Geography and Environmental Engineering Summer Internships

 

Experience academic opportunities outside the classroom!

Broaden your academic and professional horizons through our summer internship, work-study, and immersion and enrichment experiences.  These are amazing opportunities for immersion in a professional setting, diving further into academic interests, or introduction to new cultures, societies, or locations.  Review the advertisements for this upcoming summer in the menus below and contact the representatives listed.

We appreciate our partners that enable these opportunities, as well as those experiences funded via West Point Association of Graduates' Margin of Excellence program.

IAD #: 18309

Title: DoD Humanitarian Assistance Projects Assessment: South Africa

Sponsoring Agency: Department of G&EnE / AFRICOM

Dates: TBD (Early Summer)

Duration: Approx. 16 days (2 weeks)

MAJ Moriarty will lead two cadets to South Africa in support of AFRICOM's humanitarian assistance initiatives. The Department of Defense provides funding for Humanitarian Assistance (HA) Foreign Disaster Relief (FDR), and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) through the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) appropriation. Within USAFRICOM, these projects are supervised by the Humanitarian Assistance branch in the J56. HA projects completed within the last five years must be evaluated on a biennial basis to ensure they are accomplishing their desired goals and reflect positively on the US military. This inspection process is known as Country Program Monitoring (CPM). Cadets will perform several assessments in South Africa in support of USAFRICOM's CPM initiatives, while experiencing the cultures and landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa. To express interest or obtain further information, contact MAJ Daniel Moriarty. 

IAD #: 18299

Title: Severe Weather Preparedness and Training

Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Sponsoring Agency: Department of G&EnE

Dates: Tentative 25 May – 6 June

Duration: approximately 13 days (2 weeks)

Dr. Kalkstein and CPT Emily Madison will lead an AIAD with 4-6 cadets across the Plains of the United States during the late spring of 2025. This multi-faceted, interdisciplinary opportunity will first involve the examination of severe weather preparedness exercises between military installations and local communities at multiple military installations in an effort to identify best practices. Further, this experience will involve both the prediction and observation of severe weather, two important topics underemphasized at USMA. The AIAD will serve as a tremendous development opportunity for cadets and faculty alike, and interviews conducted at various installations may be used to update a project submitted to the Air Force Weather Operations Directorate which identified a list of best practices for severe weather preparedness at DoD installations most at risk for severe weather impacts. 

To express interest or obtain further information, contact Dr. Adam Kalkstein at x3403 or adam.kalkstein@westpoint.edu. ​

IAD #:  18295

Title:  Poland Holocaust Tour 

Location:  Poland and France 

Sponsoring Agency: The Miryam Institute

Dates: Tentative 27 May – 7 June 2025

Duration: 14 days

The Poland Holocaust Tour provides participants with substantive policy briefings by current and former policy makers from the State of Israel. This trip will tour Poland by visiting significant historical and cultural sites throughout the country. These include areas that are significant to understanding the holocaust and the geostrategic importance of the country of Israel. By combining on-site briefings by leaders and practitioners, delegates have the opportunity to contextualize the subjects often discussed in the international press and to explore them with those who played a role in developing policy. Question and answer sessions will take place following each briefing in order to provide ample opportunity for participants to explore and refine the subjects at hand. A rich, cultural immersion within Poland and discussion from key speakers from the State of Israel will form a key aspect of the tour, supplementing the daily policy briefings. Policy and substantive briefings will constitute the bulk of the tour. Prerequisites for this IAD are an interview and country clearance. OIC is MAJ Alicia Dotson at x3136 or alicia.dotson@westpoint.edu or COL Chris Fuhriman at christopher.fuhriman@westpoint.edu(SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO ISRAEL FOR OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS) ​

