Author: Heather Harbin

Heather Harbin is a physics major in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Texas Tech University. After a summer internship at the NRAO in Charlottesville, Va., Heather returned to the university to establish the U.S. mainland's first hub for NRAO's National and International Non-Traditional Exchange (NINE) Program.

NRAO NINE Hub at Texas Tech University

Posted on March 3, 2020March 24, 2020 | By Heather Harbin

The NRAO NINE program mission is to build a pipeline of talent within the radio astronomy field, and within under-represented communities.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.