What does it mean to "meet the goals of NASA"?
This means working on projects that help further science and engineering in the many fields that impact NASA - like all the departments in the College of Science and Mathematics. Think beyond the box of astronomy and astrophysics - it could be mathematical or computational modeling of phenomena on Earth or space or building drones or doing research using data of the Earth taken with NASA satellites or building a part for a drone with a 3-D printer or studying the hardiest plants that could grow on Mars - there are so many ways that NASA integrates all the disciplines of science. The ultimate goal is that you can get research experience that will hopefully inspire you to continue in the sciences, and perhaps one day, maybe even work for NASA - or a company that does!
How could my field of study contribute to the goals of NASA?
There are so many ways! View this document to learn more.
How do I find a mentor or pick a project?
Maybe you have an idea for a project but don't have a mentor - start with a professor you know in a closely related field and ask if they know of someone who might be good to talk with about your idea. Or, if you know a little bit about a faculty member's work and want to get involved, ask to sit down and talk about it. From there, you can ask if there is an appropriate project for you to work on. It all starts with talking to a faculty - or staff - member!
What are some examples of projects BSU students have been involved with?
Here are some past projects:
Why are only US Citizens allowed to apply?
This is a rule set by NASA itself and MASGC affiliates have to adhere to the policy.
How does the pay work?
A check for the full amount you are entitled to is usually sent to your preferred address at the end of each semester or summer. We may be able to break the funds into two chunks as well. There are no taxes taken out of these funds - it is your responsibility to account for that when filing your taxes.
Can I do more than one Space Grant Project a semester?
You cannot do two semester or summer projects in the same semester or summer. You can have a semester grant and work on BEAR team, for example, as long as the work you are doing does not overlap resulting in double pay for the same work.
Who can serve as a mentor?
Full and part time faculty, as well as staff, can serve as mentors on semester projects and summer projects. Keep in mind, though, that if you want to grow this project into a thesis or an ATP summer project, only full time faculty can mentor those types of work.
Who are the other members of the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium?
Other MASCG affiliates include MIT, Wellesley College, UMass Amherst, Lowell, and Dartmouth, BU, Harvard, Maria Mitchell Observatory, Tufts, Williams, WPI, Mt. Holyoke, Olin College of Engineering, Northeastern, Framingham State and the Christa McAuliffe/Challenger Center, the Museum of Science, Worcester State, and Roxbury Community College.
