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Opportunities with Federal Entities
Note that NOAA’s Hollings Scholarship, which provides for a research internship between students’ junior and senior years of undergraduate study, is listed on the Undergraduate Scholarships page. The following programs are grouped by their sponsoring organization.
UCAR Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS)
https://soars.ucar.edu/
SOARS is dedicated to broadening participation in the atmospheric and related sciences. It is a sophomore undergraduate to graduate program built around a summer research internship, mentoring by top scientists, and a supportive learning community. Approximately ten students are selected each year, with applications typically due by the end of January. Housing, a travel allowance, and stipend are provided, and many students subsequently present their research at national conferences.
UCAR Summer Internships in Parallel Computational Science
https://www2.cisl.ucar.edu/outreach/internships
The SIParCS program offers graduate and undergraduate students with significant hands-on research and development activities in high performance computing (HPC) and related fields that use HPC for scientific discovery and modeling. Approximately ten students are selected each year, with applications typically due in mid-late January. Housing, a travel allowance, and stipend ($26.52/hr for graduate students in 2024) are provided.
UCAR Unidata Summer Internships
https://www.unidata.ucar.edu/community/internship/
The Unidata Summer Internship program offers graduate students and upper-level undergrads an opportunity to work with Unidata software engineers and scientists on projects drawn from a wide variety of areas that overlap atmospheric and computational sciences. Approximately three students are selected each year, with applications typically due in early February. Housing, a travel allowance, and stipend are provided.
William M. Lapenta NOAA Student Internship Program
https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/lapenta-internship-program/home
The William M. Lapenta NOAA Student Internship Program annually provides approximately 40-50 upper-division undergraduate and graduate students with internship opportunities that focus on areas that will meet the present future needs of NOAA’s ever-broadening user community, including research and operations, and address strategic weather-water-climate issues. Applications are typically due in early January. A $6,000 stipend, housing, and travel arrangements are provided.
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab Summer Student Fellowships
https://ciglr.seas.umich.edu/opportunities/student-fellowships/
This summer fellows program exposes students to a broad range of fields and provides an exciting opportunity for students to conduct research in the Great Lakes region under the mentorship of a researcher or working professional. Approximately ten students are selected each year, with applications typically due in early February. A $10,000 stipend is provided, and students from outside of southeast Michigan are eligible for an additional $1,500 travel stipend for housing or a short-term visit to the GLERL.
USGS Climate Adaptation Scientists of Tomorrow Program
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/climate-adaptation-science-centers/climate-adaptation-scientists-tomorrow-program
This program seeks to train the next generation of climate scientists through summer research internships in climate science and climate adaptation. Students are supported for two consecutive summers; thus, only rising sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Approximately twenty students are selected each year, with applications typically due at the end of December. A $5,000 (minimum) stipend, housing, and travel arrangements are provided.
Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program
https://navalsteminterns.us/nreip/
The United States’ Navy’s Research Enterprise offers summer undergraduate and graduate research internships at many U.S. Navy facilities nationwide, including several (such as the Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Postgraduate School) that conduct research in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. A stipend of $7,500-$11,500, depending on a student’s level of study, is provided for this ten-week program. Applications are typically due by the start of November.
NASA Student Airborne Research Program
https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/early-career-opportunities/student-airborne-research-program/
The Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) is an eight-week summer internship program for rising senior undergraduate students to acquire hands-on research experience in all aspects of a scientific campaign using one or more NASA Airborne Science Program flying science laboratories. Approximately 30 students are selected annually for this eight-week summer program, and applications are typically due by the end of January.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Summer Internship Program
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/intern/apply/summer-internship-program/
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) offers ten-week, full-time summer internship opportunities across the range of JPL science. A competitive stipend is offered, and a housing stipend is provided for students who live more than 50 miles from JPL. Applications are typically due at the end of March.
NASA DEVELOP Internship Program
https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/what-we-do/capacity-building/develop/apply
NASA’s DEVELOP internship program focuses on interdisciplinarity research in the Earth and related sciences, particularly as it relates to remote-sensing data and their applications. Unlike many of the other internship programs listed here, the DEVELOP program is open to students throughout the year, and also accepts applications from recent graduates and early-career scientists. Summer applications are typically due in late February. A variable stipend, dependent on academic level, is provided.
NASA Undergraduate Research Opportunities
https://intern.nasa.gov/
In addition to the opportunities listed above, NASA offers approximately twenty separate undergraduate research internships of varying length, focus, and scope. Please visit the program website for further information about each of these programs, including application instructions and deadlines.
Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships
https://science.osti.gov/wdts/suli
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers by providing research experiences at one of seventeen Department of Energy laboratories. Applications for summer internships are typically due in early January; spring- and fall-semester internships are also available from a smaller number of Dept. of Energy labs. A $650/wk stipend, travel, and a housing allowance are provided. Many DOE labs also offer their own summer internships outside of this program; please visit each lab’s webpage for more information on these programs.
