Summer Research Opportunity: Topical Research Group in Plasma Astrophysics (GPAP)
Students interested in the fields of Physics, Astrophysics, or Plasma Physics:
The National Science Foundation and the Topical Group in Plasma Astrophysics (GPAP) of the American Physics Society – Division of Plasma Physics invites applicants for an intensive summer school June 7-11, 2021 hosted by Swarthmore College*, a 15-minute drive away from the Philadelphia International Airport and home to the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment. This summer school is open to 20 upper-level undergraduate students and early-career graduate students studying in the fields of astronomy and space science, whose research and careers would benefit from acquiring a solid foundation in plasma physics. Preference will be given to those enrolled in astronomy, astronomy-physics, or space-physics academic programs who have yet to take a formal course in basic plasma physics, and particularly to those whose current institution does not offer a course or course sequence in plasma physics or plasma astrophysics. Students with backgrounds historically underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply. There are no school fees; all (air-conditioned!) lodging and meals will be provided, free of charge, to all selected students. Travel funding is also available.
The summer school will have three components:
(1) A series of lectures on fundamental plasma physics of relevance to astronomy and space science, with detailed lecture notes provided to all students and illustrative examples of modern research that leverages a detailed knowledge of this physics;
(2) problem sessions on these topics and engagement with plasma experiments at Swarthmore; and
(3) a session on what to expect when applying to graduate school and how to improve your application.
To learn more about the school and the lecturers, please visit the program website. To apply for the school, fill out the application form and arrange for one reference letter to be sent to GPAPSummerSchool2021@gmail.com. The application process closes April 1, 2021. For any questions about the school, you may email the organizing committee.
* Precautions accounting for COVID-19 will be in effect, including testing, mask wearing, and social distancing in a large lecture theater. If Swarthmore College and the organizers determine that the school cannot be held in person safely, it will be offered remotely, in consultation with the admitted students and with a concerted effort to reproduce the collegiality and fellowship that was a hallmark of our 2019 school.
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