REU program in Astronomy and Astrophysics

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Academic Level:
For most summer research programs, this is your upcoming status as of the fall. Always check with the individual program's website for details.

Undergraduates - First Year
Undergraduates - Sophomore
Undergraduates - Junior

Note: this opportunity encourages applications from community college students.

Description:
The Astronomy Department and the Astrophysics group of the Physics Department will host a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program in Astronomy and Astrophysics for eight students, for the ten weeks from May to Aug.

Participants will work in Madison with researchers in the Astronomy Department and the Astrophysics group of the Physics Department. Projects may include work in the following areas:

• astrophysical detectors

• data analysis in cosmology

• X-ray astrophysics

• neutrino astrophysics

• neutron stars, white dwarfs, and black holes

• observational stellar astronomy

• star formation

• observational interstellar medium

• extragalactic astronomy

• theoretical work in galactic dynamics

• theoretical neutrino astrophysics

• theoretical work in the chemistry and dynamics of interstellar matter

Facilities include the 3.5m WIYN optical telescope, the 0.9m wide-field imaging telescope, and the 11m SALT telescope; some projects may involve observing with these facilities. Participants will not be able to visit our large South Polar neutrino detector (Amanda/IceCube), but can work with its observations. Students can also work with data from Antarctic balloon-based cosmic microwave background experiments, rocket-borne X-ray detectors, Spitzer infrared observations of the Galactic plane, and the Wisconsin H-alpha Mapper. The program includes a directed research project, an engaging weekly lecture series, organized weekend field trips, and other less structured social events--perhaps Summerfest in Milwaukee and a live show of Michael Feldman's "Whad'Ya Know?." Students will also be encouraged to participate in the successful (and fun!) NSF/Wisconsin outreach program Universe in the Park.

The stipend of $350 per week is in addition to $500 for travel to/from Madison, and $50/week for food. Students will be housed with those participating in other summer research programs. They will be invited to participate in several interdisciplinary programs including discussions on scientific ethics, and a university-wide welcome and orientation. They will have access to library and campus recreational facilities, such as sailing on Lake Mendota.

Currently participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (If you are attending school in the U.S. but are not a US citizen or permanent resident, please contact us before applying.) We highly value diversity amoung our participants; women, members of under-represented minorities, and students from small colleges are all encouraged to apply.


Application Deadline: 2/15/2024

Participating Institution(s):
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Program Materials:

This Program can be Described by:
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This program is funded by:
National Science Foundation (NSF)


Page last updated 4/25/2023
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