Hawaii Island Akamai Observatory Internship Program

June 14 - August 7, 2009

2009 Poster

What is the Hawaii Island Akamai Observatory Internship Program?
The Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO) Akamai Internship Program offers community college students and undergraduates that are attending college in Hawaii or that are from Hawaii but studying on the Mainland an opportunity to get involved in research and technology at the Mauna Kea observatories (and sometimes Mauna Loa!). Each student is matched with a mentor and is integrated as a member of the mentor's group with daily guidance.

This program is a collaboration between the Center for Adaptive Optics and Mauna Kea observatories. It is an intensive eight-week introduction to research methods, technology, and tools with an emphasis on adaptive optics science and other observatory technologies. The program provides opportunities at various sites over the summer, with additional activities that will provide support and opportunities during the academic year. The interns start with a 5-day short-course in general observatory technologies and skills. Upon completions of the internship program, participants will be better prepared to pursue their educational and research career goals.

Where is it?
Past internship opportunities have been available at:

• Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
• Gemini Observatory
• Institute for Astronomy
• Subaru Telescope
• Submillimeter Array (SMA)
• University of Hawaii at Hilo (1-meter telescope and the Ashra Project
• W.M. Keck Observatory

*2008 Intern Profiles and Projects*

Will I get paid?
YES! The program will pay interns $3200 for an 8 week full time commitment. Transportation and other support services may be available.

Who is eligible?
This program is designed for all community college and university undergraduates in Hawaii –- and kama`aina studying on the mainland – who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields and have had to overcome barriers to achieve their educational and/or career goals. All students must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents, and be at least 18 years old on 05-15-09. The CfAO is committed to increasing diversity in the sciences. Underrepresented groups (African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, women and persons with disabilities) are strongly encouraged to apply.

What is the program expectation?
Participants are required to complete the entire eight-week program and require full-time student commitment. At the end of the program each participant is required to give an oral presentation. Participants must attend all scheduled activities. Participants will also be invited to present their research at conferences in the fall.

How can I apply?
The application deadline for summer 2009 is Feb. 14, 2009.

Go here for the online application.

If you have any questions about the application or the internship program please contact: