Communications Student Intern

Department Overview:

At the Wisconsin Energy Institute (WEI), we envision a world powered by sustainable and reliable energy that is affordable and accessible to everyone. As the home of collaborative energy research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, we strive to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges: developing sustainable alternatives to meet society’s ever-growing need for power, fuels, and chemicals. Our scientists, engineers, and staff generate the knowledge and technologies needed to accelerate progress toward a clean and equitable energy future, train students to lead society’s transition to renewable energy systems, and provide a community space to learn about and discuss energy challenges.
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) is a cross-disciplinary research center led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other collaborators, GLBRC draws on the expertise of over 400 scientists, engineers, students, and staff to develop sustainable biofuels and bioproducts. Created in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Energy, GLBRC focuses on three areas of research: sustainable cropping systems, sustainable biomass conversion, and sustainable field-to-product integration. Together, we are helping to replace petroleum-derived fuels and products and enable a new generation of biorefineries. Our mission is simple: creating biofuels and bioproducts that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

Anticipated Start Date:

5/27/2026

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):

 

Remote Work Eligibility Detail:

Partially Remote

 

Anticipated Hours Per Week:

Minimum: 10-15 

Schedule:

Flexibility in scheduling will be provided—you choose your hours! Opportunity for summer hours and/or the ability to continue working during the next academic year. Can be partially remote.

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:

Minimum: $14.00 

Number of Positions:

1

Qualifications:

• Must be an undergraduate student at UW¬–Madison
• Desire to learn about renewable energy and climate justice
• Enthusiasm for and ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts to a general audience in engaging and creative ways
• Students able to continue working in the fall of 2026 will be given preference

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• An enthusiasm for learning and telling stories about scientific topics
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Commitment to advancing equity, promoting diversity, and practicing inclusion
• Self-motivated, organized, responsible, and able to handle a flexible schedule and work environment
• Curiosity and passion for science and learning
• Familiarity with maintaining websites and email marketing campaigns is a plus
• Experience with multimedia storytelling through audio, video, and/or photo is a plus

Position Summary/Job Duties:

As a Wisconsin Energy Institute student intern, you’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge, clean energy research – a field with important stories to tell many different audiences. You’ll sift through scientific concepts while learning invaluable skills for communicating complex ideas to general audiences as well as faculty, staff, and students. You’ll have the chance to connect the stories of energy, our environment, and those passionate about energy issues.
• Draft and publish email newsletters
• Assist with promoting WEI news and events on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
• Update websites with articles, images, announcements, and multimedia content
• Assist with tracking metrics regarding digital content
• Research and create written or multimedia content for internal and external communications projects related to energy research on campus

This position will focus on digital content such as social media campaigns and newsletters, but also has the opportunity to engage in other areas, like multimedia design or research news. There is a lot of room for creative freedom in this role, and we would love to hear what excites you and where you want to grow. This position will also collaborate with two other interns on the communications team.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for developing a range of communication skills, learning about science, and growing as a communicator. You don’t need all the skills listed below to apply for this job, just the desire to learn them and to contribute to a collaborative communications team.

In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in this position and what experiences and/or skills would make you a good fit. Students can get assistance with resumes & cover letters at UW-Madison Career Services.

Contact Cat Ferrante (cferrante@wisc.edu) with any questions abo