Undergraduate Research at VU - Summer 2008

 

SUMMER RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN ASTRONOMY

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: There will be an opportunity for two to four students to work with Prof. Hrivnak and Prof. Hillwig this summer (2008) as research assistants. The research involves three projects. The first is the observational study of stars at a late stage in their evolution, when they are in transition between the red giant and planetary nebula phases. The results of past research show that these stars are varying in light. This summer, the students would continue observations to determine the period and color changes of the variability. The second is a collaboration with Ball State University to study the light variation of eclipsing binary stars. The third project includes working with Prof. Hillwig on spectroscopy of the possible black hole binary star SS 433. These projects will require extensive observing with the CCD at our observatory, some remote observing with the SARA telescope, and data reduction using sophisticated image reduction software on the Sun workstations in the department.

LOCATION: The work will be performed at the VU campus, with a possible observing trip to Arizona.

REQUIREMENTS: Students will need to be willing to keep an evening-night schedule much of the time so that they can observe (in pairs) whenever possible. However, the SS 433 project will require a day schedule for about half of the summer. Familiarity with a computer is necessary. Students will learn to use the image reduction program IRAF (Image Reduction and Analysis Facility). Familiarity with the use of the VU telescope and CCD is an asset but not a requirement. The other requirements are a willingness to work hard and carefully and a willingness to learn.

DATES & STIPEND: The summer appointment will normally be for 10 weeks, with an anticipated starting date in May 2008. Slightly different starting dates or work periods may be possible. The salary will be $370 per week, and it is anticipated that a VU award will cover university housing costs. Students will sign up for a half-credit course during summer sessions 1 and 2, ASTR 492 (Research in Astronomy) . This will require writing and submitting a report at the conclusion of the summer.

APPLICATION & DEADLINE:  Applications can be obtained from the Department of Physics and Astronomy web site at

www.physics.valpo.edu/degreePrograms/underResearch/

Interested applicants are encouraged to turn in completed applications as soon as possible. The deadline for completed applications is Wednesday, 27 February 2008. Evaluation of the applications will take place during the following few weeks and applicants will be notified by early April. Please contact Todd.Hillwig@valpo.edu or Bruce.Hrivnak@valpo.edu if you have any questions.