The second annual Alice Palma Summer Research Program for undergraduates began in May, thanks to the generosity of the Palma Family. This 10-week program supports undergraduate students over the summer to carry out research projects with faculty and graduate student mentors. This summer six students are participating, working on research projects from exoplanets to distant galaxies.
In addition to engaging undergraduates in research, the Alice Palma program also provides mentoring training and experience for our graduate students and postdocs. Students and mentors meet together each week about topics in professional development, including ethics, Python coding, writing scientific papers with LaTeX, accessing data from large surveys, and other topics. Students also gain experience using IU supercomputers through their research At the end of the summer, students present their research to the department in poster form. Students then have the opportunity to continue their research into the fall.
The Alice Palma program has provided a clear pathway for our undergraduate students to get started with research and to engage more deeply with the department. It’s a win for everyone!
The College of Arts