EXPLORE HABITABLE WORLDS @ THE PHL

The Planetary Habitability Laboratory (PHL) seeks undergraduate and graduate university students for research projects. The PHL is a computational laboratory (dry-lab) where students use computers to acquire and analyze data about Earth, the Solar System, or exoplanets. Most of our projects are centered on studying planetary habitability, aiming to understand the potential habitable environments beyond Earth in the universe. Our data is derived from various sources, including laboratory experiments, ground or satellite observations, planetary probes, and telescopes.

Requirements

To participate in a research project at the PHL, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Interest: Have an interest in pursuing a career in planetary sciences, astronomy, or astrobiology.

2. STEM: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).

3. GPA: Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

4. Programming: Preferably programming experience, especially in Python or R.

5. Citizenship: Hold U.S. citizenship.

Responsabilities

Research student responsibilities at the PHL can vary widely depending on the specific project and the student's role within the team. However, there are common responsibilities and tasks that research students are expected to undertake. These include:

1. Conducting Research: Participating in ongoing research projects, which may involve designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing this data using statistical and computational methods. This could involve programming to model or simulate planetary environments or other forms of data relevant to planetary habitability.

2. Literature Review: Keeping up-to-date with the latest scientific literature relevant to the project. This includes reading and summarizing scientific papers, attending seminars and lectures, and engaging with the scientific community through conferences.

3. Report Writing: Preparing reports and presentations on research findings. This could include writing results for scientific journal publications, preparing conference poster presentations, or delivering oral presentations to peers and faculty.

4. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other students, researchers, and faculty members. This may involve regular meetings to discuss project progress, share findings, and brainstorm new ideas or approaches to research challenges.

5. Professional Development: Engaging in activities aimed at professional growth, such as attending workshops on research methods, scientific writing, or presentation skills. Participating in outreach and education activities may also be encouraged or required.

Benefits

Students participating in research projects at the PHL stand to gain a wide range of academic and professional benefits, which can significantly enrich their educational experience and enhance their career prospects. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Practical Experience and Skill Development: Students gain hands-on experience in real-world research and develop valuable skills, including scientific method, data analysis, critical thinking, and technical abilities specific to their field.

2. Professional Networking and Career Opportunities: Participation in research projects opens up networking opportunities with professionals in the field, which can lead to mentorship, future collaborations, and enhanced job prospects in academia, government, and the private sector.

3. Academic Advancement: Opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and present findings at conferences bolster students' resumes, making them more competitive for advanced studies or research positions.

4. Intellectual Growth and Personal Fulfillment: The research challenge fosters intellectual development and offers personal satisfaction from contributing to the advancement of science and solving complex problems.

5. Financial Support: Some research roles provide financial benefits, such as stipends or scholarships, helping alleviate educational costs while allowing students to engage in valuable scientific work.

Cources for Undergraduates Students

Local Funding Opportunities

• Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium (NASA PRSGC). Qualifying undergraduate and graduate research students in any STEM field could receive a fellowship of $800 per month and travel to present results at a scientific conference.

• Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (PR-LSAMP). Qualifying undergraduate research students in any STEM field could receive a fellowship of $800 per semester, $200 for materials, and travel to present results at a scientific conference.

• Ana Cristina Oquendo Fellowship. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate research students in any STEM field could receive a fellowship of up to $500 per year for any research need, such as materials, training, registration, or travel to scientific conferences.

• Fondo Dotal. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate students in any STEM field could receive a yearly fellowship of up to $1,200.

How to Participate

To start your involvement in any of the PHL's research projects, you can begin by completing the form link provided below (UPR's login required). Following your submission, you may be invited for an interview during the selection process.