Country: United States of America

Duration: 10 weeks

Stipend: $10,000

Introduction:

The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to perform cutting-edge research. And learn from widely respected planetary scientists, and discover exciting careers in planetary science. During the 10-week internship, students have opportunities to participate in enrichment activities, including lectures and career development workshops

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

The 10-week program runs from June 2–August 8, 2025. Summer interns will work one-on-one with a scientist from the LPI or the NASA Johnson Space Center on a research project.

Selections are made based on information provided in the submitted application, such as academic experience and scientific interests, as well as specific research project requirements. Selected participants will be notified in March 2025. Interns participating in person will be located either at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center, both in Houston, Texas.

Benefits:

• 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.

Financial Benefits:

Selected interns will receive up to $8056 in financial support to cover the costs associated with their stay in Houston during the program. This amount covers the internship stipend, travel, housing, and cost of living expenses. Housing costs are paid directly to the housing vendor on behalf of the intern from this total.

Interns who complete the internship program and meet program requirements by submitting an accepted abstract as first author to the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Science Conference are eligible to receive a stipend of up to $1,500 to defray travel expenses.

Eligibility:

Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit are eligible. Students with majors in physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are preferred, but all eligible students will be considered. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, or other protected status.

Selection is based on these criteria:

• Scholarship, curriculum, and experience
• Career objectives and scientific interest
• Match of applicant’s interest with available research projects

Timelines:

Dates	Events
December 12, 2024	Application Deadline
March 2025	Notification of Selections
June 2, 2025	Program Begins
August 6, 2025	LPI Summer Intern Conference
August 8, 2025	Program Ends
August 9, 2025	Departure

Application Requirements

You must apply using the online application form (Link given Below). Paper applications will not be accepted.

Once you begin the application, you must complete all questions on the form, including the essay-style questions. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your application number and a link to view the status of your letters of recommendation. You are required to submit at least two (maximum three) letters of recommendation and official transcripts to qualify for the program.

Transcripts and letters of recommendation may be submitted independently via the online application system, but they must be received by December 12, 2024, 11:59 p.m. U.S. CST, for your application to be considered. All application materials must be submitted in English.

Deadline:

The last date to apply for LPI Summer Intern Program is 12th December 2024.