Above: Photos from recent trip to Storm Peak Lab and Washington D.C.
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Introduction

Geoscience Research at Storm Peak (GRASP) is a year-long program providing exceptional field research experiences for a diverse group of undergraduate students.  GRASP is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Opportunity for Enhancing Diversity in GeoScience Program, whose mission is to recruit and retain students from underrepresented groups within the geosciences.  Geoscience majors include atmospheric science, hydrology, geography, geology, meteorology, and environmental science.

See more photos from recent trip

Program

Students selected to participate in the GRASP program will be from four institutions (Howard University; Tennessee State University; Colorado State University at Pueblo; and the University of Nevada, Reno) and will assemble initially at Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL; http://stormpeak.dri.edu/), a unique facility located on the summit of Mt. Werner near Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  SPL provides an ideal location for hands-on experiences in atmospheric science with a high-elevation location, exceptional instrumentation, and a staff of knowledgeable scientists and educators. 

SPL allows students to work and live within its facilities providing an opportunity for scientific exchange.  While at SPL, students will work in small groups measuring cloud properties and trace gases with guidance of an individual instructor.  Data collected will form the basis for continuing research projects that will address climate change, atmospheric pollution, and cloud formation.  Prior to arriving at SPL, students will travel to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).  At NCAR, students will learn about supercomputing, mathematical modeling, and scientific visualization followed by an opportunity to interact with students in another research program (SOARS; http://www.soars.ucar.edu/).      

All GRASP participants will meet at the campus of Howard University the following winter for a reunion workshop.  During this workshop, students will present posters of their results and attend lectures by leading atmospheric scientists.  Extensive atmospheric science facilities available at Howard University will enable experience with remote sensing instrumentation.  The partnership between SPL and Howard University will give GRASP students exposure to both alpine and urban atmospheric science facilities.

On-line Application, Qualifications, and Selection Process

The application process is now closed.

Successful candidates to the GRASP program will have:   

• Completed the equivalent of at least one year of college by summer 2008
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Be pursuing a major in a field related to the geosciences (e.g., chemistry, atmospheric science, computer science, Earth science, engineering, environmental science, physical geography,  mathematics, meteorology, oceanography, or physics). 

Applicants will be chosen based on their academic performance and enthusiasm for science.  Two students will be selected from each of the four universities.

Dates and Costs

Dates of the summer program will be June 22–28, 2008.  Students will be informed of their selection in March 2008.