Denver Museum of Nature & Science Internships: A World of Opportunities

Practical experience significantly enriches traditional classroom education. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences. These internships cater to a wide range of interests, from paleontology and zoology to anthropology and data science, and are particularly geared towards high school students from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Overview of Internship Opportunities

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science provides a structured learning environment where interns work under the direct supervision of DMNS staff members, who serve as mentors. These internships aim to strengthen investigative and communication skills, develop a peer network, and offer exposure to STEM careers.

Teen Science Scholars Program

The Teen Science Scholars (TSS) program invites teens from Colorado to participate in summer internships with the museum's Science Division staff. This program is designed to provide opportunities for students from underserved audiences, allowing them to work alongside scientists and gain experience they might not otherwise have. The TSS program emphasizes hands-on scientific work and career exploration in museum and STEM fields. Scholars also participate in professional development activities, including public speaking, college planning, and workforce readiness skills.

The Teen Science Scholars program invites 20 teens from around Colorado to complete hands-on summer internships with Science Division staff at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The aim for this program is to provide an opportunity for students from underserved audiences to have an opportunity to work alongside our scientists in order to gain experience and opportunity they might not be exposed to otherwise. While in the program, teen scholars strengthen their investigative and communication skills, develop a peer network of students from across the state of Colorado, and share their work and experiences during a Showcase event at the end of the summer.

Specific Internship Tracks

The DMNS offers diverse internship tracks, each focusing on a specific area of science. Here are some examples of the tracks available:

Zoology Collections Internship

The Zoology Collections team at DMNS offers a 9-week summer internship. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science maintains a research collection of approximately 1.3 million animal specimens in the Zoology Collections. The Zoology collections at DMNS are comprised of both vertebrate and invertebrate species, providing a taxonomically diverse and scientifically valuable resource for research and education. The Zoology Collection’s team is looking for an intern to work on a project in the Museum’s vertebrate zoology collections. This project will be a collection-based initiative to improve the organization, care, and classification of specimens within the taxonomic groupings of Sciuridae (squirrels) and Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, etc.). This work involves careful handling of delicate specimens, data entry, and digitization, depending on the specific assignment. Related data research activities may include verifying data from specimen labels and additional databases (EMu and NetX), or by consulting original data source materials (e.g., field notes). Training will primarily be hands-on and will include some reading materials. All equipment and supplies will be provided. Ideal candidates will be undergraduates majoring or recently graduated within the last year with a degree in Biology, Zoology, Museum Science, or a similar major. They will have basic classroom experience with deceased specimens and dissection. They will have experience working with data in spreadsheets or online databases. Work will occur in the Zoology Collections on level B2 (2nd basement level) of the museum. Lifting 10 lbs. TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. These internships provide hands-on opportunities to carry out scientific work alongside Museum scientists while exploring opportunities in museum and STEM careers. Scholars also participate in professional development activities, including public speaking, planning for college, and honing skills for joining the workforce.

The Zoology Collections team is looking for an intern to work on a project in the Museum’s vertebrate zoology collections. This project will be a collection-based initiative to improve the organization, care, and classification of specimens within the taxonomic groupings of Sciuridae (squirrels) and Lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, etc.). This work involves careful handling of delicate specimens, data entry, and digitization, depending on the specific assignment. Related data research activities may include verifying data from specimen labels and additional databases (EMu and NetX), or by consulting original data source materials (e.g., field notes).

Paleontology Internship

The Earth Sciences Collections team offers an internship where participants explore vertebrate fossil collections and participate in field trips to fossil sites across the Denver Basin. Interns learn to find, identify, and collect fossils, record and preserve scientific data, and catalog discoveries into the research collection.

Join the Earth Sciences Collections team for an unforgettable journey into the world of paleontology! Explore our vast vertebrate fossil collections and take part in hands-on field trips to key fossil sites across the Denver Basin-home to the last of the dinosaurs. You’ll learn how to find, identify, and collect fossils while mastering the art of recording and preserving scientific data. Back in the lab, you’ll catalog your discoveries into our research collection, leaving a lasting mark in our online database. Work with three curators from the Department of Earth Sciences to uncover the latest discoveries in the field, laboratory, and museum. Our department welcomes four Teen Science Scholars to participate in a paleontological sciences program at the DMNS. From fossil dinosaurs of Madagascar to mammals and plants from the Rocky Mountain Region, we are excited to work with students in various aspects of museum paleontology.

Wildlife Disease Ecology Internship

In the Wildlife Disease Ecology track, interns delve into the study of malaria in bats and other wild creatures. They test for malaria DNA in the Genomics Lab, examine blood cells under the microscope in the Zoological Collections, and explore the connections between bats, parasites, and ecosystems.

Did you know that malaria affects more than just humans? Join the Teen Science Scholars program in Wildlife Disease Ecology and dive into the fascinating world of malaria - not in people, but in bats and other wild creatures! You’ll get to roll up your sleeves and do real science: test for malaria DNA in our Genomics Lab, check out blood cells under the microscope in the Zoological Collections, and discover how bats, parasites, and ecosystems all connect in the bigger story of disease and evolution. You won’t just be learning - you’ll actually be helping discover new species of malaria parasites that scientists have never identified before! Along the way, you’ll build skills in hands-on research, science communication, and critical thinking - all while exploring what a career in STEM could look like for you.

