Janell Goldsmith, a biology major, has won a National Science Foundation (NSF) internship to conduct research at the University of New Mexico this summer.

Goldsmith is one of three students in the country selected for this research experience, which will study parasite abundance in river ecosystems over the past half century. Fifty-four students applied for the positions.

From June 15 to August 16, she will conduct an independent research project under the supervision of multiple research mentors, collaborate with an international group of senior parasite ecologists and ichthyologists, and learn about aquatic ecosystems of the US Southwest region through two field trips.

Goldsmith will also work as part of a large team to conduct parasitological dissections and be among the first to publish on the historical ecology of parasitism, using a new tool for understanding why and how parasite communities shift in response to global change.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with people in the field of ecology because that’s what I want to study in grad school,” she explains. “I’m looking forward to the experience of being in New Mexico by myself, meeting new people, and making connections with people who have similar interests.”

She will present her research findings at two conferences - one held during the summer and another in San Diego after the internship concludes.

An NSF grant will cover all costs – including travel, food and lodging – and provide her with a $7,000 stipend, support that Goldsmith terms “a crazy amount of money.”

According to Dr. Rachel Welicky, Goldsmith’s biology professor, “This NSF internship is a highly competitive program that provides nine weeks of authentic research experience in an esteemed research lab. I am so proud of Janell, whose motivation and professionalism helped her secure this opportunity.”

The research is supervised by the Wood Lab, part of the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, but is conducted at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Founded in 1919, the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) is dedicated to sustaining healthy marine and freshwater environments. Its faculty conduct research from the organism to the ecosystem scale and are experts in aquatic biology, sustainable fisheries management, and aquatic resource conservation.

SAFS is frequently ranked top in the nation and among the top 10 globally in its discipline, says Welicky.

The application process for Goldsmith, who lives in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, included writing an essay, submitting a resume and references, and participating in a Zoom interview.

“I applied for seven internships,” she admits, “but this was my top choice. I want to get a PhD and continue to do scientific research.”