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NSF REU Site: UMBC EXPLORE 2026

1 June – 7 August

UMBC, Baltimore, MD

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Come and EXPLORE with us!

Our summer research internships will get you deep into exploring the ever-growing field of Earth and Atmospheric sciences. You can choose to spend your summer in the lab, looking at the satellite images or field data collected by sensors developed by our team, playing with Earth system models, and analyzing long term trends. Thanks to the funding provided by the National Science Foundation, you will be in the most exciting place collaborating with world leading scientists that work across the universities (UMBC and MSU) in collaboration with government agencies (NASA and NOAA).

What is EXPLORE?

EXPeriments in Earth and Atmospheric Science: Learning Opportunities and Research Experience (EXPLORE) research internships are 10-week residential experiences focused on a wide range of scientific and networking activities within the field of Earth and Atmospheric Science. Students contribute meaningfully to research projects led by faculty from several programs and departments, with additional mentoring and professional development activities. Research projects and cohort activities take place at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland.

 

The experience includes:

  • Hands-on research
  • Laboratory and field training
  • Introductory lectures and special seminars on Earth Science
  • Professional development workshops, networking, and science training opportunities
  • Cohort-building activities and field trips

Award Details

Program Benefits:

  • 10-week summer research
  • $7,000 stipend
  • Travel and housing provided

Research Projects

This is our first summer of EXPLORE, summer research projects will vary from year to year, all being integral components of a larger picture. Projects may include lab work and/or largely be computational, depending on the topic.

2026 Projects

The list of projects for summer of 2026 is listed below. Research interns will be matched with projects based on their interests, scientific background and project availability.

  • Dr. Adriana Rocha Lima (Physics/UMBC) – Studying the variability of atmospheric particles to improve satellite remote sensing and modeling
  • Dr. Andrew Sayer and Dr. Ivona Cetinić (GESTAR II) – PACE observation of the ocean’s response to atmospheric deposition.
  • Dr. Zhibo Zhang (Physics/UMBC)  – Using machine learning and satellite images to detect dust and smoke plumes
  • Dr. Pengwang Zhai (Physics/UMBC) – Sensitivity study of aerosol components and ocean color from satellite images
  • Dr. Richard Xu (ESI/Physics/UMBC) – Observing atmospheric aerosols and clouds from the UMBC’s spaceborne polarimeters
  • Dr. Henrique Barbosa (Physics/UMBC) – Shallow-to-deep convective transition
  • Dr. Jasper Lewis (UMBC/GESTAR II) – Investigating atmospheric connections across large regions using Lidar remote sensing
  • Dr. Brent McBride (ESI/Physics/UMBC) – Advancing Earth system science with AirHARP2 instrument data fusion
  • Dr. Christopher Hennigan (CBEE/UMBC) – Life cycle and optical properties of a unique particle: brown carbon
  • Dr. Ali Tokay (GES/UMBC) – Ground-based winter precipitation measurements in southern New England

REU Eligibility

We invite applications from all students nationwide who meet the NSF REU program’s requirements for eligibility.

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study by the summer of their participation and must plan to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program during the following fall semester/quarter. Applicants must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Previous research experience is NOT required.
  • Deadline for Application: February 1, 2026.

How to Apply

  • Go to https://etap.nsf.gov/search and search for “UMBC EXPLORE”
  • Click on the REU Site: EXPeriments in Earth and Atmospheric Science: Learning Opportunities and Research Experience (EXPLORE)
  • Follow the instruction to complete application on the website. You will need to register on this site to apply.
  • Upload your statements of interest, letter of recommendation, and transcript.

 

This program is sponsored by National Science Foundation.