Museum Conservation Internship

The Museum Conservation internship provides hands-on experience in museum conservation, including safe handling, examination, technical photography, and written documentation. Interns participate in conservation projects and learn about the deinstallation of museum exhibits.

The first week of the internship will be an intensive introduction to museum conservation: you will gain hands-on experience in museum conservation including safe handling, examination, technical photography, written documentation and the group will carry out a conservation project. You will also learn about and participate in an ongoing multi-year project to deinstall the Museum’s North American Indian Cultures Hall. This work will involve moving and documenting Indigenous belongings that have been on display here at the museum for decades. You will also learn the similarities and differences between our research collections and our education collections to understand the importance of education collections in aspects of museum education.

Archaeobotany Internship

This internship allows students to explore archaeology, botany, and genetics through fieldwork, lab activities, museum collections, and field trips. They will learn archaeological methods like pollen analysis and flotation, lab techniques such as DNA extraction and plant barcoding, and how to use herbarium collections to study human-plant relationships.

Students will explore archaeology, botany, and genetics through hands-on fieldwork, lab activities, museum collections, and field trips. They will learn archaeological methods like pollen analysis and flotation, lab techniques such as DNA extraction and plant barcoding, and how to use herbarium collections to study human-plant relationships.

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Space Science Internship

In Space Science, students will participate in computer-based activities that support the OpenSpace visualization software used in the Gates Planetarium and on the Space Odyssey exhibit floor.

Zoology and Data Science Internship

The Zoology and Data Science track is a collection-based track that offers a chance to conduct science in a very cool setting! Working with two mentors, you will gain hands-on experience in zoology research. First, you will be trained in the care and preservation of zoological collections and their associated data. Then you will learn how to find digital data, navigate open data repositories, how different areas of knowledge communicate, and how to wrangle data effectively.

Ornithology Internship

The Ornithology Teen Science Scholars program offers an exciting, hands-on dive into bird research and genetics! Throughout the summer, you’ll get to explore the fascinating world of birds and their tiny feather lice, learning how to safely catch live birds in the wild and handle them up close. You’ll even band birds and collect blood samples for cutting-edge genetic research. In the lab, you’ll dissect bird specimens, investigate them for lice, and record your findings like a true scientist. You’ll also step into the genetics lab, where you'll extract DNA, prep it for sequencing, and explore the secrets hidden in genomes through real DNA analysis!Disclaimer: This internship involves the dissection and handling of dead animals. Please note that this track includes outdoor work under the direct supervision of DMNS scientists. While all transportation and safety equipment will be provided by DMNS, scholars selected for this track can expect to work in summer weather. Scholars should be prepared for physical tasks, including walking, lifting, and carrying. More details will be provided at the interview stage.

Paleontology Fieldwork Internship

Join the Museum’s team of paleontologists to explore and uncover new fossils from Colorado. Scholars will spend three days and two nights alongside DMNS scientists searching for 66-million-year-old vertebrate and plant fossils in Corral Bluffs, near Colorado Springs. Back at the Museum, teens will clean and stabilize fossils in the paleontology lab, make 3D digital models of specimens, and, help create a database of fossils that can be used by researchers and scientists from around the world. Through this work, Scholars will have the opportunity to experience a fossil’s journey first-hand, from the moment of discovery to understanding how fossils teach us about our prehistoric world.Please note that this track includes outdoor work under the direct supervision of DMNS scientists. While DMNS will provide all transportation and safety equipment, scholars selected for this track can expect to work in summer weather. Scholars should be prepared for physical tasks, including walking, lifting, and carrying. More details will be provided at the interview stage. Please reach out to Chelsea Barker, Program Coordinator, with any questions.

Archives and Data Science Internship

In Archives, the scholars will work with physical and digital records documenting scientific research, excavations, and Museum history. Descriptive and scientific data will be captured from collection projects and tinkered with using data wrangling tools during the Data Science section. Scholars will leave this program with a better understanding of how to make information accessible to all.

Entomology Internship

In this cross-disciplinary internship, scholars will be collecting insects from our brand-new outdoor playground, Nature Play-both during the day and even for select sessions after dark! The purpose of this project is comparing the Nature Play insect fauna with baseline data we collected before the site’s transformation. Scholars will learn about proper fieldwork and collection best practices, preparation, pinning, and mounting techniques. Please note that this track includes outdoor work under the direct supervision of DMNS scientists. While DMNS will provide all transportation and safety equipment, scholars selected for this track can expect to work in summer weather. Scholars should be prepared for physical tasks, including walking, lifting, and carrying. More details will be provided at the interview stage. Please reach out to Chelsea Barker, Program Coordinator, with any questions.

