Opportunity to serve on a student science team for a multispectral atmospheric observing instrument to be launched on a high-altitude balloon

Period of work: May 2010 to May 2011, with some flexibility.  This internship is renewable year to year, based on performance and summer opportunities are also available. 

No experience? No problem!
If you are a motivated self-starter majoring in any engineering discipline,
and you enjoy teamwork, we want you!

Project:  The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) announces the opening of a unique opportunity for 2-3 full-time students from any affiliate institution, majoring in a science or engineering discipline, to join the engineering team of our Instrument Development Program. The WSGC, with Director R. Aileen Yingst as the Principal Investigator, is currently funding the development of a near-space-ready imager to be flown on our high-altitude balloon vehicle. Selected students will join the current science team as they help design and analyze data form a multispectral atmospheric observing instrument to be launched on a high-altitude balloon (there is a separate engineering team that is constructing the instrument). This team will follow the model of NASA science teams for other instruments such as the Mars Exploration Rover Pancam. Interested students need not have experience with instrumentation, only a strong engineering background (atmospheric, remote sensing, climate/global change, chemistry or physics preferred) and the desire to work with other students to serve on a student science team. The WSGC will provide the launch personnel and vehicle. The Director of the WSGC will serve as Principal Investigator and science mentor for this mission.

Awards:  Each intern will receive a $4000 direct stipend, paid in increments. All funding subject to availability; failure to make a concerted effort to meet the "work period" guidelines may result in a decrease in the award amount.

Work period:  Approximately 1 May 2010 to 15 May 2011. Start time is flexible, based on the beginning of the term for each institution. This internship may be renewable year to year, based on performance and summer opportunities are also available.  

Location:  Meetings of the team will take place in Milwaukee or occasionally Green Bay, Wisconsin. Meeting locations will be determined in part by the makeup of the team. Students must be able to provide their own transportation.  

Requirements:  This internship opportunity is open to U.S. citizens enrolled at the sophomore, junior or senior level at any Affiliate Member institution of the WSGC, majoring in any science or engineering discipline.  Students with experience in processing and analyzing multispectral images and students with experience in atmospheric science are especially desired. Students must be enrolled through June of 2011. Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and those who can demonstrate a strong interest in the success of the project.  Motivation and teamwork are more important than experience, with self-motivation and ability to complete work with minimal supervision being absolutely critical.

Applications:  The Consortium especially encourages applications from members of minority groups, women, and persons with disabilities. Internships will be awarded on the basis of academic performance, experience and demonstration of commitment to the project.  The diverse scientific and engineering needs of the team will also be considered.

Application Deadline:  17 April 2010
Award Announcements:  26 April 2010

Need more information? Contact our program office:

Program Office
Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-465-2108
wsgc@uwgb.edu