Opportunities at Other Universities
A list of all active NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs in the atmospheric and geospace sciences is available at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=10020. The list below is organized alphabetically by university name.
Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) Summer Internship Program
https://cw3e.ucsd.edu/cw3e-internship-program/
This nine-week summer internship program provides summer research opportunities to undergraduate students on projects regarding U.S. West Coast weather phenomena such as atmospheric rivers, hands-on field science, and the impacts of climate change. Applications are typically due in early-to-mid January. Students are paid $19/hr for 35-40 hr/wk, and housing and travel costs are provided.
Colorado State University Dept. of Atmospheric Science REU Program
https://www.atmos.colostate.edu/ATS_REU/
Colorado State University’s Dept. of Atmospheric Science hosts an REU program focused on Earth system science. Interns participate in a ten-week summer program where they join world-class atmospheric scientists investigating the science of clouds, climate and climate change, weather, and modeling. Approximately ten students are selected each year, with applications typically due in early February. Housing, a travel allowance, $7,000 stipend, and $700 food subsistence stipend are provided.
Florida Tech Statistical Models with Applications to Geoscience REU
https://research.fit.edu/smag-reu/
This program seeks to engage students from a wide range of academic backgrounds (e.g., environmental science, meteorology and atmospheric science, oceanography, math, computer science, etc.) in research related to applying statistical models to scientific problems in the geosciences. Applications are due in early-to-mid-March. Students receive a $4,800 stipend, housing, and $900 meal and travel allowance.
Jane Teranes – Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship
https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad/surf
This 10-week summer program is designed to engage students in diverse and exciting Earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences research at a world-renowned institution. A limited number of atmospheric science (namely, climate science and atmospheric chemistry)-related positions are available each year. Applications are typically due by the end of February and an $8,000 stipend, housing, and travel are provided.
Northeast Partnership for Atmospheric and Related Sciences REU
https://www.hws.edu/academics/nepars-reu/
A collaborative initiative of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Plymouth State University, NEPARS provides up to twelve research internships for undergraduate students, particularly freshman- and sophomore-level students, to conduct research across the atmospheric and related sciences. Applications are typically due in mid-February, and a $5,400 stipend, housing, and travel costs are provided.
Penn State REU in Climate Science
https://sites.psu.edu/reuclimate/
This ten-week program is available to undergraduate students to pursue research in climate science, scientific inquiry, and science communication. The program seeks to expose students to the full range of scientific exploration, from the generation of hypotheses to communicating research findings and their implications to other scientists and the general public. Approximately twelve internships are available, and students receive a $6,000 stipend and housing. Applications are typically due by mid-February.
Princeton University Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System Research Internship Program
https://cimes.princeton.edu/education-outreach/intern-program
The Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System at Princeton University, in collaboration with NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), supports undergraduate and graduate students on 8-10 week research internships in atmospheric, oceanic and earth system science, particularly relating to modeling and prediction. Approximately seven internships are available annually, and students receive a $6,300 stipend, housing, and travel support. Applications are typically due in mid-January.
Univ. at Albany Atmospheric Research and Engineering Solutions for Climate Change and Environmental Challenges REU
https://www.albany.edu/cnse/dev-research-experiences-undergraduates
This REU focuses on training students to conduct research on atmospheric sciences and environmental engineering solutions to address climate change and other environmental challenges. Eight students per year are selected, with applications due in mid-February. A $6,000 stipend, housing, meals, and travel to the REU site and to a professional conference are provided.
Univ. of Colorado ATOC REU in Data Science
https://sites.google.com/colorado.edu/atoc-reu-website/home?pli=1
This program provides students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields with a research and educational experience focused on using data-science methods to study weather, water, and climate-related topics. Applications are typically due by the start of March, and students receive a $6,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and travel support to and from Boulder, CO.
Univ. of Illinois FARM Facility Radar Institute
https://atmos.illinois.edu/summer-opportunity-farm-radar-institute
This two-week program provides undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of college with hands-on experience in radar operations and theory, planning and executing field campaigns, and data analysis. Students receive full travel, lodging, and per-diem support. Applications require a one-page statement of interest, CV, one recommendation letter, and a copy of your transcript and are due in mid-February (note: this was the 2023 deadline; 2024 program details have not yet been posted as of the start of February 2024).
Univ. of Miami REU in Coastal Infrastructure Resilience Research
https://www.coe.miami.edu/academics/programs/reu-program/index.html
This program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates from across a wide range of disciplines (including engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, and the natural and marine sciences) to engage in research in the area of coastal infrastructure resilience. Applications are typically due by the end of February. A $6,000 stipend, on-campus housing, and transportation to and from the REU site are provided.
