LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science

LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science

The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to perform cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research, learn from widely respected planetary scientists, and discover exciting careers in planetary science. During the 10-week internship, students will have opportunities to participate in enrichment activities, including lectures and career development workshops. Many of today’s planetary science leaders got their start as LPI summer interns. Every career starts somewhere, and we encourage you to join us as you embark on your journey.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute invites undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit to experience cutting-edge research in the lunar and planetary sciences. Students with majors in a physical or natural science, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are preferred, but all eligible students will be considered.

The 10-week program runs from June 6 to August 12, 2022. Summer interns will work one-on-one with a scientist from the LPI or the NASA Johnson Space Center on a research project. Interns are selected by the project advisors who look for academic excellence and scientific interest and backgrounds compatible with their specific project needs.

Given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 internship program may be held in person, virtually, or as a combination of those formats. Selected participants will be notified in March 2022 of the internship format. Interns participating in person will be located either at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center, both in Houston, Texas.

The benefits of this internship include:

• Gaining valuable research experience
• Developing new skills and refining others
• Meeting and working with professionals, establishing contacts for letters of reference and networking
• Experiencing a new work environment

The LPI is located near the NASA Johnson Space Center, on the south side of Houston, Texas. On NASA’s behalf, the LPI provides leadership in the scientific community for research in lunar, planetary, and solar system sciences, and linkage with related terrestrial programs. The deadline for applying for the 2021 program is December 13, 2021.

For more information, including eligibility and selection criteria, areas of research, and an online application form, visit https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern/.