The Program in Climate and Space Science Observation (PICASSO) at the University of Michigan seeks to engage a highly-motivated and collaborative cohort of undergraduate students to participate in its summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site program titled: Program in Climate and Space Science Observation (PICASSO). This REU program is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The program is open to undergraduate students from any academic discipline who are interested in exploring a potential career in the fields of meteorology, climate science, and space & planetary sciences. As part of our program, participants will engage in the following activities while on campus: (a) a faculty mentor-guided research project, the goals of which will be designed with the participation of the students themselves, (b) peer-mentoring performed by the department's graduate students and post docs, (c) a professional development seminar series, (d) community-building activities which will strengthen their relationships within the REU student cohort, and (e) an end-of-program poster fair in which students will present their work to CLASP Department faculty, students and staff. Successful applicants will receive a $7000 stipend for their participation in our ten-week program. Additionally, the program will cover costs related to travel to/from the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus, room and board while on campus, as well as travel to/from a professional meeting where students will present the results of their work. NOTE: When completing the Personal Statement portion of this application, please let us know elements of your personal story (What brings you joy? What excites you about the fields of meteorology, climate science, and space & planetary sciences?), rather than simply providing a long list of accomplishments. Additional Questions? Email clasp-reu@umich.edu
atmospheric science, meteorology, climate science, climate variability, climate adaptation, atmospheric aerosols, atmospheric chemistry, air quality, space science, space weather, planetary atmospheres, space-based remote sensing, numerical modeling
Our program is accepting applications from undergraduate students who will be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in the Fall 2026 semester. While we are interested in hearing from students with all ranges of research experience (none to extensive), we are particularly interested in hearing from students who have not previously had an NSF REU research internship at another institution, as we seek to help the NSF support as many unique students as possible.
