The student will participate in the design and operation of experiments studying dust in the Universe and dusty surfaces in the Solar System. We run these experiments to understand dust growth in the interstellar medium, the early stages of planet formation, and dust layers at the surface of asteroids and comets. We also run experiments on how to interact with the dust layer at the surface ofregolith on small bodies of the Solar System. For some of these studies, microgravity environments are required and we run the experiments in free-fall in the laboratory, or fly them on platforms such as suborbital rockets (some experiments built in our laboratory fly into space!).
The student will work in a team to create and operate experiment hardware, and analyze the collected data. This includes designing and building mechanical systems to move particles and create collisions, handle video recording systems for data recording, design and build experiment electronics, and perform analysis on collected data. Appropriate tasks will be distributed to each student depending on their skill set. Students from all backgrounds and majors are welcome to apply!
Project Dates
Start Date: 1/8/2024 - End Date: 4/28/2024
Students Needed
Type of Project
Individual
Student Responsibilities
No course requirements are requested for this position. We ask for motivation and reliability though, as most of our projects have deadlines that have to be met and organizing work requires the students to participate reliably.
Time Commitment
5 to 10h/week or more hour(s)
Student Requirements
The student will work in a team to create and operate experiment hardware, and analyze the collected data. This includes designing and building mechanical systems to move particles and create collisions, handle video recording systems for data recording, design and build experiment electronics, and perform analysis on collected data. Appropriate tasks will be distributed to each student depending on their skill set.
Interested in Working With the Following Programs
For EXCEL URE Students Only
Additional Notes