What to Expect

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NAC Summer Experience

What to expect

The NAC cohort program consists of the following key ingredients:

  • While at the cohort sites, the students participate in weekly NAC group meetings and NAC activities. Summer schedules include, with some customization at each site, the following:
    • professional development workshops
    • "nag-and-brag" check-ins
    • opportunities to meet with inspirational and influential professionals in the field of astronomy
    • conversations with representatives from a variety of career areas in astronomy (e.g. scientists, data analysts, EPO, human resources, etc.)
    • public speaking, networking, and talking about your science training
  • Following the summer internship experience, students attend the NAC workshop (typically held in September in Washington, DC), where they present their research to each other, and to representatives from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, professional societies, and universities from around the country.

Beyond the Summer

  • Over the fall semester, the students are expected to continue their research at their home institution in collaboration with their home faculty member and the NAC mentor in preparation for the AAS meeting. 
  • Additionally the students are encouraged to remain actively involved with the NAC via events arranged by the NAC CORE (cohort alums who help facilitate peer-engagement among NAC alums).
  • NAC students are expected to present a poster, describing their summer research, at the Winter AAS meeting. Students will work with their mentor to design a poster, and submit an abstract in late September to the AAS. The NAC program provides full travel support for students who present at the AAS meeting.
  • The NAC program offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities to NAC alums well beyond their summer experience (see Resources for NAC Alumni tab).

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.