RUI: Helium Abundance Determinations from a Detailed Analysis of Data From the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

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The goal of this RUI (Research at Undergraduate Institutions) project is to assemble a data set of galaxy spectra to better determine the primordial abundance of helium relative to hydrogen. The improved calibration of the helium abundance will place significant constraints on models for the creation of the light elements in the early universe. Broader impacts of the work include training of STEM undergraduate students in scientific research. Activities will include student summer seminar talks that will reach other STEM students, and parents. The program will utilize spectra of low metallicity HII galaxies from the Sloan digital Sky Survey, together with an integrated, self-consistent model for HII region emission. The project aims to reduce uncertainties and improve accuracy relative to current estimates of the primordial helium abundance.