CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, and Engineering (CREATE)

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) offers a variety of undergraduate research experiences to students from partner organizations and institutions through the CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, and Engineering (CREATE). CREATE provides summer internships for at least six students within the consortium annually thanks to generous support from the National Museum of the American Latino and the National Science Foundation. The CREATE program places a high priority on providing interns with a supportive environment for them to develop and advance their career ambitions and goals. Students in the program are provided multiple mentors through a mentoring network built from the CfA community. Students learn to perform research with a dedicated research advisor. Students develop general research and professional skills through a series of specialized seminars.

Given the broad range of activities at the CfA, CREATE can offer experiences not only in Astronomy, but across the STEM fields, from mathematics to STEM communication. We welcome undergraduate STEM from an equally wide range of backgrounds.

Funding Acknowledgements

This program received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1745460. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Eligibility

The CREATE program is open to current undergraduate science majors from our partner institutions. Preference is given to students in their sophomore and junior years as students may be invited to continue on a project at the conclusion of their internship. Additionally, internship assignments require preliminary coursework or skill requirements common to undergraduate students in their second or third year of study.

Acceptance

Students will be notified directly by the Program Coordinators about their acceptance into the internship program. This notification will be provided in April or earlier.

Length of Appointment

CREATE internships occur over a 10-week period starting in June and ending in August. Following the completion of the program, students will be invited and supported to present their research at a national conference (e.g., American Astronomical Society, SACNAS, AGU, etc.). Students are expected to spend 35 hours a week at the Center for Astrophysics during the summer months.

Compensation

Students receive a stipend of $800/week during the 10-week internship program. Dormitory housing in the Boston-area is provided at no charge during the 10-week internship program. Travel costs to arrive at CfA for the start of the program and to return to the students primary location at the end of the program will be provided. Travel will be arranged with the CfA and must be purchased by the CfA. Travel for the national conference will also be covered by the CfA for all participants.

Expectations from Students

Students will spend 35 hours during the week on their internship in the summer. In the summer months, students are expected to participate in the professional development seminars and regular meetings with their mentoring network. Finally, students are expected to present their research to the CfA community at the end of their summertime. Students are provided with instruction, support, and practice sessions to prepare their presentations.

Deadline for Applications: March 22, 2024

Application deadline is March 22nd, but applications will be accepted until April 1st.

The first time you go to the link below you will need to register for a login password. When you see the Login page, click on the "Update Account" button. This will take you to a form where you will create your account. Make sure that you remember your password so that you can return to the same application to finish your application, or to make changes.

The online application can be found at:

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION LOGIN

Application Instructions & Required Materials

Complete the following sections of the online application:

• User Information Section
• Personal Information Section
• University Information Section
• List of 2 references 
• Brief personal statement detailing how the student became interested in STEM and how their identity has shaped that interest.

Upload these files in PDF or Text Format:

• Resume
• Copy of Transcript

How do I apply?

Applications to the program are limited to students enrolled in undergraduate programs at our partner organizations. Our partner organizations include schools in the UMass System, Worcester State University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

How do I register online?

Go to the Application Login page. Select "Update Account" then "Register". On the Registration page, enter your full email address and a password of your choice. Repeat the password for verification and select "Register Now." Your application is considered complete when you use the "Application Complete" button. You can update information until the application deadline even after marking your application as complete.

I am an international student, can I apply?

No, at this time, international students are not eligible for CREATE internships. Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is March 22, 2024.

What format is required for uploading files?

Files should be in pdf format. If this is not possible, postscript or plain text is acceptable.

Can I edit my application online?

Yes, you can access the application as many times as you want until the deadline. After entering the new information, click on the "Save" button. You can enter more information or edit existing information each time. You can upload new files to replace existing ones until the deadline.

If my password does not work, what should I do?

On the "Fellowship Application: Login" page select "Reset Password" and a new password will be emailed to you if you have already successfully registered.

How will I know if all my application materials have been received?

After logging in to the application, select "View Application Status" to check what remains incomplete in your application. In addition, when viewing your application online, you can check previously uploaded files by clicking on the numbered button provided.

What should I do if I notice an error in my application after I submit it?

Until the deadline, you can access the application to make corrections, including uploading new versions of the pdf files.

What if I decide to withdraw my application?

If you want to withdraw your application, send an email to create@cfa.harvard.edu stating your full name and which fellowship application you wish to withdraw.

What if I have other questions?

Please send an email inquiry to us at create@cfa.harvard.edu.

How do I get notified of my acceptance into the Program?

The Program Coordinators at the CfA, will contact you to set up an interview with a potential adviser after your application materials have been reviewed. The Program Coordinators will notify you by email of your acceptance after your virtual interview(s) with program members.

How many hours a week do I spend as an intern at the Observatory?

Students work 35 hours during the summer from the first week of June until the second week of August. Each intern will work with their research advisor(s) and mentoring network to schedule regular meetings. There is flexibility with your schedule but it must be approved by your research advisor.

How do I get paid?

Interns get paid a stipend of $800/week over the 10-week summer program. The stipend payments will be made in installments over the summer period.

Do I have the opportunity to present my research?

Yes, at the end of your summer research experience, generally in the second week of August you will have the opportunity to present your research at the CfA. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to present your research at a national conference appropriate to your research area and research advisor’s recommendation (e.g., American Astronomical Society, SACNAS, AGU, etc.).