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A variety of research experiences are available for
undergraduates at the University of Maryland. Students with an interest in
performing research, either independent or in conjunction with faculty and
graduate students, should contact the person identified below or the
Undergraduate Astronomy Advisor, Grace
Deming.
Center for Theory and Computation
The Maryland Astronomy Center for Theory and Computation promotes
excellence and innovation in theoretical astrophysics. Besides pursuing
cutting-edge research in astrophysics, there is an emphasis on developing
state-of-the-art computational tools. For more information contact
Dr. Cole Miller.
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Extragalactic Astronomy Group
The Maryland Extragalactic Observational Group utilizes optical, radio,
and X-ray astronomy in an attempt to understand the origin, dynamics, and
evolution of galaxies. Areas of faculty interest include Seyfert galaxies,
low surface brightness galaxies, galaxy formation, black hole driven
activity in galaxies, and starbursts in galaxies. For more information,
contact Dr. Stacy McGaugh. |
Lab for Millimeter Wave Astronomy
The Maryland Lab for Millimeter Wave Astronomy studies the interstellar
medium and star forming regions. The University of Maryland shares
facilities in Hat Creek, California with the University of Illinois and
the University of California at Berkeley. Millimeter wave astronomy
provides information on the distribution of molecules in our Milky Way
galaxy and in other galaxies. For more information, contact
Dr. Stuart Vogel. |
Planetary Astronomy Group
The Maryland Planetary Group seeks to understand the origin and evolution
of the Solar System. Current projects include analysis of data from NASA's
Deep Impact mission that collided with comet Tempel 1 in July, 2005,
EPOXI (an extension of the Deep Impact mission to comet Hartley 2), the
Dawn mission to asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, Messenger's mission
to Mercury, the Small Bodies Node of the Planetary Data Systems (an archive
of solar system data), and dynamic modeling using cutting-edge parallel
processing technology. For more information, contact
Dr. Lucy McFadden or
Dr. Doug Hamilton.
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Space and Plasma Physics Group
The Maryland Plasma Physics Group studies plasmas in space and in the
laboratory. Interests include solar-terrestrial effects, high altitude
lightning, magnetospheres and ionospheres of other planets and comets,
solar radio bursts, and shocks in supernovae. For more information,
contact Dr. Surja Sharma. |
Additional Research Areas
Students with PERL and/or java programming experience are needed for
the "Astronomy Workshop" project (the development of web based tools to
facilitate undergraduate astronomy education). For more information,
contact Dr. Doug Hamilton. |
Research Opportunities Off Campus
National Science Foundation
Many summer opportunities exist for undergraduates in astronomy, physics,
and engineering. The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers the Research
Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students are paired with
mentors to pursue 10-12 week research projects during the summer. Participants
are selected on a competive basis and groups of 6-10 students are chosen for
each site. In addition to a stipend some include housing and a roundtrip
airline ticket. A listing of participating institutions with web sites that
contain the application can be found at
http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5045. Applications are usually due in
January or February.
NASA
The Office of University Programs oversees activities and programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)designed to maintain and broaden the Center's interaction with the
university community. One of these programs is an undergraduate intern program at GSFC in Greenbelt, MD.
Sometimes, a successful summer experience leads to continued employment during the academic year. The preliminary application is usually due in February.
The History Office at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC has an
internship program.
The Undergraduate Student Research
Program offers programs during the summer and during academic semesters
to juniors and seniors. Summer centers offer stipends and a roundtrip
airline ticket. Assistance may be provided at high cost NASA regional
centers. Goddard Space Flight Center is also one of the academic semester
options, so it is possible to take classes and participate. Applications
due end of January.
Carnegie Institution of Washington
The Geophysical Lab and Dept. of Terrestrial Magnetism offer
summer internships. The
deadline for application is usually mid-March.
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Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-2421
Phone: (301) 405-3001 FAX: (301) 314-9067
Comments and questions may be directed to webmaster@astro.umd.edu
Page updated on:
28-Apr-2008.
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