IAD #: 18414

Title: Cultural Resource Technology Team at CERL

Location: Champagne, IL

Sponsoring Agency: Department of G&EnE

Dates: Flexible

Duration: approximately 2 weeks

The experience would entail a trip to CERL to support the cultural resource technology team as part of our Assess and Monitor Historic Structures project. Specific duties and timeframe can be tailored to the interests of the cadet, but could include learning to operate the various 3D scanning equipment and processing software; supporting development of 3D augmented reality products including, for example, creating fly-throughs, map stories, embedding various forms of non-3D information into the product, database design and management of auxiliary information supporting the 3D product, etc.; implementing or adapting existing 3D scans/augmented reality products into ESRI software platforms; and conducting archival research to obtain information used to embed and augment existing 3D scanning projects. There is a possibility that travel to the National Archives and/or a field site to conduct scanning could be included in the experience as well. To express interest or obtain further information, contact CPT Ed Nicolas or eduardo.nicolas@westpoint.edu. ​

IAD #: 18311

Title:  Development Transformations Institutefor International Development

Location:  Washington, DC

Sponsoring Agency: DT Institute  / CSCMO

Dates:  Flexible, TBD

Duration: 14 days (2 weeks)

This is an opportunity for one Cadet to intern at DT Institute in Washington, DC. DT Institute, a non-profit organization, serves as both a funder and an implementer for Development projects worldwide. It is focused on co-creation, co-investment, measurable impact, and sustainability. It is in the Institute’s DNA to be bold, enter early, and stay true to the communities and organizations it invests in. The Institute's staff are long-term collaborators who work with their partners and beneficiaries to skillfully adapt to the constantly shifting kaleidoscope of on-the-ground realities. DT Institute works across the spectrum of the Civ-Mil domain to promote peace and prosperity for all people. To express interest or obtain further information, contact MAJ Daniel Moriarty.

IAD #: 18310

Title: Civil Affairs

Location:  Fort Liberty, NC

Sponsored by: 95th Civil Affairs BDE

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: approximately 14 days (2 weeks)

This is an opportunity for six Cadets to intern with units of the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, NC.  Civil Affairs Brigade teams work with U.S. Department of State country teams, government and nongovernmental organizations at all levels and with local populations in peaceful, contingency and hostile environments.  The cadet will be expected to participate in  specific training that can and will include both conventional and Special Operations Forces methods  including but not limited to: exposure to language training, basic and advanced small arms marksmanship, combatives, Key Leader Engagement (KLE) training, and myriad tactical field work that can, and often does, affect operational lines of effort. To express interest or obtain further information, contact MAJ Daniel Moriarty.

IAD #: 18315

Title:  U.S. Forces Korea Civil Affairs Planning

Location:  Camp Humphreys, South Korea

Sponsoring Agency: US Forces Korea / CSCMO

Dates:  Flexible, TBD

Duration: 14 days (2 weeks)

This summer, one cadet will have the chance to intern with the U.S. Forces Korea J9's Civil Affairs Planning Team at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. This role offers hands-on experience in civil-military operations, contributing to strategic planning and supporting real-world missions in the region. Duties may include: Assist the Civil Affairs Planning Team in analyzing and developing strategies for civil-military operations; Collaborate on developing plans that integrate military efforts with local government and international agencies; Participate in meetings with other U.S. military units, South Korean counterparts, and non-governmental organizations; Gain familiarity with South Korean culture and the geopolitical environment to enhance operational effectiveness; Handle day-to-day documentation, such as compiling notes from meetings. To express interest or obtain further information, contact MAJ Daniel Moriarty. SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION BY USFK FOR OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS)

IAD #: 18317

Title: Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI)

Location:  Carlisle, PA

Sponsored by: PKSOI / CSCMO

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: approximately 14 days (2 weeks)

The internship at the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of strategies and policies that shape peacekeeping and stability operations worldwide. Interns will engage in research, policy review, and interagency collaboration to address complex challenges in conflict resolution and stabilization efforts. This role provides exposure to high-level planning and coordination, with opportunities to develop professional skills in research, analysis, and event facilitation, all within a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. To express interest or obtain further information, contact MAJ Daniel Moriarty.

