Astrophysics with Cindy Blaha
I am looking for two summer research assistants to work on a study of the evolutionary history of the nearby spiral galaxy M33. This summer the study will continue the analysis of optical observations of three large fields that span the galaxy. Each field has a set of B, V and R (blue, green and red) broadband images as well as three images taken through narrow interference filters centered on specific emission lines of ionized hydrogen, sulfur and oxygen. Results from our survey for ionized hydrogen regions will be used to determine emission line-ratios and identify supernova remnants and planetary nebulae. Data analysis will involve use of the Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) and other image processing software on several operating systems. Summer work will also include conducting open houses at Goodsell Observatory as well as developing new curricular materials to be used with our CCD cameras, spectrograph and our on-going study of light pollution. Students with previous astro experience will be given priority, but all students interested in the project are encouraged to apply. Please contact me for further details if you are interested.
Physics with Melissa Eblen-Zayas
I am an experimentalist interested in materials with unusual magnetic and electronic properties. In particular, this summer my research will focus on trying to understand how phase competition impacts the properties of colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) materials.
While students will have the opportunity to learn about CMR materials, most of the day-to-day lab work will involve building experimental apparatus, learning how to troubleshoot problems frequently encountered in early experimental design and set-up, and making some preliminary transport measurements on EuO films that will allow us to refine our methods and designs. Students who work with me will gain experience in LabVIEW programming, low temperature experimental methods, high vacuum techniques, and transport and magnetization measurements.
I plan on hiring one or two students this summer. Students who have done work with me during the fall and winter terms will have priority, but I encourage other students, particularly underclassmen, to talk with me about these positions. To be considered for a position, please send me a brief e-mail outlining 1) your class year and a list of chemistry and physics courses you have taken; 2) why you want to do research and what you hope to gain from the experience; and 3) what qualities you will bring to the lab. (Please note that part 3 does not necessarily include laboratory experience. Being an experimentalist is, in part, about being creative, patient, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to solve real-life, messy—quite literally!—problems. I am interested in one or two examples of situations where you had to make use of such skills.)
Astrophysics with Joel Weisberg
Carleton students, colleagues elsewhere, and I are observing pulsars for a variety of projects at Arecibo Observatory, PR, and the Green Bank, WV telescope. We are studying Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity by carefully observing the orbit and pulseshape of a binary pulsar; analyzing the properties of pulsars in an effort to understand the underlying emission mechanism; and measuring the density, turbulence, and magnetization of the interstellar medium by watching its effects on pulsar signals.
I am looking for one or two students to start work spring term with a 2- or 3-credit Special Project so we can hit the ground running this summer. We would spend much of spring term studying pulsars in general and learning how to use computers for these projects. In the summer we would probably go to Arecibo and/or Green Bank for a week or so of observing, and do extensive analyses to plan the observing and to study the data. Astrophysics I or II is a suggested prerequisite but we can be flexible. I would also want you to continue working with me at least one term next year, hopefully much more.
Your application should include your relevant astronomy, physics, and computer background (including courses to be taken next term), and the reasons for your interest in this position. Please also assess your availability to do a Special Project spring term.