Univ. of North Carolina-Asheville Climate Change Science, Impacts, and Resilience REU
https://reu.unca.edu/
This interdisciplinary program, which includes university, federal (NCEI), and private-sector partners, offers students the opportunity to conduct research related to climate change’s impacts on the environment, particularly around the southern Appalachian Mountains, and society. Approximately seven students are selected each year, with applications typically due in mid-February. A $6,000 stipend, housing, and a travel allowance are provided.
Univ. of North Carolina-Charlotte Research Experiences and Mentorship in Urban Systems
https://geoearth.charlotte.edu/ges-reu-program/
This program engages students in the social, ecological, and technological study of urban systems, particularly those of the Charlotte, NC metropolitan area. Research emphases include topics ranging from biodiversity, conservation, environmental justice, and more (including the atmospheric and related sciences). Students receive a $6,500 stipend, round-trip travel, and housing. Applications are typically due by the start of February.
University of Oklahoma/National Weather Center Research Experiences for Undergraduates
https://caps.ou.edu/reu/
Conduct research across the atmospheric and related sciences over a ten-week summer period with the OU/NWC Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Approximately twenty students are selected each year, with applications typically due in early February. Housing, a travel allowance, and a $6,000 stipend are provided, and students may participate remotely if their circumstances warrant.
Univ. of Utah Research Experience in Alpine Meteorology (REALM) REU
https://atmos.utah.edu/get_involved/reu/index.php
Students involved in the REALM program study the influence of alpine terrain on weather and climate processes and their related societal implications. Approximately ten students are selected each year. Applications are typically due in mid-February, and a $6,000 stipend, housing, and $1,000 in travel costs are provided.
Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison AOS Summer Research Program
https://sites.google.com/wisc.edu/storm
The UW-Madison Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Summer Research Program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to conduct research across the atmospheric sciences, including climate, clouds/precipitation, and satellite applications. Approximately ten students are selected each year. Applications are typically due in mid-February, and a $6,000 stipend, housing, travel costs, and partial meal plan are provided.
Washington State Environmental Engineering: Measurements and Modeling in the Pacific Northwest REU
https://lar.wsu.edu/reu/
This REU program provides undergraduate students in engineering and related fields an opportunity to participate in ongoing active research programs and gain hands-on experience with atmospheric chemistry measurements and modeling. Approximately seven to ten students are selected each year, with applications typically due by late February. A $5,700 stipend, free housing, and travel are provided.
Other Internship Opportunities
No specific website available.
There exist many more internships, both informal and formal, across the field, particularly in broadcast meteorology, at local National Weather Service offices, and with private-sector firms. The AMS maintains a partial list at https://internboard.ametsoc.org/jobseeker/search/results/, and many private-sector internships can be found on LinkedIn. Interested students are encouraged to directly contact the group, firm, or institution with whom they would like to intern for more information about internship opportunities and details.
Opportunities at UWM
UWM Atmospheric Science Program
Advanced Independent Reading (Atm Sci 699)
Independent Study (Atm Sci 199)
UWM Office of Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF)
The UWM Office of Undergraduate Research (https://uwm.edu/our/) provides support for undergraduate research across UWM’s campus. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program connects interested students with faculty mentors starting as early as the freshman year. College credit is available through this program. The Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows provides financial stipends to support advanced undergraduates working with a faculty mentor. Students interested in these programs should start by contacting one of the Atmospheric Sciences faculty to inquire about possible research projects under their supervision.
Undergraduate Award Programs
AMS Father James B. Macelwane Award in Meteorology
https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/information-for/students/ams-scholarships-and-fellowships/the-father-james-b-macelwane-annual-award-in-meteorology/
The AMS Father James B. Macelwane Award in Meteorologyis the highest honor that an undergraduate researcher can receive within the field. It aims to stimulate interest in meteorology among undergraduate students through the submission of original student research papers in the atmospheric and related sciences. The winner receives a $1,000 stipend, and applications are typically due in June.
AMS Travel Grants
https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/information-for/students/student-travel-grants/
AMS Travel Grants are available for senior-level undergraduates and graduate students to attend AMS conferences in which they are not presenting original research. Applications for each AMS conference for which travel grants are available typically close approximately 2-4 months prior to the conference. Travel, conference registration, and lodging are provided by these grants. Note that students must be AMS Members to be eligible for these grants.
NCAR Undergraduate Leadership Workshop
https://edec.ucar.edu/students/undergraduate-leadership-workshop
The NCAR Undergraduate Leadership Workshop is a summer workshop with the purpose of informing students about exciting research and career opportunities in the atmospheric and related sciences. It is open to junior-level students who are nominated by their home institution, and approximately twenty to twenty-five students are selected to participate per year. Applications are typically due by late March.