CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, & Engineering (CREATE)

Overview

The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) offers a variety of undergraduate research experiences to students from partner organizations and institutions through the CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, and Engineering (CREATE). CREATE provides summer internships for at least six students within the consortium annually. The CREATE program places a high priority on providing interns with a supportive environment for them to develop and advance their career ambitions and goals. Students in the program are provided multiple mentors through a mentoring network built from the CfA community. Students learn to perform research with a dedicated research advisor. Students develop general research and professional skills through a series of specialized seminars.

Given the broad range of activities at the CfA, CREATE can offer experiences not only in Astronomy, but across the STEM fields, from mathematics to STEM communication. We welcome undergraduate STEM from an equally wide range of backgrounds.

Information

Eligibility

The CREATE program is open to current undergraduate science majors from our partner institutions (UMass System, Worcester State University, San Antonio College, and the University of Texas at San Antonio). Preference is given to students in their sophomore and junior years as students may be invited to continue on a project at the conclusion of their internship. Additionally, internship assignments require preliminary coursework or skill requirements common to undergraduate students in their second or third year of study.

Acceptance

Students will be notified directly by the Program Coordinators about their acceptance into the internship program. This notification will be provided by April.

Length of Appointment

CREATE internships occur over a 10-week period starting June 1st and ending in August 7th. Participants must be available for the duration of the program. Following the completion of the program, students will be invited and supported to present their research at a national conference (e.g., American Astronomical Society, SACNAS, AGU, etc.). Students are expected to spend 35 hours a week at the Center for Astrophysics during the summer months.

Compensation

Students receive a stipend of $800/week during the 10-week internship program. Dormitory housing in the Boston-area is provided at no charge during the 10-week internship program. Travel costs to arrive at CfA for the start of the program and to return to the students primary location at the end of the program will be provided. Travel will be arranged with the CfA and must be purchased by the CfA. Travel for the national conference will also be covered by the CfA for all participants.

Expectations from Students

Students will spend 35 hours during the week on their internship in the summer. In the summer months, students are expected to participate in the professional development seminars and regular meetings with their mentoring network. Finally, students are expected to present their research to the CfA community at the end of their summertime. Students are provided with instruction, support, and practice sessions to prepare their presentations.

Apply

Deadline for Applications: February 10, 2026

Application deadline is February 10th and applicant selection will begin shortly after, however, applications can be accepted until March 1st but may not receive consideration if the available positions are already filled.

Applications require a nomination from CREATE coordinators and/or partner organizations. To receive a nomination, contact the CREATE Program Coordinators ([email protected]) and provide the materials listed below.

Materials for Nomination

To receive a nomination for the CREATE program, you must provide the following information as PDF files:

• CV/Resume: Please provide a current CV or resume. CV must include your current institution, major, and level (sophomore, junior, etc.), relevant work/research experience, relevant coursework, and existing skills with an estimate of proficiency in the listed skills (novice, expert, etc.). Note: having expert skills is not a requirement as we provide training opportunities.

Once you have received and reviewed materials, you will be directed to a full application portal that will collect additional information, including a personal essay about your interest in STEM, potential research area(s), and desired personal outcomes from the internship.