General Information
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and Green Bank Observatory (GBO) provide state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by scientists from around the world. NRAO/GBO Summer Research Assistantships provides students with the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of an NRAO or GBO staff member at one of three sites: Socorro, New Mexico; Green Bank, West Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia. The project may involve any aspect of astronomy, including original astronomy research, instrumentation, telescope design, astronomical site evaluation or astronomical software development. Supervisors choose their own student candidates from all applications received, and the site to which a summer student is assigned depends on the location of the supervisor who chose them. Students are encouraged to review the webpages of NRAO staff and GBO staff for an idea of the types of research being conducted. On their application, students may request to work with a specific staff member or to work on a specific scientific topic, or to work at a specific site.
The program runs from 10-12 weeks over the summer, from late May to mid-August. At the end of the summer, participants present their research results as a short talk and submit a written report. Often, these projects result in publications in scientific journals. Financial support is often available for students to present their summer research at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, generally at the winter meeting following their appointment.
Besides their research, students take part in other activities, including a number of social events and excursions, and students may attend a summer school in Green Bank at the beginning of the program. This program also offers an extensive summer lecture series which covers aspects of radio astronomy and astronomical research. Students may also collaborate on their own observational projects using the VLA, VLBA and/or GBT.
The summer research positions available include
- The NRAO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is for undergraduates who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. It is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
- The National Radio Astronomy Consortium (NAC) is a program for undergraduate students (1st-beginning 4th year) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate program (including community college). The NAC program aims to increase the number of women and underrepresented minority students entering, and remaining in, STEM areas that support the field of astronomy (e.g., science, engineering, computing, EPO, and more), by providing research experience and long-term mentoring and cohort support. Summer research experiences range from 8-12 weeks and can take place at one of the NAC partner sites. For more information, see go.nrao.edu/nac.
- The Undergraduate Summer Student Research program is for undergraduate students or graduating college seniors who are citizens, are from an accredited U.S. Undergraduate Program, or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. This program can supports students who do not meet the REU guidelines, such as graduating college seniors and some foreign undergraduate students.
- The Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation (PING) program is a collaboration between the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) and AUI to expose traditionally underrepresented minorities to radio astronomy science and engineering. The undergraduate students selected for the program will be located in Green Bank, WV, where they will be partnered with an astronomer or engineer engaged in cutting-edge research. As part of this program, the PING students will also have an intensive education outreach experience, serving as instructors and mentors for middle school students during a 2-week physics/astronomy research camp.
Students receive a stipend to offset housing and living expenses. While the different programs have different terms, all students receive equitable support, and the details on stipend amount and housing will be described in the offer letter.
For important information on student life at the various NRAO sites and examples of past student research, visit Information for Incoming Students.
Eligibility Guidelines
Eligibility requirements vary by the specific opportunity, so be sure to reference the eligibility guidelines for each that you are interested in.
The programs are aimed at students who are interested in astronomy and have a background in astronomy, physics, engineering, computer science, and/or math. The same on-line application form is used for all of the above programs. Applications from members of underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged.
Application Details
The application includes the application form, three letters of reference, and transcript(s).
The application form can be found on the website. On the application form, undergrad students should select all programs for which they would like to be considered: REU/Undergrad Researcher, NAC/ODI, PING, and RADIAL. Undergrad students who would like to be considered for undergrad research but may not be eligible for the REU program may select the "REU or undergrad researcher" option.
Send your letter writers the link to the references page here.
Details:
Research Offering Type
Internship
Location
USA
Source
External
Contact Information
sstudents@nrao.edu.