Undergraduate Research on Ice Nucleation
in Austria
Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Funded by the National Science Foundation
May 18, 2025 to July 27, 2025
- 5 positions available
- Receive a stipend of $7,000
- Funds for travel to
Blacksburg, Virginia & Vienna, Austria
- Free housing and
meals in Blacksburg, VA & Vienna, Austria
- Hands on research working with grad students & faculty
- Cultural activities & training in German, ethics & professionalism
Applications Due February 10, 2025. Click Here to Apply!
Click Here to Submit a Reference Letter
Overview
This paid summer
International Research Experiences for Students
(IRES) program is for undergraduates (current or
recent graduates) interested in conducting
research on ice nucleation in Austria. There has
been a resurgence in ice nucleation research
within the last decade, largely because of the
pressing need to understand the impact of
aerosols on precipitation and climate. There are
several important commercial applications for
ice nucleation research, including the
production of artificial snow, the freezing and
preservation of water-containing food products,
the freeze protection of infrastructure, and the
potential modulation of weather.
Students will conduct pre-departure educational activities and peer mentoring in the Schmale Lab at Virginia Tech for about 2 weeks. Then, they will conduct about 7-weeks of field and laboratory research in the Grothe Lab at the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. Upon completion of the research in Austria, the students will return to Virginia Tech for post-trip activities, including presentation of data at Virginia Tech's annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Dr. Hinrich Grothe, Professor, Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria will host students in his laboratory. Participating students will frame questions and conduct research concerning ice nucleation at the interfaces of water, soil, vegetation, and the atmosphere. Students will be fully integrated into the Schmale and Grothe labs, and will experience hands on research, group meetings, and close collaboration with other members of related research groups.
Students will conduct pre-departure educational activities and peer mentoring in the Schmale Lab at Virginia Tech for about 2 weeks. Then, they will conduct about 7-weeks of field and laboratory research in the Grothe Lab at the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. Upon completion of the research in Austria, the students will return to Virginia Tech for post-trip activities, including presentation of data at Virginia Tech's annual Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Dr. Hinrich Grothe, Professor, Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria will host students in his laboratory. Participating students will frame questions and conduct research concerning ice nucleation at the interfaces of water, soil, vegetation, and the atmosphere. Students will be fully integrated into the Schmale and Grothe labs, and will experience hands on research, group meetings, and close collaboration with other members of related research groups.
Eligibility
Must be U.S.
Citizen or permanent resident. Must be
and remain an undergraduate (or recent
graduate) in good standing. Must plan to
complete a degree program. Students must
devote full time research efforts and must not
accept additional employment. Ability to
speak, read, and write German desired, but not
required (English is a common language in
Vienna). Must possess a current and valid U.S.
passport at the time of application.