Hello Jenna - AVO does not have a formal volunteer or internship program. AVO is a partnership between three public organizations. Opportunities working (including volunteering) with AVO would be specifically advertised under these three organizations. Opportunities with the USGS usually require U.S. citizenship. Employment with the State of Alaska often requires Alaska residency, and student opportunities with the University of Alaska Fairbanks typically require enrollment at UAF as a full-time student. Currently, there are no AVO-affliated student positions at UAF. If there are employment positions with AVO, you'd find them on the appropriate partner's HR webpage. Best wishes on your studies, Cheryl -------- Jenna Lockley wrote: To whom it may concern, My name is Jenna Lockley. I am a 22 year old, successful First Class BSc Honours Earth Science graduate from the prestigious Glasgow University, keen to broaden my knowledge and experience in natural hazards. I am writing to express my keen interest in working at AVO as I am extremely interested to broaden my knowledge and experience of volcanology and seismology- as natural hazard research and disaster management is where I see my future. I have always been extremely enthusiastic about volcanology since I first started studying Earth Science, and I want to gain hands on experience of volcanology with a view to further study at MSc/PhD level. I am very interested in learning about the volcanology of Alaska, and the monitoring and research work which is being undertaken at AVO. During my degree at Glasgow, I undertook a variety of Earth Science modules, many of which will be relevant to the work being undertaken at AVO, including igneous petrology and volcanology, mapping, geophysics, isotopes, stratigraphy and structural geology. I have had 4 years of mapping experience within my Earth Science degree; with many field trips across Scotland where individual mapping was undertaken and assessed. 2 full week courses were carried out where the geology of the area was mapped using compass clinometer,map reading skills and geological knowledge of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks as well as structural geological relationships. I received an A (top grade) in both of these assessments. As part of my University dissertation, I undertook an independent mapping project in Southern Raasay. This was a 14 day independent geological mapping exercise where the geology of the area was successfully summarised. Excellent feedback was received on maps, cross sections, notebook and the final report. Through my enthusiasm and performance in petroleum and mapping studies last year, I was awarded the PESGB (Petroleum Exploration Society for Great Britain) mapping scholarship. I am certain that the past 4 years of field skills experience will be greatly advantageous if I was to work at AVO, as I have good knowledge of geological mapping, construction of cross-sections, use of compass clinometer and triangulation. The other part of my University dissertation was an independent laboratory & research based project undertaken to understand features that are indicative of water-mediated weathering on Earth and Mars. Results provided indisputable evidence for the prior existence of liquid water on Mars. This project involved a high level of independent work, where computer based skills, particularly the use of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) were used. Other useful skills gained during my degree include competency in Microsoft office packages, Corel Draw, as well as knowledge and basic skills in GIS (Geographical Information Systems). In summer of 2011, I visited New Zealand for a month where I took part in a voluntary conservation programme with an internationally recognized non-profit organization called International Student Volunteers. I took part in over 80 hours of voluntary work on projects including habitat restoration, eco-trail building, rainforest regeneration, pest control and tree planting. This broadened my knowledge of environmental issues and sustainable management of resources and I learnt how such issues were affecting endemic species within the country such as the Kiwi. I gained knowledge on waste minimisation issues, and shared this knowledge and gave advice on other environmental issues to the indigenous Maori children and disabled people. I also travelled to Thailand with the same company this July, volunteering at a children�s orphanage, teaching the children English, and helping with farming and the building of new facilities. Both of these experiences taught me how to communicate well and be a good team player, deal with difficult situations and make a difference to a community in need of help. My volunteering experiences have also built my confidence and self-esteem and made me gain a different outlook on life, wanting me to help others more and more. They have enhanced my enthusiasm to study natural disaster research and management for this reason. I like to keep myself busy with a number of hobbies, including travelling and volunteering as already indicated, as well as a number of sports including dance, cheerleading, hiking, gym and bikram yoga. I have always trained hard, competing at county level in Netball for 5 years, and succeeding in becoming the UK national champions with my dance team and University cheerleading squad. As mentioned in my CV, I was a dance teacher and member of the committee for the Glasgow University Dance Society. I enjoyed solely teaching weekly classes to over 40 students, as I gained a great sense of achievement seeing the hard work pay off in the annual show. I believe myself to be an enthusiastic, friendly and hardworking individual who enjoys working as part of a team, and shows initiative working independently. I thrive off new challenges and can put my mind to any task appointed to me. I hope I have convinced you that my qualifications, skills and enthusiasm to learn would make me an asset to AVO, as I am confident that I will contribute significantly to the work you are involved in. I would gain an amazing sense of achievement from working at AVO, as this is where I see my future career. I am available for immediate start should there be a suitable opportunity. If you would like references, I have spoken to the head of the Earth Science department at my University and two other lecturers who are happy to act as a referee for my application. Their contact details are listed below: David Brown- David.Brown@glasgow.ac.uk Tim Dempster- Tim.Dempster@glasgow.ac.uk Martin Lee- Martin.Lee@ges.gla.ac.uk Yours Sincerely, Jenna Lockley +447584432356 -- Cheryl Cameron Geologist, Alaska Volcano Observatory Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys voice: 907-451-5012 fax: 907-451-5050