UH Hilo astronomy students present their research at UH systemwide symposium

Students in the physics and astronomy program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo presented their research at a UH systemwide symposium held April 21, 2024, at UH Mānoa.

Undergraduate researchers Angela Claibourn, Augustus Coffey, and Atlas Syncatto each worked on individual projects, and Edward Ward and Mekhi Woods worked on a joint project. The research was supported by mentors from UH Hilo, Gemini Observatory, and UH Institute for Astronomy.

Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium logo with aerial graphic of Hawaiian islands. Blue and gold colors.The students conducted their work as part of the University Research Internship program headed by the Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium. The consortium’s mission is to expand educational opportunities for UH System undergraduates by awarding internships in fields that are relevant to NASA’s goals. The purpose is to support the national Space Grant agenda to help prepare future generations of space scientists and engineers, and to increase the understanding and development of space.

Pierre Martin, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at UH Hilo who is a mentor to one of this semester’s interns, says the internships are an opportunity for UH Hilo students to be initiated into world-class research while deepening their knowledge of their field of study.

“Interns can also develop their skills in writing and presenting scientific results while broadening their horizons by discovering what their peers are doing in research across the state of Hawaiʻi,” says Martin. “Many students have commented over the years how decisive these internships have been during their academic path and in preparing them toward their next career steps, either in graduate school or by entering the job market.”

During the spring semester, students working solo during their internships worked 10-15 hours a week on their projects. Financial support included a stipend of $5,000, and a travel and supply budget of $1,000 per semester.

The two student interns collaborating on the joint project worked 5-10 hours a week. Financial support included a stipend of $2,500 for each student, and a travel and supply budget of $500 per semester.

“As faculty, we are all very grateful for these opportunities for our students and hope this wonderful program continues for years to come,” says Associate Professor Martin.