Research and Internship Opportunities for Undergraduates in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The program information listed in this booklet was provided by site directors or obtained from the program websites. Please contact the individual programs for further information, including deadlines for applications. The American Astronomical Society is not responsible for accuracy or any missing information. Students: please note the deadlines for the individual programs. 2008 Astronomy and Astrophysics Sites
University of Alabama - BirminghamThis program is open only to United States Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, and is funded through the Division of Materials Research (DMR) of the National Science Foundation. The program will pay $3,600 for a ten-week period, an additional $1155 for stay at UAB campus dormitory during summer plus participant travel expenses (up to $400) for participants. Deadline is 1 March 2008. Contact information: American Museum of Natural HistoryIn collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), the Division of Physical Sciences at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City, through its Departments of Astrophysics and Earth and Planetary Sciences, is pleased to offer a program providing Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Each summer, students conduct research projects in astrophysics, planetary science and earth science in the world-class research and public outreach environment at AMNH, which includes the Hayden Planetarium and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. We especially encourage applications from students at schools without major research facilities in these fields of study, and students enrolled at all of the 19 campuses of CUNY. Review of applications for the summer 2008 program will begin in February 2008. For more information about this program or the application process, please contact Prof. Charles Liu (Astrophysics) Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary SciencesThe Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences will sponsor a NASA supported summer research program for undergraduate science and engineering majors. Students in chemistry, physics, biology, electrical engineering, geosciences and mechanical engineering are especially encouraged to apply. In this ten week program, students will carry out research in the center in one of the following areas: Astrobiology, Astronomical processes, Mission design and engineering, Planetary atmospheres, and Planetary geology and geophysics. Participants will receive a stipend of $5,500 that includes a meal allowance, travel allowance, and a housing allowance for on-campus accommodations. In addition, $500 in travel support will be allotted for each participant to attend a national or regional conference during the academic following the period of summer research. To complement their research experience participants will engage in a weekly seminar program and several field trips including a visit to the NASA's Johnson Space Center (expenses paid by program). The program will end with a meeting during the final week of the program at which participants will present the results of their summer projects. Application details are available below. Applications should be received before the end of February, for full consideration. Positions will be filled starting in March. The Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences has about 10 positions for undergraduate students who wish to spend the summer doing research with one of the center's faculty members. Positions must be held at the University of Arkansas. For more information contact: Jessica Park, Programs Administrator Carnegie Institute of Washington, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (CIW/DTM)The Geophysical Laboratory and the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, a nonprofit scientific research institution located in Washington DC, have a joint summer internship program. It is listed under "Earth Sciences" on the NSF REU Site list. However, research topics include planetary sciences and astronomy, including astrobiology, planetary geology (the interior of Mars, volcanism and tectonics on Mars); astronomy (planet formation, exo-solar planets); and cosmochemistry (meteoritics, presolar stellar grains). For more information about the REU program go to www.gl.ciw.edu/interns and visit our website, www.dtm.ciw.edu Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory (CTIO)The Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), a division of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), located in La Serena, Chile, offers 10 week Undergraduate Research Assistantships to qualified undergraduates as part of the National Science Foundation funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The program is run during the Chilean summer, January through March, both to offer students an alternative to the more common northern summer programs, and to encourage interaction with Chilean students visiting and working at CTIO throughout these months. We do not offer the REU program during the northern summer months of June through August. Students interested in programs during this period should investigate the opportunities provided at other REU sites and on the listings of summer programs maintained by the American Astronomical Society and the American Physical Society. More information and application material can be found at www.ctio.noao.edu/REU/reu.html. The application deadline for the 2008 program is October 5, 2007. If you have any questions about the CTIO REU Program, please send an email to ctioreu@noao.edu. Cornell UniversityCornell University hosts a summer program for undergraduate research in observational astronomy, including planetary, optical, infrared, and radio/radar astronomy. Each student conducts research under the guidance of a faculty member, and will learn about diverse topics in astronomy and space sciences through a summer lecture series. Eight positions will be available for flexible eight-week internships beginning in June 2008. Interns are provided generous stipends and travel/relocation funds. U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program during the 2007-2008 academic year are eligible to apply. More information and application materials are available at http://astrosun2.astro.cornell.edu/specialprograms/reu/index.html. The application deadline is in February 2008; students will be notified of selections beginning in March. