# REU Site: University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Hawaii (HI) · $429,454

## Abstract

The University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA) REU program offers individually mentored research experiences at the forefront of astronomical exploration to foster and enhance the careers of a cohort of aspiring undergraduates and teaching professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The experience extends beyond the students’ research to include activities that promote their professional development as researchers, educators, and communicators.  Students will be inspired by visits to observatories on Maunakea, complete research projects based on data from these and other facilities, participate in observations with scientists of the Institute for Astronomy, and help host public events. Students are funded to present and publish their research in professional conferences and journals.

With over 40 faculty and staff mentors pursuing a broad range of astrophysical research participants will be immersed in the IfA's world-class research environment. Faculty at the IfA develop state-of-the-art detectors and instrumentation for optical and infrared telescopes. This program will support training in critical and emerging technologies and help develop the next-generation STEM workforce. Students will be trained in a large set of skills including coding, Python programming, version control, and workflow resources. Given the nature of the projects offered by the University of Hawaiʻi, students will be trained in advanced computational techniques for analysis of large datasets, statistics, and inference algorithms that form the basis of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Examples of these projects are the analysis of datasets collected by TESS and GALEX on stellar flares and black hole variability. Participants develop their presentation skills via instruction on preparing poster and oral presentations and then giving them to an audience of professional scientists. Their research projects culminate in a poster presentation at a prof

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2548017
- **Awardee organization:** University of Hawaii (HI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NSCKLFSSABF2
- **PI:** Roy R Gal
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS, OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site
- **Estimated total:** $429,454
- **Funds obligated:** $429,454
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 05/01/2026 → 04/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2548017

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2548017, REU Site: University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2548017. Licensed CC0.

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