Position Description: Why do raindrops come in different sizes? We don't actually fully understand why (yet), but the answer has applications for warming Earth, ancient Mars, and looking for alien homes on planets outside the Solar System (exoplanets). The scientific goal of this project is to bring together observations of raindrop sizes in nature for future comparison against theoretical predictions.

The student will help to digitize raindrop size data from around the world, compile associated weather records, and explore trends found in their collected data. The student will learn skills for data analysis and data visualization (how to read and make graphs) as well as some of the larger scientific context for this work (e.g., why do raindrop sizes relate to Earth climate change predictions, 3 billion year old floods on Mars, and how common aliens could be in the universe?).

There is an option for the student to learn basic coding skills during the project (pending their interests).

Duration: 3 weeks

Work Hours: 10 hours/week

Pay Rate: $15/hour

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • no prior experience in the field is preferable/necessary

  • computer

  • internet (intermittent or low speed OK)

  • complete a survey at the end of the project

All necessary software and instructions will be provided.

Opportunities to Explore the EPS Department:

During the internship, we will specifically dedicate meeting time to discuss any future plans/goals/hopes/dreams/fears that the student would like advice on (e.g., college coursework, how EPS might align with their plans/goals/hopes/dreams/fears, concerns they might have with pursuing science, further research opportunities, applying a degree in EPS to non-academic jobs). I will also relay to the student information on events organized within in the department that may be of interest to them and help them join email lists for topics matching their interests.

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preferences will be given to rising sophomores and incoming first year students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.

Application: closed (July 6-8)

Number of Applicants: 67

Number of Positions Available: 1

Students Hired: Tabasom Monfared (incoming first year) & Kathleen Bellon Pizarro (incoming first year)