REU Site: Life in the Universe - Astronomy, Astrobiology, and Planetary Science at the SETI Institute

This project is a renewal of a REU Site at the SETI Institute (SI) with a focus on astronomy and planetary science, with a connecting theme of astrobiology. Participants will develop the research methods and analytical skills (mathematical, computational, and logical) necessary to process data, understand primary research, and to remain current with new developments in the field. By offering high-quality research experiences to students at a critical stage of undergraduate education, the REU Site will contribute to increasing the nationwide pool of scientists and engineers. Undergraduate students will be paired with SI scientists to conduct research into a variety of topics, including exoplanets, asteroids, comet and meteors, Mars surface science, Saturn’s rings, the outer Solar system, and astrobiology. In addition, all participants will spend a week learning about radio astronomy at the Allen Telescope Array, studying an extremophile research site at nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park, and studying habitability and life detection at coastal field sites. The students participate in a weekly journal club and group meeting, in which students practice presentation skills and share their ongoing experiences with each other. They also give final research talks to a larger audience. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.