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CRESST Summer Internship ProgramCRESST (Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology), a cooperative partnership between the University of Maryland College Park, the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the Universities Space Research Association plans to select between six and fifteen student, on a competitive basis, to participate in summer internships on-site at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland for the summer of 2009. These 10-week paid internships are primarily for undergraduate level college students attending US colleges/universities. They are selected on the basis of qualifications and motivations to conduct a bone fide research-related project in conjunction with a GSFC-based Ph.D. research scientist in one of the space science disciplines (Astronomy, Astrophysics & Physics). During the screening and review process, we will attempt to match the applicants with appropriate GSFC scientists The internship period is nominally 10 weeks beginning June 1st. Students selected would receive a stipend of $12.50/hr for undergraduates and approximately $15.00/hr for graduates. Some travel reimbursement may be available on a case by case basis. Application deadline is 9 February, 2009. For further information, including available projects, deadlines and the Department of Energy: Science Undergraduate Laboratory InternshipsThis program places students in paid internships in Science and Engineering at any of several Department of Energy facilities. Many of the participants in the program have decided on a career in science and engineering because of the nature of the experience. Students work with scientists or engineers on projects related to the laboratories' research programs. The different laboratories each offer different research opportunities. The summer programs at the various laboratories will run from late May to mid-August, fall programs run from August through December and spring programs from January through May. The exact start date will depend on the laboratory and will be given to participants who have been accepted at that specific laboratory. Students are required to participate for the full term of the program. An appointment is for 10 weeks during the Summer Term (May through August) or for 16 weeks during the Fall Term (August through December) and Spring Term (January through May). For further information, including deadlines and how to apply go to: Contacts: University of Hawaii at ManoaThe Institute for Astronomy (IfA) of the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa will offer approximately eight summer research positions in its NSF funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program in 2008. This REU program will provide undergraduates who are considering a career in science with the opportunity to engage in research with professional astronomers working on cutting-edge problems in astrophysics. The REU students will be full-time research assistants to a faculty mentor at the Institute and will work on specific aspects of an ongoing research program. Astronomers at the IfA conduct research in a wide range of astrophysical disciplines, including solar physics, planetary astronomy, astrobiology, stars, the interstellar medium and star formation, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and cosmology. There are also engineering programs on the development of new telescopes, new instruments, and adaptive optics. In addition to carrying out their research at the IfA on Oahu, REU students will also participate in an observing run at the Mauna Kea (Big Island) or Haleakala (Maui) observatories. Participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States in an undergraduate degree program. The positions are full-time for 10 weeks between late May and early August. Successful applicants will be paid a weekly stipend and be provided with accommodation in campus housing and travel support to and from Honolulu. The deadline for receipt of all application materials, including an application form, personal statement, University/College transcript(s), and at least two letters of recommendation is February 1, 2008. Offers of appointment will begin on March 1, 2008. Additional program details and application information can be found at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/reu Indiana University BloomingtonThe Astronomy Department at Indiana University Bloomington hosts a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program, funded by the National Science Foundation, for highly motivated students interested in astronomy research. Students work with faculty to carry out projects in observational stellar or extragalactic astronomy using ground-based photometric and spectroscopic data or in instrumentation. The program includes a trip to the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, AZ, where students will observe on the WIYN 3.5-m or 0.9-m telescopes as well as tour Kitt Peak and other Tucson astronomical facilities. While in residence in Bloomington, students will also participate in seminars, field trips, and social events. The program will last for 10 weeks beginning May 26 and ending August 1, or as arranged by mutual agreement between participant and advisor. Application deadline is 1 February, 2008. Participants receive a summer stipend of approximately $525/week, and travel expenses to/from their home or campus to Indiana University Contact Information:
