We couldn't get through the week without the help of our wonderful student workers and volunteers. They assist in everyday tasks, as well as in research and special projects.

Opportunities are available for people from the age of 18 and up. For volunteers under the age of 18, please speak with the specific contact of your area of interest below for details.

Measuring Esox specimens

Field Stations

To volunteer at a field lab, working as a research assistant or to participate in outdoor service and outreach activities, you can be a UT student or a member of the public.

Brackenridge Field Lab

BFL welcomes volunteers to work as research assistants or participate in outdoor service and outreach activities. These volunteer opportunities are offered to both UT students and members of the public. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer at BFL, contact our leadership team below:

Contact: Dr. Rob Plowes (robplowes[at]utexas.edu)

Dr. Lawrence Gilbert (lgilbert[at]austin.utexas.edu)

Additional guidelines may also be found here (https://bfl.utexas.edu/visitors-users/user-guidelines).

Stengl Lost Pines

Volunteers are accepted on a case-by-case basis. To volunteer at SLP, please contact Steven Gibson to discuss best implementation of your goals.

Contact: Steven Gibson (gibsonsj[at]gmail.com)

Collections

To volunteer with the Biodiversity Collections, please email one of the curators or collection managers in the division that most interests you below.

Ichthyology

We take volunteers each semester and ask they are able to commit to one 3-4 hour shift a week (preferably Tuesday-Thursday). The gist of work revolves around collections upkeep and management, involving curatorial tasks such as:  measuring and counting specimens, data entry and quality control, shelving, sorting, and photographing specimens.  Other tasks may include preparing specimen loans, data mining, and various digitization projects. Occasionally there are opportunities to join us in the field for collecting. For more details, see our projects page on Eureka.

Contact: Adam Cohen (tnhc_fish_cm[at]austin.utexas.edu)

Plants

Tasks for volunteers are the PRC are varied. Volunteers could become involved with preparation of herbarium specimens, database transcription of specimen labels for our digitization projects, geo-referencing of localities on labels for same, special projects such as curation of our bagged and boxed materials, book inventory. Volunteers with special skills have done plant identification.  

Contact: Dr. George Yatskievych (george.yatskievych[at]austin.utexas.edu)

Entomology

Insect collection volunteers help process new accessions, database and photograph existing specimens, and participate in local outreach and educational events. Volunteers may also assist in field collections. Volunteers with prior entomological or photographic experience are preferred.

Contact: Dr. Alex Wild (alex.wild[at]utexas.edu)

Herpetology

Volunteers assist in a variety of projects such as specimen photography; specimen counting, sorting, curation and labeling; assisting in the field; research projects; and data entry. Volunteers should be able to commit a minimum of 3-4 hours a week.

Contact: Dr. Travis LaDuc (travieso[at]austin.utexas.edu)

Undergraduate Research

We have many opportunities for independent research projects dealing with biology/evolution/ecology of insects, fishes, amphibians and reptiles, plants and more. Learn more about these in EUREKA!

Contact a scientist, curator or collections manager in the research area listed above that most interests you.