This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Bowers CIS
  • Engineering
  • Graduate School
  • Human Ecology
  • Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Law
  • SC Johnson Business - Dyson

Class Year Eligibility:

  • N/A

Open to:

  • Cornell Graduate/Professional Students

(Important: applicants must return to continue their studies at Cornell in Fall 2026 in order to qualify. May 2026 graduates cannot apply.)

Key Responsibilities:
Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct policy research relevant to defending the “HON rule”, providing memos on relevant topic areas.
  • Prepare relevant materials to support community-led petrochemical expansion site fights, such as factsheets or data visualizations.
  • Support research activities investigating the inefficiencies and toxic emissions of the practice of “advanced recycling, providing memos on relevant topic areas.
  • Contribute to internal reports and presentations relevant to the petrochemical workstream.
  • Work with science and policy experts to analyze data and develop insights that will inform EDF’s strategies and recommendations.
  • Participate in regular project meetings, provide progress updates, and contribute to internal discussions on community engagement best practices.
  • Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
     

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in graduate program with demonstrated interest in environmental health, public health, public policy and/or advocacy.
  • Demonstrated interest in air toxics policy, community-led data driven solutions, and environmental justice.
  • Coursework in U.S. public policy analysis and data visualization recommended.
  • Must have strong analytical skills.
  • Proficiency in Excel and basic data analysis with the ability to synthesize and communicate conclusions.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
     

Location: Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, New York, NY or Washington, D.C with the option to be U.S. Remote. Intern supervisor is in New York City and many team members are in Washington DC. (Hybrid means must be physically present in location throughout internship, coming into the office an agreed number of days/week. US Remote means must be physically located in the US while working for the majority of the internship.)

Term: Summer 2026 (10 weeks)

Hours: Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation: This internship will be fully funded through Cornell Atkinson; a $7,000 stipend is provided.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the application form. (Please access the application by clicking the green "Apply" button on the Overview page. You will be directed to an external application form.)

All proposal materials MUST be received by 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.