In the Summer of 2013 scientists from the Solar and Stellar X-Ray Group (SSXG) and the Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Group (SSP) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) will host undergraduate students from around the US. For 10 weeks these students will participate in cutting edge research with scientific mentors and learn the skills necessary for a successful scientific career. Special seminars will be held to increase students' public speaking and computer programming skills. Students will learn from experience about scientific research and how to apply their academic work to real-world problems. Of course, some time will be devoted to exploring Cambridge, MA and the surrounding area.

• Provide a high-quality research experience.
• Accomplish state of the art solar research.
• Develop independence, creativity, and interest for possible physics and astronomy graduate study.
• Demonstrate how academic knowledge acquired in classes applies to real-world research problems.
• Strengthen practical skills in data analysis, computer programming, theory, numerical modeling, laboratory technique, and communication.
• Develop competence and confidence in presenting scientific results in a public forum.
• Foster participation by women and underrepresented minorities in scientific research.

Participants must be full-time undergraduate students, preferably finishing their sophomore or junior years. Applications from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged. The program is limited to US citizens or green card holders.

The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world. A broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, earth and space sciences is carried out by a highly diversified staff. The CfA is the center of pioneering efforts in the development of orbiting observatories, large ground-based telescopes, the application of computers to astrophysical problems, and the integration of laboratory measurements, theoretical astrophysics, and observations across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Located a short walk away from the main Harvard campus and the famous Harvard Square, CfA is close to restaurants, shopping, and museums. The abundance of public transportation makes travel around the Cambridge and Boston areas a snap.

The 2013 Solar Intern Program will be June 9 - August 17, 2013.

Students will be housed in a dormitory room nearby the CfA. The stipend for the summer is $5000. The student must be available for the entire 10 weeks of the program.

Intern and Mentor funding provided by NASA and the National Science Foundation. The NSF REU portion of the funding for the CfA Solar Intern Program is still under review for 2013.