For more than 60 years, the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) has offered summer research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics for students on the picturesque island of Nantucket. Each summer, six internship positions are available for qualified undergraduate astronomy and physics students through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which is supported by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

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NSF-REU students at the MMA work on individualized research projects under the guidance of experienced astronomers. Some current areas of research include:

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• Exoplanets and Their Host Stars
• Variable Stars
• Star Formation and Star Clusters
• Supernova Remnants
• Black Holes and Quasars
• Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and Their Host Galaxies
• Galaxy Formation and Evolution
• Dark Matter
• Astrophysical Masers and Lasers
• Software Development
• History and Culture of Astronomy

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Research at the MMA emphasizes state-of-the-art data reduction techniques and thoughtful physical interpretation. Data for projects are obtained from various cutting-edge ground and space-based telescopes including the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Space Telescope, and Keck Observatory, to name a few. Students also obtain data and develop their hands-on observational skills with the MMA’s 24″ and 17″ research telescopes equipped with modern CCD cameras. In addition, students have access to the digitized photographic plate collections of the MMA and the Harvard College Observatory, a unique historical resource for studies of variable objects over long time periods.

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The MMA is a recognized leader in training the next generation of astronomers. Since its inception in 1957, hundreds of undergraduate students have discovered the joy of doing astronomical research surrounded by the natural beauty of Nantucket island. Many have gone on to successful careers as astronomers at leading universities, observatories and other organizations around the world.

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In 2009, the MMA received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama for its half-century long program of mentoring undergraduate student research in astronomy.

• The MMA offers six NSF-REU internships in astronomy each summer. These positions provide an opportunity for students to conduct independent research under the supervision of senior staff of the MMA and visiting scientists.
• To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution with a planned graduation date after September of the current year.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.
• The MMA requires all interns to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their arrival on Nantucket.