Continued Support for an Undergraduate Research Participation at the Space Physics Research Laboratory, University of Michigan

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This grant will continue an Undergraduate Research Participation Site at the Space Physics Research Laboratory of the University of Michigan. The Space Physics Research Laboratory is a broad interdisciplinary research organization which is part of the Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences academic department of the University of Michigan. Research undertaken in the laboratory spans several fields of engineering and geophysical sciences, with an emphasis on the observation and understanding of the physical processes which control the gaseous, plasma and liquid envelopes of the Earth and planetary bodies. The annual research budget of the laboratory is approximately $8M and major funding comes from the National Science Foundation and NASA as well as other agencies. Because of the strong ties to the academic environment at the University, and its presence within a geosciences department in the College of Engineering, the Space Physics Research Laboratory has always maintained active interest in providing significant undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, particularly in the areas of Solar-Terrestrial research and Aeronomy. This grant will expand and consolidate the undergraduate involvement by continuing support a very successful REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) site within the Laboratory. The continued REU site will involve the direct participation of 12 faculty members who have all had previous experience with the training of undergraduate students in research. Funding will provide support for 16 students, of whom half will be from institutions other than the University of Michigan. Because of its commitment to high-quality undergraduate education, the University has agreed to waive indirect costs on this program for the first year. The rich variety and significance of the research carried out within the Laboratory and the commitment of time on the part of the faculty participants will provide the undergraduates of the program a significant opportunity to have hands-on experience in active and exciting research areas.