Each summer, seven REU-supported students, plus one Puerto Rican teacher, are selected to work at the Arecibo Observatory for 10 weeks.  The students work with staff scientists on projects related to ongoing research or instrumentation development programs. Research may be conducted in atmospheric science, radio astronomy, or planetary radar astronomy.  The students are exposed to the interdisciplinary character of this unique research facility through lectures by the staff and visiting scientists, tours of the Observatory facilities, hands-on labs, and frequent informal discussions with graduate students and scientists.  A seminar series provides the students with a background in the major areas of research conducted at the Observatory and introduces them to the exciting science currently being done here.  Students usually have the opportunity to conduct their own independent group observing experiment with the telescope. A bonus of our program is the opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and its culture.  Normally, a few students from the University of Puerto Rico also spend their summer at the Observatory.

ELIGIBILITY:  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 2011, are eligible. In addition, NAIC anticipates supporting one or two positions for first- or second-year graduate students who are enrolled in U.S. institutions (non-U.S. citizens may apply). We generally look for students who are majoring in astronomy or physics, with good math and computing background. Grades are important but so are the student’s enthusiasm, initiative, and future goals. If you are able to become involved in any research projects at school, please do so - this could be a beneficial part of your application. The most useful computer languages/packages are: Mathmatica, Fortran, C, C++, IDL, and Mathlab, plus specialized astronomical or atmospheric sciences data analysis packages.  It all depends on the projects. Usually, if the student has some experience with computer languages, he/she can learn whatever is necessary for a new language.

STIPEND & TRAVEL SUPPORT: The stipend for undergraduates will be $4750 and $5250 for 1st or 2nd-year graduates.  Also covered by NAIC are on-site lodging and round trip airline tickets to Puerto Rico.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Please complete the application form and return it to the address below, along with your letter of interest, official transcripts and 3 reference letters from academic staff from current or past schools. Obtaining transcripts can take some time, so please request copies early. It’s not necessary for you to send all the materials at once - transcripts and reference letters can be sent separately as they become available.
Download the application in Acrobat .PDF (fill in format) or in MS Word.

DEADLINE: Your application form and letter of interest have to arrive at the address below by February 2 in order to be considered. Applications will be accepted by email, although original transcripts are required by mail. Reference letters may be sent by fax or email directly by the recommender.  First offers will be made on March 1 via email.  Alternates will be held until all positions are filled.

Send Applications and supporting materials to:

Jill Tarbell
REU Summer Research Assistantships/Arecibo Observatory
National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
504 Space Sciences Building
Ithaca, NY 14853 6801
Tel: 607-255-3735
Fax: 607-255-8803
jtm14@cornell.edu

For many years NAIC has been committed to the encouragement of students interested in science and is proud of the extremely successful results. Since 1972, over 300 students have participated in the Arecibo Observatory summer student program. Most of these have since completed a Ph. D. program and are now active scientists in their chosen fields. Several have returned as staff scientists at the Observatory. Others have chosen to pursue careers in teaching or in government, where they are sharing their enthusiasm for science with others.

Click below for past summaries of the REU Summer Program

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

2010