Virtual ZooTampa Internship Gives Beacon Senior Hands‑On Research Experience
By Loraine O’Connell
Charlie Ige is busy this summer. The Beacon College rising senior is observing animal behavior at ZooTampa at Lowry Park as part of her studies for a degree in anthrozoology. But she won’t be in Tampa. She’ll be watching the zoo’s residents from her home in California, thanks to a virtual internship made possible by an innovative grant to ZooTampa from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The goal for the zoo’s three‑year program is to train up to two students from eight participating colleges each semester the internship is offered. In addition to Beacon College, the Animal Behavior Monitoring program involves seven other colleges: Bucknell University, Colorado State University, Eckerd College, Florida Southern College, Florida Technical College, Indiana University and the University of South Florida.
Students analyze video footage from 23 cameras installed across eight species’ habitats and receive structured training in behavioral husbandry and research methods. The students look for information ZooTampa can use “to better manage their animals’ daily care, enrichment and general welfare,” says Sara Smith, instructor and chair of sciences and math. Students observe animals’ social behaviors, stress behaviors and use of their enclosures.
Ige, a professional dog trainer for five years after graduating from high school, was diagnosed with ADHD at 23. As the COVID‑19 pandemic was winding down, she decided to further her education.
“My entire time growing up, I had no idea I had a learning disability,” Ige says. “I struggled a lot and didn’t understand why I couldn’t do things as fast as other students.”
Given Ige’s lifelong interest in animals, her mother looked for colleges offering anthrozoology degrees. When she and her parents visited Beacon, and the tour guide explained the assistance offered to neurodivergent learners, Ige says, “it was something I hadn’t had before.
After graduating from Beacon in spring 2027, Ige plans to “look into a master’s program to study service animals at Harvard University.”
Sara Smith, anthrozoology instructor and chair of sciences and math, oversees the 16‑week ZooTampa internship, and says it involves collaborative as well as individual work. As part of a final presentation, she says, “students have to present their findings with the students from the other schools. It’ll be two or three students presenting findings on one species.” Faculty from the eight colleges and universities will be able to join the capstone presentation.
Internships are one of four anthrozoology capstone projects offered by Beacon, Smith says. The others are research, service projects and literature reviews. Internships are popular, Smith says, but availability can vary depending on animal facilities’ needs and students’ transportation options. ZooTampa’s virtual internship can accommodate students wherever they are.
“So long as I have access to a computer and the internet,” Ige says, “I’m able to access the platform that ZooTampa is using.”
Even if students don’t want to work directly with animal behavior, many “want to work with zoos,” Smith says. “ZooTampa is a well‑known, accredited facility, so getting an internship there is a really good step in the right direction.”
Learn More!
Anthrozoology explores the extraordinary relationships and interactions that people have with animals.
Real-world experience, or experiential learning, helps you refine your skills and professionalism as you approach your post-graduation career.
Your education at Beacon sets the stage for your career adventure, and we’re here to help you navigate this great journey!