CSSL Internship Program
UPDATE (February 14, 2025):
Thank you to everyone who applied for the CSSL Internships. We have sent out all interview requests. If you have not received an invitation, we won’t be moving forward with your application at this time. We received over 140 applications and it is very exciting to see so many young researchers interested in our program. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applicants, we have to turn away from a lot of good applications. We truly appreciate your interest and effort in applying, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.
This page will be updated as we progress through the hiring process.
The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory (CSSL) Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for students passionate about atmospheric science, severe weather, GIS, engineering, computer science, and field research. Our program is designed to provide hands-on experience and research skills through three specialized internships, each focusing on different aspects of severe weather in Canada. The internships are ideal for students looking to gain practical field experience or delve into research on severe weather phenomena like tornadoes and hail.
Compensation: $10,000 CAD
Length: 17 weeks from May 5 - August 29, 2025
Who Should Apply?
The CSSL Internship Program is open to undergraduate and high-school students in any field. Although these internships are particularly suited for those who want to build a career in meteorology, engineering, or geography / GIS, every interested student is encouraged to apply. The following eligibility criteria do apply:
- Canadian citizen, international student, or permanent resident.
- Registered student at a university, college, or high school (and will still be enrolled in an academic program in September 2025).
- Available from May 5 – August 29, 2025 (university, college) or from July 7 – August 29, 2025 (high school).
- Able to attend one of the two mandatory information sessions.
Internship Types
For students intrigued by tornadoes, this internship offers a field-based experience that focuses on post-event forensic analysis of tornado damage. This internship is based in London, ON.
CSSL Field Internship: Hail
For students intrigued by hail events, this internship offers a field-based experience that focuses on hailstorm chasing and data collection. This internship is based in Olds, AB.
CSSL Research Internship
The Research Internship is designed for those interested in the analytical side of severe weather studies. Interns will work closely with CSSL scientists on data analysis, modeling, and research projects related to severe weather patterns and impacts. This internship is based in London, ON.
Information Sessions
These virtual information sessions are provided so that you can learn more about the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, as well as the internships. The reason that attending one information session is mandatory is we want to provide as much information as possible to you about what these internships entail before you apply. Pre-registration is required at the provided links. Dates and times for the info sessions can be found below:
January 8th, 2025
January 23rd, 2025
Application
Note that applications open on December 2, 2024; and the deadline for applications is January 27, 2025.
Why the CSSL Internship Program is a Standout Opportunity for Students
As the coordinator for the CSSL Internship Program, I’m proud to say that this program is the best summer internship available for undergraduate students at Western University (and beyond!). Our internships offer an unparalleled blend of hands-on field experience, rigorous research projects, and close mentorship with seasoned scientists, making them ideal for students eager to push the boundaries of their knowledge and skills.
The hands-on fieldwork available through our Field Internships—whether through forensically assessing tornado damage or tracking & collecting data on hail events—immerses students in the raw, unpredictable reality of severe weather phenomena. This is more than textbook knowledge; it’s a direct encounter with the elements that few programs can match. Our Research Internship provides students a chance to analyze real-world data and contribute to innovative projects on severe weather patterns and impacts. Working side by side with CSSL’s research team, interns develop skills that are useful for whatever career path they choose.
I believe that every aspiring scientist deserves a mentorship-rich environment to grow. At CSSL, our interns aren’t just “helping out”—they are valued team members whose insights and dedication drive our work forward. This program opens doors not only to future research opportunities but also to a deeper understanding of what it takes to make meaningful contributions in atmospheric science.
If you’re wanting to step into the world of severe weather research, this is where you’ll find the best experience in Canada to do so.
Connell Miller, Ph.D.
Internship Coordinator - Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory
Questions?
If you have any questions, we have made a FAQ page available for you! If you have any further questions that are not answered there, you can feel free to contact the coordinator for CSSL internships, Dr. Connell Miller, at CSSLInternship@uwo.ca.
