a part of such impactful work.
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Zainab Saria - India