Keck Northeast Astronomy ConsortiumThe Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium (KNAC) comprises astronomy faculty and students at eight small liberal arts colleges and universities in the northeast. The KNAC goals are to promote astronomy research and to foster faculty and student interaction among the eight campuses: Colgate, Haverford, Middlebury, Swarthmore, Vassar, Wellesley, Wesleyan and Williams. KNAC hosts approximately 12 summer research interns in its NSF funded REU program. Approximately 4 of the slots are allocated for U.S. citizens attending other U.S. colleges and universities at which there are few opportunities for participation in astronomical research at their home campuses. We especially encourage applications from under-represented minorities, and students whose schools are geographically close to member schools and interested in forging a long-term relationship with consortium members. Faculty advisors of applicants from non-consortium schools are encouraged to contact Prof. Kim McLeod at Wellesley College kmcleod@wellesley.edu for information about the summer exchange. The summer program runs for 10 weeks with the start date determined by each individual faculty member. Stipends and housing allowances total approximately $4000 per student with small variations depending on the local rate at each of the eight host schools. Students participating in the REU program are required to present their work at the Fall Student Research Symposium. Applications are due in early February. More information and electronic application: www.knac.org . Email questions to knac-reu@astro.swarthmore.edu Kitt Peak National ObservatoryKitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), a division of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), will have available six research assistant positions for the summer of 2008 through the NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. The KPNO REU program provides an exceptional opportunity for undergraduates considering a career in science to engage in substantive research activities with scientists working in the forefront of contemporary astrophysics. Each REU student is hired as a full-time research assistant to work on specific aspects of major ongoing research projects at NOAO which include the origin, nature, and evolution of stars, galaxies and stellar systems, observational cosmology, analysis of Hubble Space Telescope images, and cometary studies. As part of their research activities, REU students gain first-hand experience with KPNO's state-of-the-art telescopes and develop expertise in astronomical data reduction and analysis. Participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The positions are full- time for 10 to 12 weeks between June and August, with a preferred starting date in early June. A salary of $600.00 per week and funds to cover travel to and from Tucson, Arizona, are provided. Summer housing is the responsibility of the student. Students have a choice to either live on campus at the University of Arizona or rent an apartment or house off campus. Completed applications are to be submitted no later than January 31, 2008. Go to www.noao.edu/kpno/reu. for more information. Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internships 2009As part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of its founding, the Space Studies Board (SSB) has expanded the scope of the Space Policy Intern program it has operated since 1992 by initiating the Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internships. The goal of the program is to provide promising undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to work in the area of civil space research policy in the Nation's capital, under the aegis of the SSB. Established in 1958 to serve as the focus of the interests and responsibilities in space research for the National Academies, the Board provides an independent, authoritative forum for information and advice on all aspects of space science and applications, and it serves as the focal point within the National Academies for activities on space research. It oversees advisory studies and program assessments, facilitates international research coordination, and promotes communications on space science and science policy between the research community, the federal government, and the interested public. The SSB also serves as the U.S. National Committee for the International Council for Science (ICSU) Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). The Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internships are offered twice annually. The summer program is restricted to undergraduates and the autumn program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The deadline for applications for the summer 2009 program is February 2, 2009. The deadline for applications to the autumn program is August 3, 2009. Additional information about the program, including application procedure, can be found at http://www7.nationalacademies. Maria Mitchell Observatory (MMO)The Maria Mitchell Observatory has a 50-year history of supervising undergraduate research in astronomy, including 15 years within the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. Six REU positions will be available in the summer. The students conduct independent research, supervised by the senior staff of the MMO and qualified visiting scientists, in the following branches of astronomy: interstellar medium, forming stars and planetary systems, variable stars, astrophysical masers and lasers, comets, theoretical astrophysics, history of astronomy. For the last 10 years, every MMO/REU student has presented her/his major results at the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Many results were presented at other national and international conferences and most of them were published in the peer-reviewed astronomy journals. Positions will be available starting the end of May and continuing through the end of August (dates are flexible). Stipends are $1,400 monthly. Furnished housing is provided as part of each student's compensation. Up to $500 for home-Nantucket-home travel and funds for observational trips and the trip to the January AAS meeting are available. The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all interested individuals to apply. In addition to the application form, applicants must arrange for transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and at least two letters of recommendation to be sent to: REU Selection Committee, Maria Mitchell Observatory, 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. For further information (including downloadable application form) please visit our web site, at www.mmo.org MIT Haystack ObservatoryThe MIT Haystack Observatory, located 40 miles northwest of Boston, hosts 8 to 10 summer internships in radio astronomy, atmospheric science, and instrumentation