IAD #: 18226

Title: EV399A – Geology Field Course

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado [and other field locations all over Colorado]

Sponsoring Agency: Department of Geography & Environmental Engineering

Dates:  26 May to 14 June 2025

Duration: 20 days (3 weeks)

Learn Geology in the Field!  Conducted in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this for-credit AIAD substitutes in curriculum for Physical Geology (EV388A). Primary emphasis is on learning to identify minerals and rocks to then apply this knowledge to analyze and understand significant geologic processes. Topics include plate tectonics, geologic mapping, field methods, and mining and petroleum engineering. Cadets will be evaluated based on a field mapping project, WPRs, peer-led field discussions (similar to Staff Ride briefings), a final exam, and a graded field notebook. The prerequisite for this AIAD is EV203.  For information, contact MAJ Andrew Eck, WH6006, 938-4135, andrew.eck@westpoint.edu or COL Ben Wallen, JH120, 938-5502, benjamin.wallen@westpoint.edu ​

IAD #: 18367

Title: U.S. Forest Service

Location:  Various

Sponsoring Agency:  U.S. Department of Agriculture

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 14 to 21 days (2 to 3 weeks)

The Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a multi-faceted agency that protects and manages 154 national forests and grasslands in 44 states and Puerto Rico and is the world’s largest forestry research organization. Forest Service experts provide technical and financial help to state and local government agencies, businesses, private landowners to help protect and manage non-federal forest and associated range and watershed lands. The Forest Service develops partnerships with many public and private agencies to augment work planting trees, improving trails, providing education on conservation and fire prevention, and improve conditions in wildland/urban interfaces and rural areas. The Forest Service also promotes sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation internationally. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  Prerequisites for this AIAD are to have a strong interest in the environment, and to enjoy the outdoors. The dates for this AIAD are flexible. For more information, contact Dr. Baker, WH5324, 938-3540, E-mail: patrick.baker@westpoint.edu.​

IAD #: 18366

Title: Potable Water Reuse at the University of Arizona

Location: Varies (7 labs)

Sponsoring Agency: USACE & ERDC

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 21 days (3 weeks)

Attend this 3 week experience to explore the fundamentals of potable water reuse processes. The AIAD is centered on the use of hands-on laboratory activities to understand, analyze, operate, and design engineering-scale unit processes for water reuse. Hands-on learning is also aided by theoretical lessons. This approach will equip students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on capability on state-of-the-art technologies to solve the water resiliency challenge. Please contact COL Pfluger, WH5303B, 938-2930, E-mail: andrew.pfluger@westpoint.edu for more details. Of note, this AIAD will be run through SIRCC in conjunction with other academic departments.   ​

IAD #: 18301

Title: Environmental Field Science on West Point

Location:  West Point, NY, and Hudson Valley

Sponsoring Agency: Department of Geography & Environmental Engineering 

Dates:  TBD/various

Duration:  varies - Approximately 2 weeks

Cadets will work with a senior faculty advisor on a research project within the local area. Previous projects have focused on Ground Penetrating Radar locating and characterizing buried structures dating back to the Revolutionary War, soil lead projects, and ecology/aquatic science projects like acoustic monitoring and microplastic characterizations.  If you are considering a particular project, you will need to discuss it with a faculty mentor to determine the viability as a research design. For information, contact MAJ Brett Krueger, WH5416, 938-2588, E-mail: brett.krueger@westpoint.edu​

