The undergraduate research program at PARI has four primary objectives:

1. stimulate interest in research among undergraduate students
2. provide students the tools and experience necessary to conduct scientific research
3. enrich problem solving skills by providing hands-on instrument experience typically not available elsewhere
4. share significant research findings with the scientific community

To accomplish these objectives, undergraduate interns conduct original research or collaborate on the development of research and educational programs with PARI staff.  For example, students learn to operate telescopes, make observations, reduce data and report findings.  Students are encouraged to share their findings with the astronomical community by participating in workshops and presenting research data at an American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting.  Additionally, students are encouraged to maintain contact with their professional mentor and to continue their research during the school academic year.

Students may conduct original research in radio or optical astronomy with PARI astronomers, or in the areas of expertise of visiting astronomers, atmospheric scientists or engineers.    PARI summer undergraduate students’ hands-on experience provides a strong positive influence on their academic lives and they have demonstrated the intellectual merit of their research experience.  These students relate how their experience has given them an advantage in similar challenges in their courses, Senior Research and other summer research experiences. 

PARI undergraduate summer interns share the PARI campus with high school students involved in other research and education projects.  Programs are designed to promote interaction and cross-learning opportunities.  PARI undergraduate interns serve as role models for high school students involved in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) and the Space Science Lab – two summer research experiences involving 50 high school students each year. 

PARI is a not-for-profit public foundation. As such, we work with faculty and students on ways to secure funding to support interns through grants and donation for scholarships.  Contact PARI for the current status of internships.