development. The REU interns are matched with individual staff mentors and conduct research on focused, goal-driven projects for ten weeks. Abstracts for the specific projects are posted on the web site starting late November. The program lasts for 10 weeks starting in early June. The participants are required to present their results at the end of the summer and produce written report. Lectures in various topics that are related to the research being conducted at the Observatory are presented throughout the summer. Stipends are provided at a rate of $400 per week, and the Observatory provides housing in the area. Travel support is available to students whose homes and colleges are 100 miles or more from Haystack. Online application materials can be found on the website. Application deadline is on February 1. Students will be notified of selections beginning March 1. MIT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. For more information contact: Director/REU Program Montana State University at BozemanResearch - Most projects in this program involve analysis of data from solar space missions such as SOHO, TRACE, RHESSI, and Hinode, and are suitable for most math, physics, and astronomy students at the sophomore or junior level. Additionally, a few projects are available in the solar-stellar connection, dynamo theory, solar magnetohydrodynamics, and space hardware. Education - Participants can expect to learn practical strategies and skills in research, including programming, data analysis, instrumentation, theory, and presentation. The program includes lectures on a variety of topics that are relevant to solar physics, space weather, and space hardware. Montana State University, Bozeman - The summer months in Montana offer outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and other activities associated with the university and the Bozeman community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and rivers, Bozeman is within easy driving distance of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Practical Details - The summer 2009 program will run from June 1 - August 7. Stipends will be $4630 plus a $330 food allowance for the ten week program. Travel costs to and from Bozeman are covered and university residence hall lodging is provided. For non-US participants, support for travel costs is limited to the economy roundtrip airfare from JFK/New York. Eligibility - Participants must be full-time undergraduates, typically finishing their sophomore or junior years. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcomed. There are no restrictions with regard to citizenship. Foreign participants are supported from non-NSF sources. Our REU web site includes participant research reports, lectures, and social activities from past years, as well as on-line application forms. Application must be complete by February 1st; distribution of offers will start by March 1st. The website is at http://solar.physics.montana.edu/reu. National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center (NAIC)NAIC will be conducting a summer student program for undergraduates at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, pending continued funding by the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. Areas of research include radar and radio astronomy and atmospheric science. Students interested in electronic instrumentation or computer science are also encouraged to apply. The assistantships, which include a stipend and travel costs to and from Puerto Rico, are conducted during a flexible ten‑week period beginning in June. Undergraduates, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who will be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program (part‑ or full‑time) during Fall 2008, are eligible. In addition, NAIC anticipates supporting one or two positions for first- or second-year graduate students who are enrolled in US institutions (non-US citizens may apply). Applications must be received by February 6, 2008. EOE/AAE/ Application forms are available by writing or online. Summer Research Assistantships National Radio Astronomical Observatory (NRAO)The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces the availability of approximately 25 Summer Student Research Assistantships for the summer of 2008. Approximately half of the positions are for graduating seniors or beginning astronomy graduate students. The other half are for undergraduates who are U.S. citizens enrolled at a U.S. undergraduate institution. NRAO's program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. NRAO Summer Research Assistants will work closely with an NRAO supervisor at one of the three NRAO sites: Socorro, New Mexico; Green Bank, West Virginia; or Charlottesville, Virginia. The project may involve any aspect of astronomy, including original research, instrumentation, telescope design, or astronomical software development. The program runs from 10-12 weeks over the summer, from late May to mid August. Salaries for 2008 will be $490 per week for undergraduates and graduating seniors, and $525 per week for graduate students. Students will additionally be paid a relocation allowance of up to $800. Completed applications including applicant information, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation are to be submitted no later than January 28th, 2008. For more details and application materials contact: National Solar ObservatoryThe National Solar Observatory expects to offer an exciting summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at its facilities in Sunspot, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona. This program is sponsored by the Astronomy Division of the National Science Foundation. Summer research opportunities for REU students include: observational solar and stellar astrophysics, theoretical, numerical and data modeling, instrumentation, computational methods and engineering. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to gain experience in the application of fundamental physics, mathematical and engineering methods to solve problems in high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy in the visible and infrared, spectropolarimetry, radiative transfer, helioseismology, and magnetohydrodynamics. Participants will work at Sunspot or Tucson for 10-12 weeks. Field trips to NSO and NOAO facilities at Kitt Peak and Sunspot, the Very Large Array radio telescope at Socorro, New Mexico, and Apache Point Observatory are a part of the experience. To be considered for the NSO/REU program your application materials must be received by January 25, 2008 by 5 p.m. EDT. Appointments will be announced beginning March 1, 2008. For further information contact: Northern Arizona UniversityNorthern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been a Research Experience for Undergraduates site sponsored by the National Science Foundation since 1991. Each summer eight undergraduate students work in Flagstaff with researchers from the NAU Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Lowell Observatory, the U. S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, and the U. S. Naval Observatory in Flagstaff. The research projects are usually drawn from planetary science, stellar or extragalactic astrophysics, and astrogeology. Occasionally there is an instrumentation project available. Students are enrolled at NAU and receive three hours of credit; the tuition and fees are covered by the program. The total stipend is at least $4,370, and each student receives up to $400 toward travel expenses. Housing in single rooms is also provided for the ten-week program. Although most of the students' time is spent on research, participants are required to attend a seminar series that meets twice weekly. Some of the seminars are on observational techniques, but most are talks by Flagstaff astronomers on their research. The seminars include visits to some of the local scientific facilities, and each student has the opportunity to observe on local telescopes. Funds are also available for each student to present the results at a scientific meeting during the following year. Applications are due February 1 of each year. To be eligible, students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Please see the website at www.physics.nau.edu/~reu/ for descriptions of past projects, instructions on how to apply, and other information.reu@nau.edu. For further questions, please send e-mail to: University of OklahomaThe Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy sponsors an NSF-REU program aimed at students who are interested in Physics and/or Astronomy and who may have potential for future graduate study. A site grant from the NSF plus funds from the state of Oklahoma as well as internal funding from OU will support about 15 students in a program of research, educational and social activities during the summer. Students accepted into the program will be directly involved in the on-going research of the Physics and Astronomy faculty. In addition, we arrange a twice weekly series of lunchtime seminars with faculty, OU students and post-docs. These seminars will first cover some topics in modern quantum physics, particularly focusing on how these relate to current research, both basic and applied. As the summer progresses the students themselves will be actively involved in presentations and discussion of their own research. Faculty will also give presentations on future careers in Physics and Astronomy and preparation for graduate school. Students will receive undergraduate credit from OU for REU participation. The University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive research University with over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students. We are located in Norman: a town of about 100,000 people which is 25 miles from Oklahoma City. The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a full-time faculty of 29 of whom seven do research in astrophysics. All of our research programs are externally funded, with state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities. A summary of the research interests of the astrophysics group can be found here: http://www.nhn.ou.edu/ouresearch/SumAstro.html. Some of the students involved in astrophysics research present their results at a scientific meeting (e.g., AAS meeting) during the following year, and many serve as co-authors on papers in major refereed journals. Participants will receive a stipend of approximately $3,500 and up to $300 in transportation expenses. They will be housed near campus, in a complex with an on-site pool and tennis courts, and their housing expenses will be covered. In the event students do not have their own cars, bus service to campus and nearby commercial centers is readily available. Participants must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US or its possessions, must be currently enrolled in a program leading to a Bachelor's degree, and must not have graduated by the summer of the year of participation in the program. Applications received by the deadline in mid-February will be considered in full, with later applications considered as space permits. Please find application materials at the website below. For more information about this program or the application process, please contact: The University of Oklahoma Rensselear Polytechnic InstituteEach participant in this program becomes a member of one of the research groups in the department. The participant is part of the "team", together with the faculty members, the post-doctoral associates, if any, and the graduate students. Participants attend all research group meetings to get an overall view of their own project and how it fits into the goals of the group. In addition to the research group meetings, the participants are also asked to attend a weekly seminar, field trips, and lab tours. This gives them a chance to interact with the others in the program. These seminars have outside speakers or reports from the participants. Midway through the program, each participant presents a 10-minute oral progress report and a written progress report. During the last week, each participant prepares a poster and a final written report based on his or her research accomplishments during the summer. Participants have full use of institute, departmental, and group facilities, including libraries, computer facilities, shops, recreational and sports facilities, and so on. Program Director: The University of RochesterThe University of Rochester hosts a summer program for undergraduate research in observational astronomy, including planetary, and space infrared astronomy (Spitzer, JWST). Each student conducts research under the guidance of a faculty member and research group, and will learn about diverse topics in astronomy as well as physics and optics through a summer lecture series. Participants have full use of departmental and group facilities, including libraries, computer facilities, recreational and sports facilities. Students can participate in presenting tours at the Mees Observatory. During the last week, each participant prepares a final written report based on his or her research and presents a 10 minute talk to the Department. Interns are provided generous stipends, dorm housing, and a meal allowance. Travel/relocation funds are provided for those attending colleges more than 100 miles from Rochester. