The Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) will offer its REU Summer Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program (SURAP) for 2008. Summer research assistants will work with individual staff members on current research projects. The assistantships are strongly oriented toward laboratory and observation projects. A short observational techniques and laboratory-oriented course will be part of the summer's activities. All students will learn observing techniques on the Red Buttes Observatory reflector (60 cm) located 12 miles from campus. SURAP students will be trained in image processing and data reduction using standard astronomical programs in the research laboratories. Under the guidance of their advisors, all SURAP participants will use the WIRO 2.3 meter telescope, located 40km southwest of Laramie, Wyoming on Jelm mountain.

Participants may work between May 27 and August 1, 2008. The maximum length of employment is 10 weeks and a minimum period of 8 weeks is required. The stipend is $400 per week with free housing being provided. One round-trip airfare from the participant's home, college or university is also part of the assistantship. Each participant will recieve financial support to attend the American Astronomical Society's January meeting following the summer. In addition, all participants will visit the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks as part of their SURAP assistantship.

No official application form is needed.

To apply by mail:

1. Write a summary of your academic and work experience (vitae),
2. Write a typed one-page essay on why you want to work at WIRO and your interest in the field of astrophysics,
3. Submit an official copy of your academic transcript,
4. Specify the length and dates of our desired period of employment, and
5. Have two letters of reference sent directly to the SURAP Director Ron Canterna. These letters can also be emailed to canterna@uwyo.edu by your references.

To apply online:

• Go to the online application and follow the instructions,
• Submit an official copy of your academic transcript,
• Have two letters of reference sent directly to the SURAP Director Ron Canterna or these letters can be emailed to canterna@uwyo.edu by your references.

In compliance with the national REU astronomy sites our initial offers will be made starting February 29, 2008. We anticipate that our final decisions will be made by March 15, 2008. Inquiries can be made by phone to Ron Canterna (307) 766-2005 or by email to canterna@uwyo.edu.

Send Applications to:

Ron Canterna, SURAP Director
Summer Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program
Wyoming Infrared Observatory, University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Department Box 3905
Laramie, WY 82071

Email: canterna@uwyo.edu

See our Department Web site at http://physics.uwyo.edu and follow the instructions for REU-SURAP.

The University of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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Last Updated: 10/10/07