- Leter from Dr. Julie Brisset (Principal Investigator of the Arecibo Observatory)13 Sep, 2022
- Arecibo Deputy Principal Scientist to Explore the Cosmos with the JWST02 Sep, 2022
- Letter from the Director22 Aug, 2022
- Piercing through the Clouds of Venus with Arecibo Radar17 Aug, 2022
- Summer greetings from the Facilities and Operations Team!17 Aug, 2022
- Arecibo Observatory at the Small Bodies Assessment Group12 Aug, 2022
- Meet the 2022 Arecibo Observatory REU students!11 Aug, 2022
- Meet Luis R. Rivera Gabriel, Research Intern in the Planetary Radar Group09 Aug, 2022
- Updates from the 2022 CEDAR Workshop in Austin, TX09 Aug, 2022
- Insights into the AAS Conference from AO Analyst Anna McGilvray08 Aug, 2022
- American Astronomical Society’s 240th Meeting: Plenary Lecture Building the Future of Radio Science with the Arecibo Observatory by Dr. Héctor Arce. 28 Jul, 2022
- TRENDS 202227 Jul, 2022
- Advancing IDEA in Planetary Science 27 Jul, 2022
- The Arecibo Observatory: An Engine for Science and Scientists in Puerto Rico and Beyond27 Jul, 2022
- Cryogenic Frontend work for the 12m telescope entering phase II21 Jul, 2022
- Remote Optical Facility Updates20 Jul, 2022
Meet the 2022 Arecibo Observatory REU students!
Byelliot.gonzalez11 August 2022 Education
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The Arecibo Observatory has operated undergraduate internship programs since 1972. AO hosted one of the first astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and has continued to host them since 1987. The AO REU program is currently funded by the NSF to support active research participation by undergraduate students and teachers.
At the beginning of the summer we asked the 2022 REU students about their motivation for pursuing STEM internships, what research projects they’re working on, why they wanted to work at the Arecibo Observatory, and what their experience has been like so far.
The students are working on a wide variety of projects from aerosols to asteroids to pulsars! Learn a little more about their contributions and what they’ve thought of their time at the Arecibo Observatory.
| REU Student | AO Mentor | Student University |
| Adrián Duchesne | Dr. Bentege Perera | University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras |
| Mitchell Larscheid | Dr. Jens Lautenbach | Florida Institute of Technology |
| Alexander O. Molina | Dr. P.K. Manoharan | Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo |
| Jorge A. Ortiz | Eng. Jorge Herrera | University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez |
| Julián Ramos | Dr. Anish Roshi | University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras |
| Coralys Michelle, Ginés Torres | Luisa Zambrano Marin | Interamerican University, Bayamón |
| Reese Williams | Dr. Maxime Devogèle | Lander University, South Carolina |
Adrián Duschesne:
Mentor: Dr. Benetege Perera
What project are you working on?
Pulsar J1713+0747 happens to be one of the best pulsars to monitor regularly for the purpose of low-frequency gravitational wave detection with Pulsar Timing Arrays due to its rotational and emission stability. However, this pulsar went on a significant emission event last year in April. The project will encompass the study of the observations to characterize the frequency-dependent emission variation of the pulsar over time in detail. The high time-resolution observations of the pulsar before and after the event will also be further used to study its emission at the single-pulse level, including polarization variation.
Why did you choose the REU Program at the Arecibo Observatory?
In short I used AO, because it's like a home to me. I started in the STAR Academy in 2020 and I learned so much from that experience that I wanted to challenge myself with more complex topics with the skills that I acquired during the years in my university.
Coralys Michelle Ginés Torres
Mentor: Luisa Zambrano Marin
What project are you working on?
I have always admired the Arecibo Observatory and as a woman growing up in STEM I knew that one day I wanted to work in this beautiful place. When I saw the REU Program I knew I didn't want to miss that chance so I had to apply, because this would be a great opportunity to get to know the place where I could work in the future. I know all the work they do in the Arecibo Observatory is important and is an honor to be part of this year's REU students.
Why did you choose the REU Program at the Arecibo Observatory?
I have always admired the Arecibo Observatory and as a woman growing up in STEM I knew that one day I wanted to work in this beautiful place. When I saw the REU Program I knew I didn't want to miss that chance so I had to apply, because this would be a great opportunity to get to know the place where I could work in the future. I know all the work they do in the Arecibo Observatory is important and is an honor to be part of this year's REU students.
Mitchell Larscheid
Mentor: Dr. Jens Lautenbach
What project are you working on?
I am working alongside Dr. Jens Lautenbach on the Culebra Aerosol Research Lidar (CARLA) project. The focus of this project is to study the presence, motion, and impact of aerosol particles in the atmosphere using lidar technology with a specific focus on studying the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). In this project my current work is centered around creating software to handle live video processing using Python.
What has been the most exciting part of your REU experience so far?
The most exciting and interesting part of the program so far was likely our tour underneath the remains of the reflector dish. Being so close to the dish made it clear how incredibly massive it actually is, and it made viewing it all the more impactful. As for the most exciting part of my research, that would be when—after a few weeks of work—I had a substantial breakthrough in my coding that opened up many possibilities for my research to come.
Alexander Molina
Mentor: Dr. P.K. Manoharan
What project are you working on?
The investigation that I am working on this summer is regarding one of the Sun's bursts named CME or Coronal Mass Ejection, and through this project I have to investigate how they develop in the Sun, how they travel through space and their impact on Earth. This investigation is very important, since this type of burst can affect satellites, astronauts, produce geomagnetic storms and can affect any electrical equipment.
What has been the most exciting part of your REU experience so far?
I think the most exciting part of the REU program is being able to work hand-and-hand with a great number of scientists that help you all the way no matter the problem that you encounter and also the way they are able to teach us how to develop in any research environment. I know these experiences will help me polish my skills and provide me with the necessary tools needed to develop in a professional environment.
Jorge Ortiz
Mentor: Jorge Herrera
What project are you working on?
My project is the creation of a dashboard for the 12m antennae, an operator’s log to track information about the antenna’s events, and to keep records of said events.
Why did you choose the REU Program at the Arecibo Observatory?
I chose this program because I have always been attracted to research and space. The REU experience will help me get hands-on experience developing a full-stack web application that can be applied in any other industry.
Julián Ramos
Mentor: Dr. Anish Roshi
What project are you working on?
This summer I’m working under the mentorship of Dr. Anish Roshi and our project aims to determine the fractions of helium ionized gas in the Cygnus X region. This will help to understand the under-ionization of Helium in the diffuse gas around the region.
Why did you choose the REU Program at the Arecibo Observatory?
I chose this program because the Arecibo Observatory has always been known to have the brightest minds in different fields from all over the world. Many significant discoveries have been made here. As a Puertorican, this place has been part of my culture and I am very proud of that.
Reese Williams
Mentor: Dr. Maxime Devogèle
What project are you working on?
My research focuses on characterizing a potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroid (2002QF15). This project involves analyzing various types of data to reveal properties and develop a 3-D shape model of 2002QF15. My research is particularly important for planetary defense.
Why did you choose the REU Program at the Arecibo Observatory?
I chose to apply for the Arecibo Observatory REU Program because I would be able to undergo research and gain experience in areas that are not offered at my university. This opportunity would help me develop skills necessary for my future career. In addition, I knew this opportunity would help propel me towards selecting the optimal graduate school path.
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Keywords: education, training, REU