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and at least one year away from completing their undergraduate degree program. Major in astronomy is not required, but a demonstrated interest and adequate math/science background are essential. Go to the website at www.pas.rochester.edu/REU for descriptions of past projects, instructions on how to apply and other information. The application deadline is in February 2008; students will be notified of selections beginning in March. For further information contact: San Diego State University (SDSU)SDSU expects to offer a 10-week summer research program for undergraduates in Astronomy in summer 2008. Each student will have the opportunity to work with a faculty mentor on a research project in astronomy. In the first two weeks of the program, students will take part in a hands-on training program in our computer center. SDSU faculty will introduce students to the basics of the UNIX computer operating system, e-mail, and graphing; the way CCD light detectors work; how to process astronomy images using the IRAF software package; how to measure the brightness of stars; and the basics of using research telescopes. Later in the summer, students will be given the opportunity to train on research-grade telescopes at Mount Laguna Observatory. One student with the best overall final presentation will be offered the opportunity to attend an American Astronomical Society meeting to present their results (expenses paid). To be eligible, students must be undergraduates attending a campus of the California State University system, the University of Kansas, or a community college in California. Students must be at least one year away from completing their undergraduate degree program. Students will receive a stipend and housing on the SDSU campus during the program, and travel allowances will also be available for most students. An application is composed of a completed application form, an official transcript, and one letter of recommendation. Applications should be received by March 3, 2008 for full consideration, but late applications will be considered until all positions are filled. For further information contact: SETI InstituteThe SETI Institute http://www.seti.org/epo/reu/, a non-profit private scientific research institution located in California's Silicon Valley, invites you to apply for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program for highly motivated students interested in astrobiology research. You will work with scientists at the SETI Institute and at the nearby NASA Ames Research Center on projects spanning the field of astrobiology from microbiology to observational astronomy. The program includes a week-long field trip to the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array, located at the Hat Creek Radio Astronomy Observatory in Northern California, as well as a field experience at hydrothermal systems at nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. Students will also participate in local field trips to places like the California Academy of Sciences and other nearby locations of scientific interest, and attend seminars, lectures, and discussions on astrobiology. You will live in dormitory housing on the campus of the NASA Ames Research Center and observatory facilities at Hat Creek. At the end of the summer you will give presentations on your research projects, and the best projects will be selected for submission to a national scientific conference, which the selected students will be funded to attend. Three main research areas will be emphasized: Biochemistry and the Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth, Planetary Science and the Search for Life in the Solar System, Astronomy and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Students will work with scientists at the SETI Institute and at the nearby NASA Ames Research Center on projects spanning the field of astrobiology from microbiology to observational astronomy. Current Sophomore and Junior Undergraduate Students who are United States Citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible. Application for the 2008 program will be available in December. Applications will be due in January. Program dates for 2008: 6/8/2008 - 8/16/2008. Participants receive a stipend of $4000 ($400/week) – and will be provided with dorm housing and a $50/week food allowance. Travel reimbursement is up to $500 for travel from home or campus to the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information contact: Smithsonian Astrophysical ObservatoryThe SAO (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory) Summer Intern Program is a nine or ten week long program, depending on the availability of Harvard housing. In 2008 the program will likely run from Sunday, June 8 through Saturday, August 16. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution. Undergraduate students interested in a career in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or related physical sciences are encouraged to apply for the 2008 program. The applications are due by February 1, 2008 and must be completed online: hea-www.harvard.edu/REU/REUmain.html. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders), and must be enrolled in a degree program leading to a bachelors degree. Seniors who will graduate in June of 2008 (or before) are not eligible. The Society of Physics Students Summer InternshipsThe Society of Physics Students supports summer internships in the DC area, broad-based learning opportunities for undergraduate physics majors in the areas of scientific research and outreach/policy. Students are placed in organizations and agencies, such as NIST, NASA, AIP, AAS, AAPT, APS, etc. which utilize the energy and diversity of aspiring students and contribute to their professional development through meaningful assignments, both relevant to the institution's programs and in the advancement of physics or allied sciences. Participating organizations also assign one or more mentors to guide the interns'; work and overall experience. At the end of the program, each student will give a 20-minute professional presentation on his/her work, accomplishments, and overall internship experience to the staff scientists of the American Institute of Physics and invited guests, and possibly at AI member society meetings Interns will receive a stipend of $3,200, paid in three installments throughout the internship. SPS will also pay for transportation (airfare or mileage reimbursement) to and from Washington, DC. Each intern will pay for his/her own daily transportation to/from the internship. Deadline for applications is 1 February 2008. For further information check the website and / or contact: Liz Dart Caron Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA)Florida Institute of Technology, East Tennessee State University, Florida International University, University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, Clemson University, Ball State University, Agnes Scott College, University of Alabama, and Valparaiso University The Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy expects to host a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program sponsored by the National Science Foundation in the summer of 2008. Each SARA summer intern will work closely with a faculty mentor at one of the six SARA universities. In addition to observing with the SARA 0.9-m telescope at Kitt Peak in Arizona, the summer activities will include a number of social events and excursions, as well as workshops on observational techniques data reduction, current events in astronomy, proposal writing, job opportunities in astronomy and scientific ethics. Participants will present research results at a final workshop near the end of summer and the proceedings will be published. Visit www.astro.fit.edu/sara-reu for full instructions and to complete the online application form. All application materials must be received by February 1, 2008. Appointments will be announced beginning March 1, 2008. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate or associate's degree, and must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. A major in astronomy is not required, but a demonstrated interest and adequate math/science background are essential. Eight- to 10-week appointments will typically begin the week of May 30, 2008, and extend to the week of August 2, 2008, depending on the participant's academic calendar and particular SARA host site. Each participant will receive a stipend of $3,600 for the summer. In addition, all necessary lodging and travel expenses during the summer will be paid by SARA, including up to $500 round-trip travel between the student's home and the SARA host institution. Send inquiries and applications to Dr. Matt A. Wood http://astro.fit.edu/sara-reu/sara-reu.html. University of Texas, McDonald ObservatoryUniversity of Texas McDonald Observatory, the Hobby-Eberly Telescope and the National Science Foundation are proud to present a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. This site will bridge the gap between engineering and astronomy and provide undergraduates a unique experience that will encourage them to pursue careers in instrumentation, astronomical engineering and support astronomy. There will be a broad range of projects from observational astrophysics to engineering projects. Students choosing pure research projects will spend some of their time working with the engineering students on their projects. A strong background in astronomy is not required, even from those wishing to do astronomy research projects, because on-site introductory astronomy, instrumentation lectures and weekly scientific seminars will be provided. Regardless of the project that the student chooses all students will spend time observing with the queue scheduled 9.2-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope and several of the other McDonald Telescopes. At present, there are five operating telescopes: 9.2-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), the 2.7-m Harlan J. Smith Telescope, 2.1-m Otto Struve Telescope, the 0.9-m Telescope and the 0.8-m Telescope. The Observatory is equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation for imaging and spectroscopy in the optical and infrared. Applications and all materials must be received by February 10th. A complete application includes: two letters of recommendation, one transcript, and one completed application form. For further information and application submission: REU Program Vanderbilt UniversityThe Vanderbilt University Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program is a 9-week internship for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program provides the opportunity for students to work closely with faculty, postdocs, and other students on forefront research projects in astronomy, including: Star formation (observational and numerical) Cosmology, particle astrophysics (theoretical and observational) Computational astrophysics (simulations and data-mining) Exoplanet searches (observational and data-mining). Students have access to Vanderbilt's telescopes at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile, to Vanderbilt's high-performance computing cluster, and to data from the Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer space telescopes. The program includes special workshops and seminars with a strong emphasis on preparing students for success in graduate school. Applications and all materials must be received by March 15th. For further information and application submission: astro-reu@vanderbilt.edu University of Wisconsin-MadisonThe University of Wisconsin-Madison will host eight students for a 10 week program of directed research, scientific field trips, and preparation for application to graduate schools. Travel to Wisconsin and lodging will be paid, and