Madagascar Paleontology Internship

Have you ever wanted to be a paleontologist? Join us at the Museum for an exciting project working with real paleontologists on fossils, including beautifully preserved dinosaurs, from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar! You’ll get to see what it’s like to work in a museum, learn about the different career paths in paleo and the sciences, and get hands-on experience with fossil research and museum collections. You’ll start your internship learning about Madagascar paleontology and geology from scientists in the Museum and beyond. We’ll even spend a day locally in the field! Then, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to ongoing research analyzing actual fossils. Finally, you’ll join the collections team and learn more about fossil data and what it takes to keep fossils organized and safe.Please note that this track includes outdoor work under the direct supervision of DMNS scientists. While DMNS will provide all transportation and safety equipment, scholars selected for this track can expect to work in summer weather. Scholars should be prepared for physical tasks, including walking, lifting, and carrying. More details will be provided at the interview stage.

Anthropology Internship

Students will choose two pieces of Indigenous jewelry from the collections to research the history of these objects, complete conservation condition reports that will include technical photography, materials analysis, and written documentation, and assist in the long-term preventative conservation of silver objects. The Anthropology Department is ideal for students who are interested in Indigenous cultures and science, have an interest in working with and caring for objects, and enjoy writing and research. This opportunity is also ideal for detail-oriented students who want to combine scientific analysis with an interest in history.TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. These internships provide hands-on opportunities to carry out scientific work alongside Museum scientists while exploring opportunities in museum and STEM careers. Scholars also participate in professional development activities, including public speaking, planning for college, and honing skills for joining the workforce.

Program Details

Eligibility

TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. These internships provide hands-on opportunities to carry out scientific work alongside Museum scientists while exploring opportunities in museum and STEM careers. Scholars also participate in professional development activities, including public speaking, planning for college, and honing skills for joining the workforce.

Compensation

The 2026 stipend amount for participating in a session is $1,803. Stipends are not used as compensation but to offset expenses during the internship. All interns will receive daily lunch vouchers for DMNS's cafeteria. All materials and supplies are provided by the Museum, including any transportation for field trips or fieldwork.

Application Process

Yes, you can apply to be a Teen Science Scholar. Please keep in mind that TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. The Museum does not provide housing for this program. The application does not require transcripts, letters of recommendation, or resumes. Applicants will be asked to explain why they have chosen their first and second-choice tracks. There is no minimum or maximum word count for these questions. The application will ask for your household's approximate annual income in 2025 (before taxes) and the number of people who live there.

Sessions

This summer, DMNS is offering two 3-week sessions, each accommodating ten scholars. Each session will feature three distinct tracks. Selected applicants will participate in one track during a single session.

Language

At this time, all our internships will be offered in English.

Additional Opportunities in Colorado Museums and Historical Organizations

Beyond the DMNS, numerous other institutions in Colorado offer internship and volunteer opportunities:

History Colorado

History Colorado is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Education. It provides access to cultural and heritage resources including Community Museums, programs for families and adults, stewardship of Colorado’s historic treasures, and resources for students and teachers. History Colorado is a Smithsonian Affiliate, granting access to Smithsonian resources such as traveling exhibitions.

Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House

The Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House focuses on scholarship, research, lectures, tours, and exhibits that expand the understanding of women's history in Colorado. It offers the Women’s History Fall Fellowship for scholars, activists, and artists engaged in the generation and collection of knowledge about women in Colorado’s history.

El Pueblo History Museum

El Pueblo History Museum showcases the region’s cultural and ethnic groups through exhibits like the Borderlands of Southern Colorado and Children of Ludlow.

Discover Denver

Discover Denver offers opportunities for historic preservation, history, urban planning, or urban design students to gain real-world experience through a citywide building survey. Internships include Field Survey Internships and Outreach Internships.

Golden History Museum & Park

The Golden History Museum & Park engages and inspires visitors through preserving and sharing Golden’s history. While they may not always have formal internships available, they often accept volunteers, particularly as Historic Park Interpreters and Visitor Engagement Specialists.

Denver Firefighters' Museum

The Denver Firefighters' Museum preserves the history of the Denver Fire Department and firefighting through artifacts, documents, and photographs. Contact Jamie Wilms for internship inquiries.

Molly Brown House Museum

The Molly Brown House Museum stands as a symbol of the turn of the 20th century in Denver. It offers insights into the lives of the wealthy and the history of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Other Programs

CU Denver Experiential Learning Center

The CU Denver Experiential Learning Center helps connect students with experiential learning opportunities.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The CU Denver Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) supports research projects for CU Denver undergraduate students.

EUReCA! Work-Study Program

The EURēCA! Work-Study Program facilitates the use of work-study financial aid assistance by undergraduates pursuing research, creative, or scholarly activities under the supervision of CU Denver faculty.

EUReCA! Fellows Program

The EURēCA! Fellows Program is a summer fellowship that provides CU Denver undergraduates with a stipend to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

EUReCA! Entering Research Course

This introductory research course prepares students for entering the field of research by focusing on professional development.

EUReCA! Travel Grant

Students can apply for a travel grant to present their work at a research conference.

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships support U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying critical languages in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. national security.

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