
MARA INTERNSHIPS AT LLNL
The Military Academic Research Associates (MARA) program provides academy cadets, midshipmen, faculty, and newly commissioned officers awaiting their EAD the opportunity to intern at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
As a student enrolled in one of the U.S. military academies, you have the chance to explore leading-edge science as a paid intern at LLNL. Partner with one of our world-class researchers to help solve challenges in areas such as:
- Weapons theory, design,
engineering - Nonproliferation
- Counterterrorism
- Biological warfare
- Energy security
- Warfighter support
- Intelligence analysis
- Information science
- Space exploration
WHERE NATIONAL SECURITY & SCIENCE COME TOGETHER
LLNL supports national security, defense, and science. As an applicant, you’ll identify project areas and LLNL researchers that interest you. Take a look at some of the work we’re doing!
APPLY NOW
MARA internship applications begin in October, and selections are made mid-October through February.
How To ApplyFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I BE COMPENSATED?
MARA interns are paid through NNSA by their home academy and the DTRA Office at West Point. Your academy will cover your per diem, based on government allowances, as well as travel and local lodging. See your LLNL contact at your home academy for info.
HOW LONG IS THE INTERNSHIP?
MARA internships last for 4 to 6 weeks—only one-third the length of most LLNL internships.
WHAT IF I HAVE REQUIRED TRAINING?
Cadets and midshipmen with required training and only available for 3 weeks will require authorization from the Lab researcher.
WHAT WILL I DO?
As a MARA intern, you will participate in research in your assigned area, assist in conducting and documenting experiments, collect and analyze data, document and present results, and attend lectures and workshops.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFCATIONS?
You must be enrolled at a U.S. military academy (West Point, Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Merchant Maritime Academy) and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to apply.
WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Livermore lodging arrangements will be made at a local hotel in Livermore. Cadets and midshipman will be placed in double or single occupancy rooms determined by their respective academy and LLNL.
Enrolled in an ROTC program?
Check out our Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) internships at LLNL!

CONTACT US
For more information on MARA internships at the Lab, contact Barry Goldman at goldman1 [at] llnl.gov (goldman1[at]llnl[dot]gov), or 925.422.5177.
You'll also want to connect with the LLNL point of contact at your respective academy.
US Air Force Academy
Capt. Sarah Castro, Senior Instructor and Executive Officer, Department of Physics and MeteorologySarah.Castro [at] afacademy.af.edu (jSarah[dot]Castro[at]afacademy[dot]af[dot]edu) C: 707-689-0343, O: 719-333-4588
US Coast Guard Academy
LCDR Kevin Stevens, Instructor, Department of EngineeringKevin.W.Stevens [at] uscga.edu (Kevin[dot]W[dot]Stevens[at]uscga[dot]edu) C: 518-892-4577
US Naval Academy
Brian F. Donovan, Associate Professor, Department of Physicsbdonovan [at] usna.edu (bdonovan[at]usna[dot]edu) O: 410-293-6686
US Military Academy
Prof. Dan Schultz, Physics & Nuclear
Engineering Department R469B Bartlett Hall, B753 daniel.schultz [at] westpoint.edu (daniel[dot]schultz[at]westpoint[dot]edu) 845-938-5009