Identify the Boundary Between the Solar Wind and the Planetary Plasma

Description: Identify the boundary between the solar wind and the planetary plasma using data from the MAVEN spacecraft currently orbiting Mars. The Mars atmosphere is expanding and contracting which impacts how data is analyzed relative to the plasma boundary. In this project, the student will identify this boundary throughout the MAVEN mission.

Preferred Qualifications: The student will learn and use existing software written in IDL. Familiarity with IDL software is desired but optional. Please describe your programming skill level in your resume.

Supervisor: Laila Andersson

Start Date: 05/10/2022

Approx. number of hours per week: 20-40 hours/week

Interested students, please contact: marcin.pilinski@lasp.colorado.edu with resume.

Plasma Density Variations at Mars

Description: Evaluate plasma density variations at Mars using data from the MAVEN spacecraft currently orbiting Mars. The dayside Mars ionosphere is highly variable and we often observe localized low density regions. The student will identify these events and collect information on the surrounding environment. Thereafter the student can assist in a statistical investigation to help identify the cause of these low density regions.

Preferred Qualifations: The student will learn and use existing software written in IDL. Familiarity with IDL software is desired but optional. Please describe your programming skill level in your resume.

Supervisor: Laila Andersson

Start Date: 05/10/2022

End Date: TBD

Approx. number of hours per week: 20-40 hours/week

Interested students, please contact: marcin.pilinski@lasp.colorado.edu with resume.

Spacecraft Mission Design

Description: Spacecraft Mission Design for a constellation concept study. LASP Space Science is seeking a student for a summer position to work on developing the next generation of scientific instruments and missions. In this project, the student will be responsible for analyzing and improving the performance of a small spacecraft constellation for investigating the atmospheres of planets and icy moons. Responsibilities include: learning and operating orbit propagation software, gaining familiarity with atmospheric model output files, preparing plots and analysis, attending meetings with the project’s principal investigator.

Supervisor: Marcin Pilinski

Start Date: 05/10/2022

End Date: TBD

Paid Work

Interested students, please contact: marcin.pilinski@lasp.colorado.edu with resume.

Research Position in Stellar Astrophysics

Description: Looking for a motivated student to work on some topics in stellar astrophysics. The specific project is to use some new mathematical methods to analyze populations of stars and examine/reveal interesting features across the low-mass stellar sequence. The successful student will need to pull data from online databases, and run existing python code on a sample of nearby low-mass stars. Students are expected to have proficiency with programming in python, solid communication skills, and a background in physics/astronomy. Students will work within LASP, and be affiliated with the broader CUSP group, including various students, grad students and post-docs. The position is for the summer, with possibility of extension and/or publication depending on the progress.

Supervisor: Sebastian Pineda

Start Date:

End Date:

Interested students, please contact: sebastian.pineda@lasp.colorado.edu with a resume, and a scientific plot, which they are proud of making in python (including explanation).

Also, please answer the following questions: 1) Why would you like a research position? 2) What are your individual goals for the summer?”

Summer Research Assistant - CubeSat

Description: The SPRITE Cubesat and INFUSE sounding rocket need summer (and fall and beyond) students to help with assembly, calibration and testing of the science instruments ahead of launch. Students will start as general lab aides, but work up to independent research projects with experience.

Supervisor:  Brian Flemming

Preferred qualifications or courses completed: 

  • Any lab experience is a plus, CAD or machining experience an even bigger plus, but not required.

Starting date (approx.): 04/18/2022

End date: None

Approx. number of hours per week:  30-35 (Summer), 8-15 (Semester)

Paid work ONLY (N/A for Independent Study Credit)

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and description of interests to: Brian Fleming - brian.fleming@colorado.edu

Evaluation of candidates will begin after: 05/23/2022

National Solar Observatory Research Topics

Description: Potential areas of research opportunities for undergraduates include imaging data classification and analysis, as well as development of software tools.

Supervisor:  Kevin Reardon

Preferred qualifications or courses completed: 

  • ASTR 2600 and/or 3400

Start Date: 2/8/21

End date: none

Approx. number of hours per week:  5-10

Available as independent study credit.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and description of interests to: kreardon@nso.edu

Evaluation of candidates will begin after: 2/1/21