REU Internship in Astronomy

For Undergraduate Students

For more than 60 years, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) has offered summer research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics for students on the picturesque island of Nantucket. Each summer, six internship positions are available for qualified undergraduate astronomy and physics students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates(REU) program, which is supported by a generous grant from the National ScienceFoundation (NSF).


NSF-REU students at the MMA work on individualized research projects under the guidance of experienced astronomers. Some current areas of research include:


•  Studying Dust Around R Coronae Borealis Stars using IR data from the NEOWISE Satellite

•  Formation Pathways of Giant Exoplanets with the TESS Satellite

•  High Cadence Evolution of the Low-Luminosity Supernova 2024abfl

•  Dusty, Old Supernovae in Archival JWST Observations

•  Interacting Binary Stars and Transiting Exoplanet Candidates

•  Physical Origins of the O’Connell Effect in Eclipsing Binary Systems

•  X-ray emission from Single-Degenerate Ia SNe

•  Magnetic Activity Cycles in Spotted Stars 


In addition to the core research experience, there will be regularly scheduled professional development programming, as well as public education and outreach opportunities that connect the astronomy interns to the community.  

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Research at the MMA emphasizes state-of-the-art data reduction techniques and thoughtful physical interpretation. Data for projects are obtained from various cutting-edge ground and space-based telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Space Telescope, and Keck Observatory, to name a few. Students also obtain data and develop their hands-on observational skills with the MMA’s 24″ and 17″ research telescopes equipped with modern CCD and CMOS cameras. In addition, students have access to the digitized photographic plate collections of the MMA and the Harvard College Observatory, a unique historical resource for studies of variable objects over long time periods.


The MMA is a recognized leader in training the next generation of astronomers. Since its inception in 1957, hundreds of undergraduate students have discovered the joy of doing astronomical research surrounded by the natural beauty of Nantucket island. Many have gone on to successful careers as astronomers at leading universities, observatories and other organizations around the world.


In 2009, the MMA received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama for its half-century long program of mentoring undergraduate student research in astronomy.

Join Us

  • Eligibility

    The MMA offers six REU internships in astronomy each summer. These positions provide an opportunity for students to conduct independent research under the supervision of senior staff of the MMA and visiting scientists. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution with a planned graduation date after September of the current year. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required. The MMA requires all interns to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their arrival on Nantucket. 

  • Compensation

    In alignment with the REU program, this is a paid internship, and housing and travel reimbursement is provided. This is an 11-week program that runs from June 1st to the week of August 17th, 2026 (end date can be flexible to accommodate academic schedules).  The total stipend is $7700. 


    The MMA has dormitory-style housing available for interns to rent for $30 per week. Housing is located within walking distance to the town center and is a short bike ride to beautiful beaches, hiking trials, museums, and other great locations. If you live on campus, you will be expected to attend and participate all dorm cleaning days as part of your housing agreement. Please note that the dorm rooms are shared. Interns are not required to live in MMA provided housing, however, as Nantucket’s housing availability is notoriously limited and often expensive, we require our interns to provide proof of alternative housing before their internship begins.


    Reimbursement for round trip travel between the student's home and Nantucket is available, as are funds to present research results at the 2027 January American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting. 

  • Application Process

    Apply here!


    Completed applications consist of a resume/CV, copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), an essay (one page limit), and two letters of recommendation to be sent before the deadline. The essay should address your interest in astronomy, your academic and co-curricular experience, and how this particular REU will support your academic and career goals.


    Complete instructions can be found on the application submission page here.  Questions about the MMA’s REU program can be sent to Jackie Milingo, Director of Astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association.


    We hope to welcome you to the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association!

  • Research Project Presentations: Summer 2024

    For more information on the types of research projects offered during a typical summer, please watch the summer 2025 NSF-REU presentations here.

To hear more about what it’s like to be an NSF-REU intern at the MMA, please watch the following interview with two past interns: