REU Site: Astronomy and Engineering at McDonald Observatory and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

REU SITE: Astronomy and Engineering at McDonald Observatory and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope ABSTRACT AST 0649128 The PI will head the Research Experience for Undergraduates site at the University of Texas at Austin - McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of far west Texas. The objective of McDonald Observatory REU program is to encourage student interest in observatory support, astronomical research and engineering. The McDonald REU site involves students in astronomy and engineering projects for a ten week period each summer. The program is designed for six students with each student mentored by a senior astronomer or engineer (computer, mechanical, optical or electrical). Since public education is one of the main goals of the Observatory, each student will also be required to participate in public education programs (e.g., guided tours, night-time viewing) at the McDonald Observatory Visitors' Center. An especially aggressive recruiting campaign will target minorities at universities in the southwestern and midwestern states.