IAD #: 18246

Title: Geospatial Engineering

Location: Fort Belvoir, VA

Sponsoring Agency: Army Geospatial Center/United States Army Corps of Engineers

Dates:  Flexible Based on Cadets Summer Schedule

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

The Army Geospatial Center is located at Fort Belvoir VA.  It is the Army’s research and support center for geospatial technology. It is a research and development lab whose role is to test, field, and support geospatial equipment and concepts for the Army. They work with state-of-the-art technologies and equipment related to mapping, surveying, GIS, GPS, and remote sensing. Cadets interested in this AIAD should have successfully completed at a minimum Cartography and Introduction to GIS. However, Cadets who have taken Remote Sensing, Cartography, and Introduction to GIS are preferred. For more information, contact CPT Victoria Gramlich, WH5321, (845) 938-0124, E-mail: victoria.gramlich@westpoint.edu. ​

IAD #: 18247

Title: 3D Visualization, Modeling, and Simulation Internship

Location:  Los Angeles, CA

Sponsoring Agency: University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies 

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: 3 weeks

Cadets will collaborate with researchers at the Institute for Creative Technologies at the University of Southern California (USC). ICT is a DoD-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center that brings together film and game industry artists with computer and social scientists to study and develop immersive media for military training, health therapies, education and more. In the past, cadets have gained experience with the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones to generate 3D models of real-world environments for virtual reality (VR) applications and simulations. Cadets with experience in Remote Sensing are preferred. For more information, contact CPT Victoria Gramlich, WH5321, (845) 938-0124, E-mail: victoria.gramlich@westpoint.edu.     ​

IAD #: 18248

Title: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) InnoVision Directorate

Location:  Fort Belvoir, VA

Sponsoring Agency: National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) 

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is both the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community's primary geospatial analysis and support organization. The InnoVision Directorate is NGA’s research and development (R&D) component. Cadets on this AIAD work with a geospatial research scientist on geospatial programs supporting warfighters in the field. This AIAD requires a TS-SCI clearance and therefore we select cadets for this AIAD in advance. This AIAD will be based out of the NGA's campus in Fort Belvoir, VA, 20 minutes south of Washington, D.C. For more information or to be considered for next year's AIAD contact CW4 Mitchel Dascent, WH5315, (845) 938-3938, E-mail: mitchel.dascent@westpoint.edu.​

IAD #: 18354

Title: NGA- Helicopter Landing Zone Sensitivity Analysis

Location:  Numerous places - TBD

Sponsoring Agency: National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) 

Dates:  Flexible, the dates range from Graduation up to 17 July 

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

Cadets will travel to different areas which may include: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Washington State, California, and the Marshall Islands to collect field data in support of an NGA funded research project focused on geographic profiling, survey, and data analysis for mobility applications. Cadets on this AIAD will work with various USMA faculty members on real-world geospatial issues. A link showing the work by cadets from a previous year's AIAD is here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd053b71561b44479d60d0436c7b7a62

For more information or to be considered for this AIAD contact LTC David Stamps (WH5415), (845)-938-5421, Email: david.stamps@westpoint.edu ​

IAD #: 18249

Title: Intelligent Environmental Battlespace Awareness (IEBA)

Location:  Vicksburg, Mississippi and Austin, Texas

Sponsoring Agency: US Army Engineer Research and Development Center 

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

Cadets will provide direct support to a global vegetation characterization project for the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The team’s main focus is to generate a global layer of forest [ecological] analogs by applying machine learning to remotely sensed, geographic, and environmental data. This AIAD will be split in to three parts: 1) a tour of the ERDC offices being introduced to the offices and personnel conducting research and the equipment they use, 2) hands on forest and ground data collection to support the classification algorithm, and 3) tours of the Air and Space museum and ERDC s Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL). Through this AIAD, cadets will get exposure to real-world applications of remote sensing and ground classification and have the opportunity to build a network that can support future research and honors projects. For more information, contact MAJ Carter Kelly, WH5315, (845) 938-3938, E-mail: carter.Kelly@westpoint.edu.​

