This grant provides funding for the continuation of an Research for Undergraduate site at the Space Physics Research Laboratory of the University of Michigan. The Space Physics Research Laboratory is a broad interdisciplinary research organization which is part of the Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences academic department of the University of Michigan. Research undertaken in the laboratory spans several fields of engineering and geophysical sciences, with an emphasis on the observation and understanding of the physical processes which control the gaseous, plasma and liquid envelopes of the Earth and planetary bodies. The annual research budget of the laboratory is $9M and major funding comes from the National Science Foundation and NASA as well as other agencies. Because of the strong ties to the academic environment as the University, and its presence within a geoscience department in the College of Engineering, the Space Physics Research Laboratory has always maintained an active interest in providing significant undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, particularly in the area of Solar-Terrestrial research and Aeronomy. The continued REU site will involve the direct participation of about 11 key faculty members (plus about 7 others) who have all had previous experience with the training of undergraduate students in research on the REU program on the SPRL. Funding is requested to provide support for approximately 12 students, of whom at least half will be from institutions other than the University of Michigan. Because of its commitment to high- quality to undergraduate education, the University has agreed to waive indirect cost on this program. The rich variety and significance of the research carried out within the Laboratory and the commitment of time on the part of the faculty participants will provide the undergraduate of the program a significant opportunity to have hands-on experience in active and exciting research.
