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 program is available to people before, during, or after college, and allows students to explore conservation research as a potential career field. Students will work as conservation researchers and apprentices, developing the confidence, resilience, and adaptiveness that define a successful scientist. AF will provide valuable one-on-one time with all students in a supportive, thriving environment where you will contribute directly to our mission. We will also work closely with you to help you achieve your personal, academic and career goals. Your work with the AF will contribute to the conservation of threatened and endangered amphibians. .

Although a degree is not required, applicants should have a strong interest in biology, conservation, and amphibians, and the ability to work well 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

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

Track 1: 15-week program for Conservation Research Assistants

Conservation Research Assistants work as an apprentice across many concentrations including:

• restoration conservation
• urban ecology
• animal husbandry (science of caring for animals)
• scientific illustration
• natural history
• biological monitoring of local, native, and reintroduced amphibians and reptiles
• a full list of concentrations can be seen by scrolling down

For the first ten weeks, assistants rotate working in the captive propagation (breeding) and husbandry labs and other concentrations. Assistants may participate in educational or outreach events. The last five weeks are spent specializing in a field of interest and the semester ends with a research symposium and graduation. Assistants interested in continuing the program may repeat Track 1 or transfer to Track 2 as a Conservation Research Scholar.

Track 2: One-year program for Conservation Research Scholars

Like Conservation Research Assistants, the Conservation Research Scholars work as an apprentice across many conservation topics for the first fifteen weeks. Scholars, with their mentor, then design and implement their own mentored research project for the remainder of the year. Research studies will explore ecological, physiological, life-history, biomechanical, and scientifically interesting questions. It will also improve AF’s husbandry and conservation efforts and could be published in scientific literature.