REU-Chile – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Important Notice: The Summer 2022 program will be virtual. Applicants will need access to a computer and internet connection.

The NRAO REU-Chile Program is designed to broaden participation of under-served and underrepresented populations in the field of astronomy, with a particular focus on students with limited access to research experience in Astronomy.

The REU-Chile program is a part of NRAO’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion. The Program Manager is Dr. Antonio Hales.

NRAO aspires to provide learning opportunities in Radio Astronomy. The REU-Chile program will provide opportunities for underrepresented students to undertake radio astronomy research with NRAO and ALMA scientists. The ideal is for the development of long-term mentor/mentee relationships leading to eventual advanced academic degrees and/or professional opportunities for the interns.

The application process opens September 1, 2021. The program runs from 10 weeks over the summer, from early January to mid-March. At the end of the summer, participants present their research results as a short talk, and submit a written report. Often, these projects result in publications in scientific journals. Financial support may be available for students to present their summer research at the yearly meeting of the Chilean Astronomical Society (SOCHIAS).

Eligibility

Be enrolled in a Chilean universities; preference will be given to 3rd and 4th year students,
Able to read scientific literature in English,
Have a solid course of study in BcS astronomy level.

We are particularly interested in recruiting students from universities in the vicinity of radio telescopes. ALMA Supervisors choose their own student candidates from all applications received.

Financial Support

The Winter 2022 program will include a modest weekly stipend to cover expenses.

Program Dates

The Winter 2022 program begins January 4, 2022, and runs for 10 consecutive weeks, ending March 11, 2022.

Application Process

An Application Portal will be opened on September 1st, 2021. In order to prepare your application, here is a list of the required application materials:

Respond to all questions on the Application Portal (currently closed).
Curriculum Vitae
Copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (certificado de notas con promedio total a la fecha). You will be asked to upload these transcripts as a single PDF
One letter of recommendation from someone who can evaluate your ability, experience, and potential, in PDF format. The letter of recommendation can be should via email to antonio.hales at alma.cl.

Due Dates

Applications are due no later than 5 p.m., Santiago time, November 15, 2021.

Initial letters of appointment will be made around November 30, 2021.

Students are encouraged to review the webpages of the ALMA staff for an idea of the types of research being conducted at the NRAO. Student projects may involve, depending upon mentor availability, any aspect of astronomy (‘full-spectrum’ astronomy), including original research, instrumentation, telescope design, astronomical site evaluation or astronomical software development.

Chile REU Application

2022

2021

2020

group photo of students and scientists in front of Alma and NINS sign — Daniela Rojas (UNAB), Bayron Mosalve (USACH), Silvio Uiloa (UChile), and Jaime Giannelloin (UNAB) with JAO Mentoring Scientists during summer 2020.

Students and Scientist grouped around equipment in a laboratory — Visit to the Alma Site.

Students with their arms outstretched in front a field of satellite dishes — Visit to the Alma Site.

2019

2018

2017

2016

young man standing in front of poster at a conference — Claudion Rivera, NRAO ODI Chile Summer Intern, presenting at the SOCHIAS 2016 meeting

young man seated in front of presentation screens

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.