Students in 10th through 12th grade are invited to apply for the QuarkNet internship program, which offers summer research opportunities in science and technology. Students will work with scientists for six weeks on projects related to the Fermilab research program. The application period begins March 1.

Program Description

• What are neutrinos telling us?
• Are there extra dimensions of space?
• What happened to the antimatter?

High school students living in the Fermilab area work full-time with scientists and engineers who advance our understanding of the nature of matter and energy. QuarkNet offers summer research opportunities in science and technology for students who have demonstrated a strong interest in and aptitude for science and mathematics. Students work with scientists for six weeks on projects related to the Fermilab research program.

Research Topics:

• Direct detection of dark matter using the COUPP bubble chamber
• Building 3D electronic circuits to trigger events at the LHC
• Making neutrino detectors more sensitive
• Using interferometers to measure holographic noise
• Developing software for imaging spectroscopic cameras
• Building better accelerators
• Using astronomical surveys to study dark energy and dark matter
• Looking for particles at the LHC

Read about research projects from 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011.

Students receive a wage of $8.50 an hour for 37.5 hours of work per week. Standard U.S. taxes are withheld, as is customary with all Fermilab employees. Students receive no paid sick leave or vacations.

Eligibility

• High school students in 10-12th grade when applying. We strongly prefer 11th graders with hands-on experience, such as programming computers or working with mechanical or electrical systems. (Must live in Fermilab area.)
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required
• Participants must provide evidence of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Participants under the age of 16 must have work authorization papers obtained through their school and written parental permission.
• Participants must have medical insurance while at Fermilab.

Key Dates

Applications open March 1.

Check Key Dates and the QuarkNet Calendar.

Expectations

• Complete the full six-week program, attending each work day.
• Complete all Fermilab safety and computing requirements.
• Work safely in a responsible and professional manner.
• Attend all scheduled events including lectures, tours and group activities.

 Deliverables

• Complete entrance and exit surveys.
• Submit a team research abstract in the required format.
• Give a final presentation to Fermilab scientists and peers.

SOURCE: Fermilab Frontiers newsletter