IAD #: 18384

Title: Information Operations & Influence Software for USASOC

Location:  Chantilly, VA; Tampa, FL

Sponsoring Agency: ITility LLC

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

ITility, LLC is designing a software platform to be used for information and influence operations by key leadership and stakeholders across the DoD and government agencies, including: USSOCOM, USASOC, Joint Special Operations University, the Dept. of State Global Engagement Center, and numerous others. By leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and multi-domain capabilities, the platform enables USASOC to influence populations in complex, contested environments, undermining adversarial actors while strengthening partnerships with local forces and governments. ITility is seeking a team of 3-5 Cadets who can address interests in the following topics: geospatial mapping, visualization, offensive cyber, narrative and counter-narrative warfare, influence communications, information operations, special operations, & AI / ML algorithms. For more information or to be considered for this AIAD contact LTC David Stamps (WH5415), (845)-938-5421, Email: david.stamps@westpoint.edu ​

IAD #: 18434

Title: National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Internship

Location:  Chantilly, VA

Sponsoring Agency: The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: Approximately 3 weeks

Cadets participating in this AIAD will work alongside experts at the National Reconnaissance Office, gaining hands-on experience with real-world challenges in satellite reconnaissance. The internship focuses on addressing critical national security issues, providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that support the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. This opportunity allows cadets to contribute to innovative solutions while deepening their understanding of space-based reconnaissance systems and geospatial applications. This AIAD requires a TS-SCI clearance and therefore we select cadets for this AIAD in advance. The internship is hosted at NRO's headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia. For more information or to be considered for next year's AIAD contact CW4 Mitchel Dascent, WH5315, (845) 938-3938, E-mail: mitchel.dascent@westpoint.edu.​

IAD #: 18450

Title: Dewberry Geospatial Technology & Solutions

Location:  Tampa, FL

Sponsoring Agency: Dewberry

Dates:  Flexible

Duration: 2 weeks

Dewberry is offering the opportunity to gain industry leading experience in geospatial solutions and remote sensing from our Geospatial Technology and Solutions (GTS) office in Tampa, FL. Dewberry GTS is a team which includes many of the most recognized and respected industry experts and thought leaders. With a fusion of expertise in GIS, advanced analytics, cloud technologies, topographic/ bathymetric lidar, aerial collection, big data, and more, our team implements solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries which include our largest clients: USGS, FEMA, USACE, and NOAA. The primary goal of this opportunity will include industry engagement to best enable the Cadet to process remotely sensed data and research new opportunities for machine learning technologies and workflows for one of our many federal clients. This opportunity will also include options for continuing research through the next academic year while maintaining connection with our industry leaders who will assist with research, while coaching the Cadet through a capstone project that can be presented at West Point Projects Day and/or an industry conference. For more information or to be considered for this AIAD contact LTC David Stamps (WH5415), (845)-938-5421, Email: david.stamps@westpoint.edu ​

IAD #: 18250

Title: Drone Imaging and Surveying on the Northern Alaskan Coast

Location:  Point Hope, AK

Sponsoring Agency: Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP)

Dates:  18 JUN – 02 JULY

Duration: Approximately 2 weeks (1 wk fieldwork)

USMA faculty and cadets will travel to the remote village of Point Hope, AK and Point Lay, AK to investigate coastal erosion and permafrost degradation. Point Hope is the oldest continuously inhabited site on the North American continent with Iñupiat occupying the region for at least 2,500 years. The USMA team will be onsite in Point Hope for approx. 1-week conducing drone flights, terrain surveys, and interacting with the local indigenous community. A primary goal of this project is to provide guidance documents and tutorials to assist the Point Hope community with future citizen science initiatives focused on monitoring of their changing coastline. There will be an opportunity to present at a conference in Washington D.C. in NOV 2025 and numerous opportunities for follow up work/projects during the academic year. For more information or to be considered for next year's AIAD please contact:​

DR Matt O’Banion, WH5302, (530) 601-3477, E-mail: matthew.obanion@westpoint.edu .​

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Point of Contact

Points of contact for each opportunity or experience are included in the respective advertisement.

Alternatively:

MAJ Alicia Dotson
Department AIAD Coordinator
(845) 938-3136