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Undergraduate Summer Research Program (USRP)

The Undergraduate Summer Research Program (USRP) is a summer research program run by the Department of Astrophysical Sciences, where 15-20 students carry out astrophysics research projects under the supervision of faculty and postdoc advisors. The summer starts with a week-long intensive workshop on computer programming and astronomical statistics. Students then work one-on-one with a faculty member or a postdoc on an independent research project; some even co-author research articles for peer-reviewed journals based on their summer research.

Program Details

• The program is currently only open to applications from Princeton University students.
• The program duration coincides with the University's "Summer Village" (June 1 - August 3).
• Every accepted student will receive a stipend of $5,400 and will be accommodated in University housing.
• Exceptions from University housing (e.g., for family or health reasons) may be requested individually.

Application Requirements

• A brief essay consisting of approximately two paragraphs, no more than one page (reasonable margins, 12-point font).
  • The first paragraph should briefly describe course-work and/or previous research experiences that you feel are relevant.
  • The second paragraph should describe why you would like to participate in the summer program. Please also indicate the subject in which you intend to major.
• On a separate page, please provide a list of the courses you have taken and the grades received (a screenshot from the registrar's website will suffice).

Sample Student Research Topics

• Albedos and Phase Curves for an Arbitrary Scattering Phase Function – The Semi-Infinite Case
• Searching Solar Spectra for Seismic Signals
• X-Ray Emissions of Supernova Remnants in Interstellar Medium
• Far-UV Radiation and Molecular Gas Modeling in a Galaxy with RAMSES-RT
• Studying Changing-State Active Galactic Nuclei with Scarlet2
• SED Modeling of Type-1 Quasars
• Beyond ACDM: Massive Neutrinos, Dark Energy, and More
• Exploring Magnetic Field Growth in Disk Galaxies Through the Framework of α − Ω Dynamo Theory
• Polarized Raytracing of Black Hole Magnetospheres
• High-Velocity Quasar Outflow and their X-Ray Properties
• 1D Models of Core-Collapse
• Miscentering of Clusters of Galaxies from HSC and ACT
• Investigating Host Properties of Exoplanets Using Gaia DR3
• Smoothing Out the "Carbuncles" in Fluid Shock Simulations
• Automating Inspection of Attenuation Grids and Carbon Foils
• Magellan Spectra of Star Forming Dwarf Galaxies

Program Benefits

• Participating in the summer program is an excellent introduction to research astronomy.
• For students interested in majoring in astrophysics, it is a great way to learn whether this is something you would like to pursue for a career (many former participants have gone on to graduate school and to careers in astronomy and other sciences).