Attention Arizona Space Grant Students
Apply to be part of the Space Camp at Biosphere 2 (SCB2), (TBD) 2024!
Applications due (TBD)
OVERVIEW
The University of Arizona Biosphere 2, the Arizona NASA Space Grant Consortium, and the University of Kyoto, Japan have partnered to offer an exciting opportunity for Arizona Space Grant (UArizona, ASU, NAU, ERAU, and ASCEND community college) undergraduate and graduate students! Space Camp at Biosphere 2 (SCB2) is an intensive six-day course that will place you in the shoes of a Space Flight Crew. Participants will examine the diverse biomes and climate zones of the unique and iconic Biosphere 2 research facility as well as the beautiful Sonoran Desert sky. SCB2 will involve students in hands-on, "under-the-glass" research on key Earth and Space systems research topics. As a participant, you will dive deeper into your understanding of human-space activities, astronomy, the hydrological cycle, planetary sciences and exoplanets, atmospheric dust, what it's like to work in a sealed environment, and more! SCB2 coursework has been designed by Japanese astronaut and veteran of two NASA space shuttle missions, Dr. Takao Doi, as well as several University of Arizona and Kyoto University research professors. Students will learn from Kyoto University Drs. Yosuke Yamashiki, Terada Masahiro, Tomoyuki Tajima, and Satoko Tsujihiro, and work with curriculum originally developed for the Kyoto University-based Space Camp that has been run for the past 5 years. Apply today for your chance to participate in Space Camp at Biosphere 2 in amazing Oracle, Arizona!
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Stay on-site at Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona in their casita research housing.
- College-level academic, residential, and extracurricular activities.
- Exposure and access to state-of-the-art courses, technology, and facilities.
- Study with other like-minded students from across Arizona and Kyoto University (KU).
- Hands-on research with University of Arizona and KU scientists.
- Daily activities include tours of the Biosphere 2 facilities, lectures and experiments, evening star-gazing parties, shared meals, and free time.
- Arizona and KU students will be partnered with one another to form small working teams during the camp.
- Short, concluding presentations will be given by each team to program affiliates.
- View the 2022 SCB2 daily schedule here (XLSX) to get an idea of what to expect.
- To learn more about the camp, check out these articles by KOLD and Tucson News.
ELIGIBILITY
- Arizona Space Grant Consortium (AZSGC) students who have or are currently participating in one or more AZSGC programs (internships, fellowships, ASCEND program, etc.);
- Currently enrolled (Fall 2022 & Spring 2023) undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply;
- Any major is welcome!;
- Must be able to walk up stairs, carry 20+ lbs, and walk through Biosphere 2 facilities off designated paths;
- We encourage applications from students in groups underrepresented in science.
EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS
- This is an in-person program. Students must commit to staying on-site at Biosphere 2 for the full duration of the camp (February 2023, dates TBD). This includes a Sunday evening arrival before dinner, through Friday morning departure following breakfast.
- SCB2 occurs during the academic year, Sunday through Friday. Please note that all past participants have received a Dean's excused absence while attending SCB2. Space Grant will help secure this excused absence for all participants.
- We recognize that SCB2 includes a variety of STEM subjects, and not all participants will have experience in all areas. Try your best at all times; stay focused, ask questions, and participate in all activities.
- Students must commit to attending an SCB2 orientation meeting via Zoom. Students must also commit to attending one meeting per month in October, November, December, and January ahead of the camp, where Kyoto University students and administrators will provide guidance and preparation for the in-person camp. These meetings occur via Zoom and are ~1.5 hours. Due to the time difference, these meetings typically begin at 5:30pm. Meetings are scheduled around the group's schedule.
- It is very important that all participants are able to get along with other SCB2 students and work as a team. Remember that student participants will be coming from various countries, colleges, universities, majors, backgrounds, and cultures. We expect all participants to be respectful, open, and welcoming to one another, and to follow our code of conduct at all times.
FUNDING
SCB2 is free to participate! All meals, housing, and research tools needed to participate are provided upon arrival. Students that successfully complete the entire SCB2 program will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship to compensate them for time spent attending meetings, the 5-day camp, and travel to/from Biosphere 2.
ACCOMMODATIONS & PACKING
Biosphere 2 is located in the wonderfully diverse Sonoran Desert, and the accommodations are beautiful. The researcher casita you will be staying in is a rustic, Santa Fe-style house. Each casita has from three to five bedrooms with a shared living area. The rooms are spacious and feature wireless Internet access and central air conditioning. Please remember to bring toiletries and any appliances you need or use on a daily basis. Bedding, a set of towels, shampoo, soap, and lotion are all provided. At night, the casita village is well lit, but the surrounding property can be quite dark. There is a flashlight in each bedroom, but bringing your own flashlight/headlamp is encouraged. Come prepared with close-toed shoes, water bottle, and sun protection. Bathrooms are generally shared (suite-style) among two bedrooms. An individual bedroom will be provided to each participant, however, you may share a casita with one or more students of the same gender from AZSGC or KU. Remember, it can get hot in Southern Arizona, even in February, so bring sun-protective layers. Monsoons can hit suddenly this time of year, so make sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Pack clothing for research in and out of the Biosphere 2 facility, leisure clothes, and sleeping clothes. Pack one nice shirt for the last day of SCB2 when you will present your research.
All meals will be provided and dietary restrictions will be adhered to. Participants will receive 3 meals per day plus snacks and beverages. Please feel free to bring your own snacks as needed.
HOW TO APPLY
- Fill out the "Space Camp Application" using the button below.
- Send your college or university transcripts (unofficial is fine) to PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOnpucGJyQG5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj56bnBickBuZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4=.
- Reach out to a reference and ask them to submit a letter of support (PDF) on your behalf to PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOnpucGJyQG5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj56bnBickBuZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4=. Details on what should be included in your letter of support can be found on the Letter of Support Instructions (PDF).
- Optional: You may submit a CV or Resume along with your transcripts to PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOnpucGJyQG5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj56bnBickBuZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4=.
All application materials outlined above must be received by (TBD) at 11:59pm MST.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Michelle Coe PG4gdWVycz0iem52eWdiOnpucGJyQHJ6bnZ5Lm5ldm1iYW4ucnFoIj56bnBickByem52eS5uZXZtYmFuLnJxaDwvbj4= (520)621-8556