The Amphibian Foundation’s (AF)
Conservation Research Bridge Program offers the unique opportunity for adults (18+) to conduct conservation and biological research in a collaborative and mentored scientific environment.
In-person (Atlanta) | 1-3 semester programs | Rolling start dates
The Conservation Research Bridge Program (Bridge) is available to people before, during, or after college, and allows students to explore conservation research as a potential career field, while gaining valuable training, and collaborating with regional professionals from agencies, zoos, and universities.
Students work as Conservation Research Assistants and apprentices, developing the confidence, resilience, and adaptiveness that define a successful scientist. AF provides valuable training and research exeriences for all students in a supportive, thriving environment. We work closely with students to help them achieve their personal, academic and career goals.
Our Bridge students and their research projects advance the conservation science of threatened and endangered amphibians.
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Although a degree is not required, applicants should have a strong interest in biology, conservation, amphibians, and the ability to work independently as well as with colleagues with different backgrounds and interests. Students are based at the Amphibian Foundation in Atlanta, located on the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, for the duration of the program, with many opportunities for field work.
AF Inclusion & Diversity Statement
Bridge program staff and students at Fort Stewart Army Base, Liberty County, GA (photo by Dirk Stevenson)
The Bridge Program offers two tracks,
depending on student preference and availability.
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Track 1: 15-week program
For 15 weeks, students work as an apprentice across many disciplines in conservation science, including:
Track 1
• Reintroduction conservation
• Restoration conservation
• Urban ecology
• Disease surveillance
• Animal husbandry
• Lab propagation of imperiled species
• Scientific illustration
• Natural history
• Science communication
• Biological monitoring of local, native, and reintroduced amphibians
• Partner on projects with agency, zoo, and academic professionals
• Concentrations can be seen below
Bridge students rotate working in the captive propagation (breeding) and husbandry labs, and other concentrations. Students may participate in educational or outreach events.
Students interested in continuing the program may repeat Track 1 or transfer to Track 2.
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Track 2: One-year program
For 15 weeks, students work as an apprentice across many disciplines as outlined in Track 1.
Track 2
In subsequent semesters, with their mentor, students design and implement their own mentored research project, and/or work within ongoing studies for the remainder of the year.
Research studies will explore ecological, physiological, life-history, biomechanical, and scientifically interesting questions. This research will also advance AF’s conservation efforts and could be published in scientific literature.
The program ends with a research symposium presentation (when applicable) and graduation.
Track 2 students, and those enrolled in the Winter semester attend the regional conference
Southeast Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (SEPARC) the largest regional herpetological conference in the Southeastern US. Bridge students have historically given oral and poster presentations at this conference, and students are strongly encouraged to do so.
The Seasonality of Amphibians and the Conservation Research Bridge Program
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
Donations 
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Volunteers 
Partnerships 
Actions! 
Conservation 
Sponsor a wild turtle & support Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in science.
Bridge Program students have access to our full course catalog, included as part of their program. Some courses include certification programs for career-development, and resume building. All of our courses are world-class opportunities to learn from experts in the field. Courses include: Master Herpetologist Program, Southeastern Master Herpetologist, Husbandry & Captive Management, Venomous Training & Certification, Critters & Cabernet.
