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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the
University of Michigan Space Physics Research Laboratory
The Space Physics Research Laboratory within the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences at the University of Michigan has a limited number of research assistant positions openings for undergraduate students enrolled in programs at accredited schools. This program is partially funded by the Department of Defense ASSURE program, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation REU program and the GEO/ATM Aeronomy section.
As a research assistant, you'll have first-hand experience of scientific research in areas of geophysics, at an early stage in your careers, at an institution with an international reputation for excellence. You'll receive a stipend enabling you to work closely with an active researcher on the faculty of the University of Michigan for a period of time (typically 3 summer months at 100% effort) and contribute either theoretically or experimentally to an ongoing research effort.
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How the Program Works
Undergraduate research stipends are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, motivation, scientific potential and compatibility of your interests and long-term career goals with current SPRL research interests. The program is designed to provide undergraduate students with "hands-on" experience of research in an organization of national and international repute. If selected, you will be matched with a faculty researcher who will direct your activities for a period of time. Your assignment to a project will be made after you have had a chance to become exposed to the wide variety of research topics available. You will participate in the ongoing research, be expected to prepare a short report and make a presentation upon completion of your project. You will become a temporary member of the research staff at SPRL and will be able to use the excellent computational and support facilities available within the laboratory.
Stipends
As a research assistant you will receive financial support during your stay at SPRL. This support will be provided at a typical monthly level of ~ $1900. Most participants will work during the summer period (3 months at 100% effort).
Eligibility
All undergraduate students enrolled in accredited schools are eligible to apply, though preference will be given to those entering their junior and senior year and specializing in scientific or engineering areas. Minority, female and physically disabled students are encouraged to apply as are students from institutions where research opportunities are limited. A majority of the positions will be available for students attending undergraduate schools (including small liberal arts colleges, community colleges, etc.) where research opportunities are limited. Student participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Interested undergraduate students should submit a letter of application along with a current transcript and a letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor to the REU-SPRL program director at the address listed below. The letter should include a short statement of interest and a discussion of your long-term career goals as they relate to scientific research opportunities. Applications for participation in the program during the summer months should be submitted before March 1, 2008 while applications for participation during the academic year may be submitted at any time. Letters of application can be submitted on-line or via postal mail to:
Dr. Michael R. Combi
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
Space Physics Research Laboratory
Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences
University of Michigan
2455 Hayward Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143
Any Comments or Questions?
Email Michael R. Combi
About AOSS and SPRL
The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the campus of the University of Michigan. SPRL is a broad interdisciplinary research organization that is part of the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences academic department in the U-M College of Engineering. There are 30 full-time research faculty members at SPRL and similar numbers of graduate and undergraduate student research assistants. Research undertaken at SPRL spans several fields of engineering and geophysical sciences with an emphasis on the observation and understanding of the physical processes that control the gaseous, plasma and liquid envelopes of the Earth and planetary bodies.
Experimental interests at SPRL include the development, testing and deployment of satellite, sounding rocket, balloon and ground-based instrumentation designed to probe the physics and chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere. Faculty and engineers at SPRL have flown more than 30 scientific instruments on space vehicles for NASA and for the European Space Agency and the scientific results of these endeavors have greatly improved our understanding of the Earth's near-space environment. Theoretical work involves the study of space plasma physics, cometary studies and numerical simulations of atmospheric processes.
