*Soil to Spore

Organization: Central Texas Mycological Society

Location: Austin, TX (1181 Comal St. & various field sites)

Status: Temporary, Paid Internship

Duration: 6 Weeks (June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026)

Hours: ~30 hours/week

Stipend: $3,969 total ($22.05/hour equivalent)

Funded By: Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, USDA – James Harrison Hill, Sr. Young Scholar Enhancement Grant (YES)

Overview

The Central Texas Mycological Society is seeking a motivated Young Scholar for a six-week paid summer internship titled "Soil to Spore." This immersive rotation-based program will provide hands-on experience in fungal biology, soil health research, and community outreach. The intern will work across three core CTMS initiatives:

• Mushroom Block Giveaway Program – sustainable mushroom cultivation using local agricultural byproducts

• Healthy Soils, Healthy Trees program – field research on soil microbiology and tree health

• SporeCorps – sterile mushroom cultivation and STEM education

This position is funded through a competitive grant from SARE and the USDA. Interns will gain laboratory, field research, and science communication skills while contributing to real-world sustainable agriculture projects.

Key Responsibilities

Mushroom Cultivation & Applied Microbiology

• Prepare substrate using locally sourced agricultural byproducts (hardwood sawdust, soybean hulls).

• Learn and practice aseptic techniques to inoculate mushroom blocks with Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) spawn.

• Monitor and record environmental data in a fruiting chamber, including temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange.

• Assist with harvest, yield documentation, and observation of mycelial growth and mushroom pinning.

Field Research & Soil Health

• Collect soil samples using standardized protocols at designated field sites.

• Assist in learning how to build and monitor compost and learn about microbial life (bacteria, fungi, protozoa).

• Record site data, moisture conditions, and application details for ongoing research.

Community Engagement & Science Communication

• Help develop accessible educational materials for public workshops (e.g., handouts on home composting or mushroom cultivation).

• Observe and assist with community workshops.

• Document the internship experience through photos and notes for a final digital poster.

Synthesis & Professional Development

• Create a professional electronic poster (e-poster) summarizing the internship experience, including data, observations, and key takeaways.

• Practice presenting the e-poster to CTMS leadership for feedback.

To see examples of the required e-poster, visit: https://southern.sare.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/research-education-grants/james-harrison-hill-sr-young-scholar-enhancement-grant-program/2025-young-scholar-enhancement-grant-projects/

Requirements

Eligibility:

• Current pre-collegiate (high school) student OR freshman/sophomore undergraduate student.

• Interest in STEM, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, biology, or related fields.

• Must be able to work in-person in the Austin, TX area and travel to field sites within a 30-mile radius.

• Reliable transportation to/from our headquarters in East Austin, TX and sites within 30 miles of Austin, TX

Desired Skills & Attributes:

• Curiosity about fungi, soil health, and ecological systems.

• Willingness to work both indoors (lab setting) and outdoors (field sites).

• Ability to follow safety protocols and standard operating procedures.

• Basic record-keeping and observation skills.

• Good communication and willingness to engage with community members.

Commitment:

• Complete approximately 180 hours over six weeks (about 30 hours/week).

• Track work hours and participate in weekly check-in meetings with mentors.

• Produce a final e-poster for submission to SARE.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the Young Scholar will be able to:

• Explain the role of fungi in nutrient cycling and soil ecosystems.

• Perform basic sterile technique for mushroom cultivation.

• Collect soil samples and assist in compost tea brewing and application.

• Translate complex scientific concepts into community-facing educational materials.

• Create and present a professional research e-poster.

Compensation & Support

• Total Stipend: $3,969 total ($22.05/hour equivalent for approximately 180 hours)

• Travel reimbursement: $481 for mileage/transit to field sites (federal rate 0.67/mile)

• Materials Provided: Mushroom growing supplies, soil sampling kits, compost tea components, safety equipment (gloves, masks), and e-poster printing.

• Mentorship: Direct supervision from CTMS program leads, weekly check-ins, and supportive feedback.