Each summer, Arecibo Observatory hosts at least six students and one Puerto Rican teacher 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.

NAIC will be conducting a summer assistantship program for undergraduates at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. Areas of research include radio and radar astronomy and atmospheric science. Students interested in electronic instrumentation or computer science are also encouraged to apply. Students will have opportunities to visit many of the beautiful sites of the island, which is a U.S. Commonwealth.

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 2010, 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. Not only do we look at grades, but also at 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 seem to be: Mathmatica, Fortran, C, C++, AIPS, IRAF, CLASS, Unipops, IDL, Mathlab. 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. Please complete the attached application 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 put in your request 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.

The stipend for undergraduates will be $4500 and $4800 for 1st or 2nd-year graduates.  Also covered by NAIC are on-site lodging and round trip airline tickets to Puerto Rico.

Reference letters may be sent by fax or email directly from the recommender.

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

For applications contact Jill Tarbell at: jtm14@cornell.edu - (607-255-3735) or

Download the application in Acrobat .PDF (fill in format) or in MS Word.

Applications can also be obtained by snail mail from:

National Astronomy and Ionospheric Center

504 Space Sciences Building

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14853-6801

607-255-3735

Applications, transcripts, and references must be received not later than February 2, 2010. Successful candidates will be notified by March 1 or shortly thereafter..

 

Last updated: 22 Oct. 2009, by Tony Acevedo / Jill Tarbell