For more than 100 years, astronomers at the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) have offered undergraduate 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 National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program (note REU affiliation pending NSF funding, but the program will proceed regardless of the funding source).
Students will work on projects guided by the MMA's Director of Astronomy and experienced affiliated astronomers, culminating in poster presentations at the winter American Astronomical Society meeting in 2028.
Current areas of research include:
- Optical and IR studies of R Coronae Borealis Stars
- High Cadence Evolution of Low-Luminosity Supernovae
- 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
- Radio Analysis of Core-Collapse Supernovae
In addition to the core research experience, there is regular professional development programming, as well as public education and outreach opportunities that connect the astronomy interns to the community. These include Open Nights at MMA’s Loines Observatory, assisting the MMA education interns with astronomy camps for children, and MMA-wide community service (1-2 hours per week). This internship requires nights and weekends, with no two consecutive days off guaranteed.
The 2027 Astronomy REU Internship application closes February 1, 2027 at 11PM EST.
Completed applications consist of an essay, a resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, and copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), and the completed digital Internship application form.
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
To hear more about what it’s like to be an Astronomy REU intern at the MMA, please watch the following interview with two past interns:
