Middle American Research Institute

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Internships

M.A.R.I. Internships working alongside M.A.R.I. Director Marcello Canuto

The M.A.R.I. Internship Program is open to Tulane sophomores, juniors, and seniors and fulfills the 2nd tier of the public service graduation requirement. To fulfill the 2nd tier of the public service graduation requirement and earn 3 elective credits, students must submit a separate application for the CPS Internship Program at https://cpsis.tulane.edu/ and take the CPS Internship Seminar while completing their internship at M.A.R.I. For more information on the CPS Internship Program, email cpsinternships@tulane.edu.

M.A.R.I interns are integral in helping the Institute achieve its mission of promoting research into the cultures of Middle America and stewarding their rich cultural heritage. They assist with the day-to-day maintenance of the Institute's various collections and efforts to update databases and educational resources. M.A.R.I. staff provide training for students in basic artifact and document handling procedures, working with databases, and other programs for creating educational content. They provide logistical support and guidance as interns develop their own projects to contribute to the Institute's educational and outreach goals.

M.A.R.I. staff have also developed an internship reading component to introduce students to cultural and social issues surrounding museum collections and the ethics of creating culturally sensitive and responsive exhibits. The reading component is required for Anthropology majors.

MARI Interns working through the Education and Outreach Program

Education and Outreach Internship

Interns with strong research and communication skills will...

  • Develop interactive activities and brochures integrating information on objects in the M.A.R.I. exhibits and collections.
  • Assist with organizing a conference in the spring semester.
  • Work with M.A.R.I. staff to promote M.A.R.I. on campus, locally, and online.

An ideal candidate for this position:

  • Has an interest in computer design, 3D design, and virtual and augmented Reality.
  • Has strong research and computer skills, especially in Photoshop and Canva. Ideally, the candidate has basic skills in Adobe design software such as Aero, Dimension, Substance 3D, and Premier Pro.
  • Is able and willing to work independently and check in regularly with M.A.R.I. staff to give progress reports and receive feedback.
  • Has respect for other cultures and their cultural materials.

Library Internship

Interns with strong research and communication skills will...

  • Aid the Library Manager to access new book donations and keep the library organized, including an annual inventory.
  • Assisting with managing and organizing events, such as book sales and book fairs.
  • Participating in the reorganization of the M.A.R.I. library.

An ideal candidate for this position:

  • Is meticulous, organized, and able and willing to work independently.
  • Has basic computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, and other database software.
  • Has strong research skills.
  • Is able and willing to follow written and verbal instructions to adhere to Institute policies.
  • Has respect for other cultures and their cultural materials.

Collections Internship

Interns with strong attention to detail and organization skills will...

  • Aid the Collections Manager with basic operations, including researching and photographing recently donated objects and rehousing archaeological and ethnographic materials.
  • Create digital records of objects in the M.A.R.I. Collection.
  • Assist with the planning and installation of museum exhibits.

An ideal candidate for this position:

  • Is meticulous, organized, and able and willing to work independently.
  • Has basic computer skills, especially in Excel, Publisher, and Photoshop.
  • Has sewing and shop experience.
  • Is able and willing to follow written and verbal instructions to adhere to Institute policies.
  • Has respect for other cultures and their cultural materials.

Applications for Spring 2025 are OPEN
Deadline: November 17, 2024

Apply now

If you have any questions, please email maristudents@tulane.edu

A MARI Volunteer catalogs an artifact

Volunteering

Support M.A.R.I. by becoming a volunteer. There are opportunities for conscientious, hard-working volunteers to help with a variety of different projects.

Please contact Diego Matadamas-Gomora at maristudents@tulane.edu for more information.