Undergraduate students who are considering a career in science have the opportunity to apply online for the summer undergraduate research program with University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA). Students will work with IfA astronomers who conduct cutting-edge research in a wide range of astrophysical disciplines and in the development of new telescopes, instruments and adaptive optics. The application deadline is January 31, 2021.
The internships are funded through the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program or grants to individual faculty members.
REU positions are for 10 weeks, May 24–July 30, 2021. Students will receive a weekly stipend of $600 to cover meals, incidentals and other costs. The cost of traveling to and from Hawaiʻi, accommodation and two meals per day, are provided for NSF-funded non-Hawaiʻi residents.
“From my research experience, I was able to get a first-author paper published,” said Maria Straight, an undergraduate student who completed the IfA REU program in 2020. “I gained mentors who helped me with my graduate school applications. I would highly recommend this program to other undergraduate students. It will help you develop your skills as a researcher and connect you with mentors who will support you in your career.”
In addition to carrying out research at one of the IfA locations on Oʻahu, Maui or Hawaiʻi Island, REU students may participate in observing runs on one of the telescopes at Maunakea or Haleakalā observatories. There are daily journal clubs, weekly seminars and colloquia, given by faculty and visiting scientists, luncheons with graduate students, education and public outreach activities, and several social events and excursions.
This program is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