students will receive a total stipend of $3600 plus a $500 food allowance. The program runs from the first week of June through the first week of August. Projects are available in both the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Physics, and include topics in cosmology, extragalactic, galactic, and stellar astronomy, X-ray and neutrino astrophysics, and atmospheric physics. Students will have access to local telescopes; some projects may also involve travel to the WIYN 3.5m and 0.9m telescopes located at Kitt Peak Observatory. Madison is a wonderful place to spend the summer, with a lot of recreational and cultural opportunities, and both the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Physics provide a friendly and supportive environment for research. We value a diversity of student backgrounds in our program, and encourage anyone interested in astronomical research to apply! Applications must be completed by February 1. Application instructions and more information on our program are available at the REU website: University of WyomingThe Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) is proud to offer its Summer Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program ( SURAP) to undergraduates throughout the nation. SURAP is part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Participants are chosen from a wide variety of academic institutions and geographical areas. SURAP students work closely with their advisor. Students are chosen by the WIRO staff to work on specific projects that their advisors feel are compatible with the abilities and interests of the undergraduate. The projects are designed to be completed in the summer. Numerous summer projects have led to published papers with joint authorship by the advisor and SURAP student. All undergraduates will assist their advisors on the telescope during the summer. In addition to the specific student projects, numerous field trips to other scientific centers in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region are available to the participants to introduce t hem to this unique environment. Every student will enjoy a 5 day trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in July. A short observational techniques and laboratory-oriented course will be part of the summer's activities. All students will learn observing techniques on the Red Buttes Observatory reflector (60 cm) located 12 miles from campus. SURAP students will be trained in image processing and data reduction using standard astronomical programs. Under the guidance of their advisors, all SURAP participants will use the WIRO 2.3 meter telescope. Participants may work between May 27 and August 1, 2008. The maximum length of employment is 10 weeks and a minimum period of 8 weeks is required. The stipend is $350 per week with free housing being provided. One round-trip airfare from the participant's home, college or university is also part of the assistantship. Each participant will receive financial support to attend the American Astronomical Society's January meeting following the summer. The deadline for all application material is February 15, 2008. All materials must be received before the deadline to complete your application. To apply follow the instructions on the website listed below. An official copy of your academic transcript and two letters of reference should be sent directly to the SURAP Director, by mail or email by your references. In compliance with the national REU astronomy sites our initial offers will be made starting March 1, 2008. We anticipate all our final decisions will be made by March 15, 2008. For further information contact: Additional ResourcesResearch Experience for Undergraduates Programs, National Science FoundationAstronomical Sciences: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5045 All Science REU Sites: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. Department of Energy -- Education Programs at DOE Labs and FacilitiesThe website below lists opportunities for research opportunities, fellowships, and scholarships, training, and internships programs for undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. www.energy.gov/scholarships&internships.htm The Nucleus and the Society of Physics Students.The Society of Physics Students (SPS) supports a Summer Science Clearinghouse on The Nucleus,www.the-nucleus.org We have listed thousands of science positions at over 100 institutions in the past few years, with thousands of the best undergraduates in the nation taking advantage of these opportunities. For more information, set your browser to www.the-nucleus.org/research/browse.cfm The clearinghouse is part of the comPADRE digital library project. ComPADRE is collaboration led by the American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Physical Society, American Astronomical Society and the American Institute of Physics, as well as SPS, and is funded by the National Science Foundation. For information on comPADRE go to For Recommenders: Some Suggestions For Writing a Letter.(From the Site Directors) Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of support for one of your students who is applying for participation in a research program or internship in astronomy or physics next summer. Because programs receive many applications, the letter of recommendation is typically the most important part of a student's application package. To give your student the best possible chance of success, here are some suggestions for writing letters of reference. Assume that the academic record of the student is available, so there is no need to repeat that information. Please describe your relationship with the student, i.e. whether you have taught them in class, in private study, in the laboratory or through a research project. Programs value information from you on how quickly they learn, how motivated they are, whether they can seek and take advice from peers and mentors, their written and verbal communication skills, their level of independence, how well they work in a group, and the extent to which you think they can grow professionally by involvement in the program. Because applications are processed over a very short time period, receiving the letter by the due date is essential. |
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