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Saving Amphibians and Inspiring Others

AF's Department of Research is now based at Agnes Scott College. AF's Department of Research is now based at Agnes Scott College.

Conservation Research Bridge Program

Launch your conservation career while helping save endangered amphibians.

The Conservation Research Bridge Program (Bridge) at Amphibian Foundation is the 'tip of the spear' for our research and conservation efforts.

Based at Agnes Scott College, and designed as a 'gap-year' program, the AF Bridge Program advances the science of amphibian conservation through a career-building, mentored research curriculum which provides a multitude of unparalleled and unique opportunities in the lab and in the field, working with endangered species,  in a supportive scientific environment.

Conservation Research Bridge Program staff & faculty at one of our study sites (Pigeon Mountain WMA). Left to Right: Roxana (AF Lab Manager), Cole and Natane (Research Assistants), Kevin (Staff Photographer), Sasha (Disease Biologist), Ashley (Conservation Collections Coordinator), and Nadine (Research Assistant).

The Conservation Research Bridge Program (Bridge) is the tip of the spear for Amphibian Foundation’s research and conservation work.

Designed as a flexible gap-year experience, the Bridge gives Research Assistants the rare chance to contribute directly to the recovery of imperiled amphibians while building a professional foundation in conservation science.

You will spend 1–3 semesters onsite in Decatur, working as a Research Assistant and apprentice alongside AF scientists and regional partners from agencies, zoos, and universities. The program is open to people before, during, or after college—no degree required—and welcomes both U.S. and international students.

Bridge connects you to the training, mentors, and professional pathways that help you reach the next stage of your career.

 

What You'll Experience

Students develop the confidence, resilience, and practical skills that define successful scientists. You will:

  • Conduct real conservation research with state- and federally listed species
  • Collaborate on projects with agency, zoo, and academic professionals
  • Earn certification as a Master Herpetologist
  • Complete training and certification in venomous snake handling
  • Gain field and laboratory experience across multiple disciplines
  • Present or publish work that advances amphibian conservation (especially in longer tracks)

Alumni have gone on to graduate programs, state and federal wildlife agencies, zoo herpetology departments, and veterinary pathways.


The Bridge Program offers two flexible Research Assistant tracks,
depending on student preference and availability. 

Track 1: 15-week program

Tuition

Full time (40 hours/week): $10,000
(Additional second semester: $8,000)

Part time (30 hours/week): $8,000
(Additional second semester: $6,500)

Part time (20 hours/week): $6,000
(Additional second semester: $5,000)

Immerse yourself across core conservation disciplines, including:

• Reintroduction & restoration conservation
• Urban ecology
• Disease surveillance
• Animal husbandry & Lab propagation of imperiled species
• Studio & field photography
• Science illustration & communication
• Biological monitoring of local, native, and reintroduced amphibians
• Partner on projects with agency, zoo, and academic professionals
• Certification as a Master Herpetologist
• Training & Certification in venomous snake handling

Track 2: 45-week program

Tuition

Full time (40 hours/week): $25,000

Part time (30 hours/week): $19,000

Part time (20 hours/week): $13,000

Begin with the same foundational experience as Track 1.

In later semesters, design and lead your own mentored research project (or join ongoing studies) exploring ecological, physiological, life-history, or biomechanical questions.

The year culminates in a research symposium presentation and graduation when applicable.

Access to the full AF course catalog

All Research Assistants receive full access to the AF course catalog, with class time built into the schedule. Track 2 students and Spring enrollees attend the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SEPARC) conference—the largest regional herpetological meeting in the US — and are strongly encouraged to present with their colleagues.

Scholarships & Financial Support

AF actively pursues grants and awards to offset tuition. Multiple scholarships are available, including awards up to $6,000 for qualified applicants. Once you apply, we work with you to identify and apply every scholarship for which you are eligible.

Available Scholarships are Listed Here.

