The student intern will work to assist the sugarcane variety development team in developing genetically improved varieties of sugarcane for the Louisiana sugar industry. The student intern will assist a diverse group of faculty associated with sugarcane variety development activities as needed. The student will assist in field work including planting, harvesting, and collecting samples for analysis in the sucrose laboratory. Most of the work will be performed at the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel but some statewide travel and irregular work hours (early mornings) will be necessary.

Number of positions available for this placement: 1-2

Location:

Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA. No housing provided. In-person.

Primary Mentor:

Collins Kimbeng, Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Office: 225-642-0224; Cell 225-939-8924; Fax: 2256425339

Secondary Mentor:

Blake Wilson, Sugar Research Station, St. Gabriel, LA 70776
Office: 225-642-0224

Weeks 1-2: Primary Tasks:

• Participate in Leaning by Leading TM internship program orientation at the Sugar Research Station
• Meet with the Mentors, Co-Coordinators, Intern and Director
• Submit a resume
• Tour Sugar Research Station. Learn about the history of Sugarcane and Sugarcane variety Development in Louisiana.
• Meet with Mentor and Co-Coordinators once per week, identify and review internship leadership goals and overall goals for the internship
• Learn how to operate equipment and tools used in the sucrose lab.
• Learn how to properly lay out a variety trial
• Learn how to sample a variety trial
• Brainstorm sessions for signature project
• Develop and plan signature project
• Meet with Director to review the signature project

Weeks 3 - 9: Primary Tasks:

• Meet with Mentor and Co-Coordinators once per week, review and update leadership goals and overall goals, progress report on special project
• Begin to implement signature project
• Work with different members of breeding team to understand how it all fits together
• Develop presentation on signature project

Week 10: Primary Tasks:

• Review and evaluate leadership goals and overall goals
• Attend Exit Internship Seminars with presentations on signature projects
• Present signature project
• Participate in a reflective discussion on internship experience
• Modify resume based on internship experience
• Complete an exit interview with the Director and Mentor Success Measures
• Interns will meet every week with Mentors and Co-Coordinators for a brief evaluation of the internship experience. During the evaluation, interns will discuss what they have accomplished, identify where they need assistance, share future plans, and reflect upon the overall experience.
• Develop and complete internship leadership goals and overall goals
• Develop, implement, and complete a signature project
• Each Mentor and Co-Coordinator will evaluate the intern’s performance based on pre-determined criteria.

Expected Outcomes:

Increase knowledge of the history of sugarcane and of sugarcane variety development in Louisiana. Demonstrate understanding of steps in the La. sugarcane variety development program. Demonstrate understanding of the signature project.