Radiations Newsletter

Volume 13, Issue 5

In affiliation with the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, The Karyn Kupcinet International Science School for Overseas Students is seeking applications from students for summer 2007 research (about 10 weeks) in science and math. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2006. Projects are available in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Find more information online sometime in November at: http://www.weizmann.ac.il/acadaff/kkiss.html.

NASA is calling on college undergraduates interested in performing reduced gravity experiments onboard the agency’s “Weightless Wonder” aircraft to submit their proposals by Monday, Oct. 30.

The Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, has give undergraduate teams the chance to research, design, fabricate, fly and evaluate reduced gravity experiments annually since 1995. This will be the first time students can design their experiment for lunar gravity, which is one-sixth of Earth’s.

NASA’s modified McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jet aircraft will give flyers the feel of space, as it performs a series of steep climbs and freefalls over the Gulf of Mexico, creating multiple periods of reduced gravity. Each parabolic maneuver produces about 25 seconds of weightlessness, and by changing its flight path, the jet can produce periods of lunar gravity.

Each proposal will be evaluated for technical merit, safety and an outreach plan. The selected proposals will be announced Dec. 11 and flown in 2007. Selected teams may also invite a full-time, accredited journalist to participate with them to document the experience.

With this project, NASA continues the agency’s tradition of investing in the nation’s education programs. It is directly tied the agency’s major education goal of strengthening NASA and the nation’s future workforce. Through this and other college and university programs, NASA will identify and develop the critical skills and capabilities needed to achieve the Vision for Space Exploration.

For more information about the Reduced Gravity Student Flight
Opportunities Program or submitting a proposal visit:
http://microgravityuniversity.jsc.nasa.gov

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is sponsoring 2007 “Posters on the Hill” on April 25, 2007 in Washington D.C. “Posters on the Hill” is a program for undergraduate researchers and their faculty advisors. Research teams from across the nation gather in Washington D.C. to share presentations with Congress. The poster session is a way to communicate our thanks for federal support for undergraduate research, and to share the knowledge that has been learned with our nation’s elected officials. In addition to congressional visits, CUR is planning to offer special optional behind the scenes tours of Washington D.C. facilities. CUR provides modest funding ($150 each for advisor and student). The college will help with travel costs if you are awarded a spot in this session. Students can attend on their own, but faculty advisors are encouraged to attend also.

Proposals must be submitted online by November 10, 2006- no exceptions. Hard copies of faculty recommendation letters must reach D.C. by Nov. 31, 2006. To participate in this exiting and competitive program, please submit the application form found at http://www.cur.org/pohab.asp.
If you have questions, please contact the National Office (202) 783-4810, or visit the Posters on the Hill website,
http://www.cur.org/postersession.html for more information.

October 8 (Wednesday) 3:10-4:10 PM Olin 04

Join Jenny Heathcote and Steve Meisburger as they discuss their summer research. The title of Jenny’s talk is Constructing a Laser Diode System for Cooling and Trapping Fermionic Lithium. Steve will be talking about Chaotic Behavior of Mobile Robots. Refreshments will be served.

October 12 (Thursday) 12:00-1:00 pm, LDC 113

Plan to have lunch with physics students and staff at the LDC at noon. We can meet on 3rd Olin at 11:55 for the short walk over, or you can meet us there.