2027 Astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates - Internship

2027 Astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates Internship at the Maria Mitchell Association

For more than 100 years, astronomers at the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) have offered undergraduate research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics. Our long-established undergraduate research program honors Maria Mitchell’s dedication to “learning by doing” and is recognized for its contribution to inspiring and training generations of astronomers, notably receiving the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The mission of the MMA is to inspire people to experience Nantucket’s sky, land, and sea. Programs and facilities focus on astronomy, environmental education, ecological research, and historic preservation.

The Maria Mitchell Association will host a 12-week program for the summer of 2027, offering research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics on the island of Nantucket, MA. Six positions are available for qualified undergraduate astronomy and physics students through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program (note REU affiliation pending NSF funding, but the program will proceed regardless of the funding source).

Students will work on projects guided by the MMA's Director of Astronomy and experienced affiliated astronomers, culminating in poster presentations at the winter American Astronomical Society meeting in 2028. Projects include studies in all wavelength regions using data from a wide range of ground-based and space-based observatories.  Data reduction, analysis, and interrogation techniques make use of a variety of computational methods and current field conventions. In addition, all students have the opportunity to develop hands-on observational skills using the MMA’s 24-inch telescope.  

Current areas of research include:

• Optical and IR studies of R Coronae Borealis Stars
• High Cadence Evolution of Low-Luminosity Supernovae
• Interacting Binary Stars and Transiting Exoplanet Candidates
• Physical Origins of the O’Connell Effect in Eclipsing Binary Systems
• X-ray emission from Single-Degenerate Ia SNe
• Magnetic Activity Cycles in Spotted Stars
• Radio Analysis of Core-Collapse Supernovae

In addition to the core research experience, there is regular professional development programming, as well as public education and outreach opportunities that connect the astronomy interns to the community.  These include Open Nights at MMA’s Loines Observatory, assisting the MMA education interns with astronomy camps for children, and MMA-wide community service (1-2 hours per week).  This internship requires nights and weekends, with no two consecutive days off guaranteed. 

Nantucket Island is located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod and is accessible only by plane and ferry.  It has a year-round community that swells to over 60,000 people in the summer with the seasonal and tourist population. There are fifty miles of beaches and over half of the island is conservation land. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree. Undergraduate student participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. permanent residents.

Compensation and Duration

This is a 12-week research program that runs from May 31 through August 21, 2027 (end date can be negotiated to accommodate academic schedules).  This is a paid research internship, $700/wk. Reimbursement for round trip travel between the student's home and Nantucket is provided, as are funds to present at the January 2028 American Astronomical Society meeting.

The MMA has dormitory-style housing that is provided at a nominal cost of $30/wk, with a required security deposit of $200. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beaches, hiking trails, museums, and other interesting locations. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared, and all interns are required to participate in cleaning as part of the housing agreement.

MMA Astronomy Internship applications are due by February 1, 2027, 11pm EST.

Completed applications consist of an essay, a resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, and copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).