National Science Foundation
Research Experience for Undergraduates Site Program:
Program In Climate and Space Science Observation (PICASSO) I have the great fortune of being the Site Director for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program within the University of Michigan’s Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Department. Thus far, we have welcomed four cohorts of students into the Program in Climate and Space Science Observation (PICASSO) during the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2020, and 2021. We look forward to a new cohort of scholars this summer! These PICASSO Scholars spend ten weeks performing a wide range of climate and space science research. In addition to their research, these students participate in a series of professional development workshops regarding topics such as ethical research conduct, technical communication, Python programming, imposter syndrome/stereotype threat, among many other topics. While on campus, our participants are able to participate in summer festivals within the city, and then gave back to community through a range of service opportunities, such as Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor and many others.
2021 PICASSO Scholars: Top Row (l to r): Brian Rakoczy (Central Michigan University), Chynna Spitler (Wright State University), Nazarii Kifor (University of Michigan), Dior Gillins (SUNY- University of Buffalo); Bottom Row (l to r): Tanner May (Centre College), Gabrielle Brown (Northern Vermont University – Lyndon), Macarena Peralta (University of Michigan), Cristian Gonzalez-Hernandez (University of North Carolina – Charlotte)
You can learn more about the projects that our 2018-2021 PICASSO Scholars have worked on here.