Typical Bridge Schedule

  • Monday

    Monday

    Warmer Months:
    • Endangered species mesocosm studies
    • Urban turtle ecology study

    All Months:
    • Bridge Coordinator check-ins
    • Independent + Group research projects
    • Course work + Independent study

  • Tuesday

    Tuesday

    Warmer Months:
    • Urban turtle ecology study

    All Months:
    • Lab propagation of endangered species
    • Coursework (depending on semester):

    • Biology of the Amphibians
    • Biology of the Reptiles
    • Master Herpetologist
    • Science Writing
    • Science Illustration

    • Individual student meetings

  • Wednesday

    Wednesday

    Warmer Months:
    • Endangered species mesocosm studies
    • Urban turtle ecology study
    • Independent Study / Data Analysis

    All Months:
    • Local + Remote Field Work

  • Thursday

    Thursday

    Warmer Months:
    • Urban turtle ecology study 

    All Months:
    • Urban Ecology:

    • Amphibian Monitoring
    • Disease Surveillance
    • Habitat Restoration
    • Repopulation + experimental release
  • Friday

    Friday

    Warmer Months:
    • Urban turtle ecology study

    All Months:
    • Lab propagation of endangered species
    • Venomous Competency Training
    • ~ Monthly research symposia
    • Course work + Independent study

Conservation Research Bridge Program — FAQs

  • What do I get from attending the Bridge Program at the Amphibian Foundation?

    There are many benefits to joining us as a Research Assistant or Research Scholar in the Bridge Program for Conservation Research. Benefits such as:

    • A broadened set of skills within the fields of conservation biology, experimental biology, organismal biology, all focusing on a variety of related disciplines.
    • Field and laboratory experience
    • Certification as a Master Herpetologist
    • Certification in Handling & Management in Venomous Reptiles
    • Mentored Research Experience
    • Cultivation of a network of research, academic, and agency professionals
    • Contribution to the conservation of state and federally listed endangered species
    • Career support in the form of recommendations, resume and CV building
    • Article writing and publications (2+ semesters)
    • Mentored Research design and implementation (2+ semesters)
    • Professional & Scientific presentations at conferences (Winter semester)
  • Who can enroll in the Conservation Research Bridge Program?

    All Bridge Program students must:

    • Be at least 18 years old at the time the program starts.
    • Follow written English and verbal instructions from program staff.
    • Follow the AF code of conduct regarding in-person and online activities.
    • Be able to move about independently or with a companion assistant in a range of outdoor wilderness habitats including but not limited to aquatic wetlands, forests, and urban parks.
    • Communicate clearly and efficiently with staff and peers about safety concerns or problems.
    • Make scheduled payments on time.
    • Have access to a home computer or laptop and a working cell phone.
    • Follow biosecurity and COVID protocols at all times.
  • Does it matter in which semester I enroll?

    Students can expect a similar training experience, regardless of which semester they are enrolled in. That said, certain opportunities are heightened during key activity periods of the year. For example, During Winter semesters (Dec-April), there is an increase in focus on Flatwoods Salamander monitoring, and during the Summer semesters (May-Sept), there is heightened focus on rearing Gopher Frog tadpoles for experimental release into the wild, and urban turtle community monitoring on our nature preserve.

    Here is a list of studies which occur year-round:

    Lab Husbandry + Propagation
    Urban Ecology
    Science Communication
    Course Enrollment
    Venomous Training & Certification
    Field Studies
    Amphibian Disease Studies
    Microbiome + Invasive Species Studies
    Biomechanics Studies
    Behavioral Studies

  • Can you help me find housing?

    Absolutely! Many of you are coming from outside the greater Atlanta area, and will need to at least temporarily relocated to participate in the Bridge Program. We are happy to help find suitable housing, and potentially suggest AF staff, interns, and volunteers looking for roomates.

  • When can I start?

    Preferably, you can start at the beginning of any of the three semesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall). We are happy to make arrangements with you if that is not possible.

  • What does tuition include?

    Tuition costs include on-campus instruction, courses + certifications, field equipment (boots, waders, etc ...), mentoring and access to the AF labs, libraries, resources, and connections

  • What does tuition not include?

    Housing, food, transport, and laptop (recommended), though there is a dedicated Apple computer with loaded software, in the Bridge.

  • Are scholarships, grants, and awards available?

    The Conservation Research Bridge Program is a tuition supported program, though we are actively seeking out grants and awards to support scholarships for students. There are several scholarships currently available, which can be viewed here. Once you apply to the program, we will work with you to apply all applicable and available scholarships.

  • Does the Bridge Program accept international students?

    Yes! While we are happy to assist with supporting documents and the visa application in general, the application itself is the responsibility of the applicant.

An introduction to the founding of the Conservation Research Bridge Program

Curious whether the Bridge is the right next step for your goals?

Pre-Apply — Share a bit about yourself. The next step is a conversation with the directors where we can answer every question and explore fit.