The Maria Mitchell Association’s National Science Foundation-Research Experiences for Undergraduate (NSF-REU) Astronomy Interns to Present Research at Science Speaker Series

Tess McCarthy • August 8, 2022

Nantucket, MA –  On August 10th at 7pm, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is hosting a live lecture by the MMA’s NSF-REU astronomy interns. They will present their individual research projects developed under the guidance of professional astronomers. Research topics include everything from unraveling the physics of stars and stellar explosions, to searching for galaxies in the early universe and understanding the nature of the elusive “dark matter” that pervades our universe. The REU interns will later present their research at the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), to take place in Seattle, Washington, in January 2023. Dr. Regina Jorgenson, the MMA’s Director of Astronomy says,“It’s been an honor to mentor and to work with these amazing early career scientists who have joined us here on Nantucket for a summer of astronomical research, exploration, and fun.” For more than sixty years, the MMA has offered summer research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics for students on Nantucket and is a recognized leader in training the next generation of astronomers. This presentation is part of the MMA’s FREE Science Speaker Series and will be held both in-person, at the MMA’s Research Center located at 2 Vestal Street, and via Zoom.


The summer 2022 NSF-REU intern class and their project titles consists of:


  • Danya Alboslani, University of Connecticut
  • 3D Simulations of Nova Explosions
  • Chris Chang, Willamette University
  • Understanding the Evolution of Magnetically Active Subgiant Stars
  • William Jarvis, University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Using Integral Field Spectroscopy to Reveal the Secrets of Galaxy Formation and Evolution
  • Kaitlyn Shavelle, Columbia University
  • Dark and Luminous Matter in Colliding Galaxy Clusters
  • Devisree Tallapaneni, Cornell University
  • Astromineralogy with the Energy-resolved Dust Scattering Halo of GX 13+1
  • Anavi Uppal, Yale University
  • Getting Ready to Pinpoint the Locations of Massive Black Holes Lurking in Galaxies with Rubin/LSST.


The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

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For Immediate Release

August 8, 2022

Contact: Tess McCarthy, Communications and Marketing Intern

marketinginterns@mariamitchell.org

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