Summer 2025 Internship Information
MDSGC’s 2025 Summer Exchange program invites qualified students to apply for hands-on summer internships at any of the participating universities other than their home institution. The program will exchange successful applicants among participating universities for a 10-week paid internship experience. Interested students should contact the faculty coordinator (see below) at their home institution for more information and to obtain the application password.
The link to the application is at the bottom of this page. Please read this page carefully before applying!
For full consideration, applications must be received by March 5, 2025. After that offers will be made on a rolling basis until all positions are filled or mid-May, whichever is first.
Summer 2025 internship activities will largely occur on campus unless explicitly stated to the contrary in the project description.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens.
- Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors majoring in engineering, computer science, or another STEM area relevant to the project topics. Note: some projects have prerequisites that may require particular experience.
- Currently enrolled at one of the following institutions: Capitol Technology University (CTU), Hagerstown Community College (HCC), Morgan State University (MSU), University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), or University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
- Interested in working at one of the participating universities other than their home institution. Example: UMCP students should not apply for an internship offered at UMCP through this program.
- Available to commit for at least 10 weeks during the summer of 2025.
Projects
On the application, students will be asked to rank their top three project choices, specified by “Project ID”, listed in the table below.
| Project ID | Title, Location, Mentor, Project Description, Prerequisites (if any) and Status |
|---|---|
| USNA-1 | Title: STEM Center Internships Status: AVAILABLE Location: United States Naval Academy (USNA) Faculty Mentor: Capt. Joseph McGettigan Description: Interns will help the USNA STEM Center with execution of its summer programs. STEM Center programs include the Summer Hero's Youth Program during June, involving travel to local area middle schools to teach STEM modules, and Set Sail, which is two weeks of teacher training during July. Interns will be exposed to and trained on hands-on modules that teach basic science principles, as well as topics in chemistry and physics, and will then lead students and teachers through the modules in turn. Qualifications and skills: There are no prerequisites other than basic scientific or engineering coursework, a willingness to put in long days, and the ability to pass a background investigation. Interns will learn public speaking and teaching skills along with fundamentals of physics, electronics, aeronautics, chemistry and naval architecture. Work will take place on-campus at USNA with no expectation of remote-work. Summer housing is not available on the USNA campus, so interns will be expected to commute to and from campus on a daily basis. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMES-1 | Title: Robotics and Embedded Systems Applications Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Faculty Mentor: Dr. A. Nagchaudhuri Project Description: The broad goal of the internship would be to familiarize the student with a variety of robotics of embedded systems applications that are ongoing in the UMES robotics laboratory using platforms such as Agilex Limo, Scout Mini, MicroROS Pi 5, ROSMASTER X1, Sphero RVR, Go Pi Go3, and Unitree Go2Edu. These platforms are integrated with a variety of sensors and can be programmed using several programming languages. Based on the interest and experience of the student, an appropriate project will be assigned that will provide an engaging and challenging internship experience. While students with an interest in robotics and mechatronics are encouraged to apply, students who are familiar with Ubuntu Operating System, XML, Python, as well as ROS and Gazebo open-source software environments will be preferred. Exchange student interns are expected to work as part of a team with other undergraduate students involved with the AIRSPACES (Autonomous Instrumented Robotic Sensory Platforms to Advance Creativity and Engage Students) supported by Maryland Space Grant and contribute to the DREAM (Developing Robotic Exploration using Agrobots and Moobots) project supported by NASA MSTAR program. If logistics permit the intern will also be exposed to a variety of other ongoing efforts at UMES in the areas of unmanned autonomous systems on land, air, and water largely pertaining to agricultural automation and environmental stewardship, as well as applications involving robotic arms (Adept Industrial Robotic Arms and FarmBot). Summer interns will also be encouraged to use their CAD and solid modeling skills, and utilize the 3D printing capabilities available in the Robotics, Automation, and Manufacturing (RAM) laboratory at UMES. The intern will also participate in oral and written communication skill development and will be provided advice on putting together a poster and/or PowerPoint presentation that will be presented at the research symposium towards the end of the 10-week internship. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| UMES-2 | Title: Sustainable Lunar Agriculture with Emergent Technologies Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Faculty Mentor: Dr. M. Mitra Project Description: This project investigates the application of emergent technologies like FarmBots and Tower Gardens to support sustainable agriculture in lunar environments. The goal is to address challenges in food production for extended lunar missions by applying efficient, low-resource agricultural systems that utilize robotic automation, lunar regolith simulants, and aeroponic techniques. Interns will be involved in operating robotic farming systems (FarmBots) and aeroponic Tower Gardens under conditions simulating the lunar environment, and also design and implementing experiments using lunar regolith simulants. They will be trained in techniques such as plant growth monitoring, nutrient solution optimization, and programming robotic systems for precision agriculture. Interns will develop skills in interdisciplinary problem-solving, data collection and analysis, and the integration of biological and engineering systems. They will learn to customize FarmBot operations for lunar regolith-based farming and exploring crop resilience in controlled conditions. This project offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of agriculture, robotics, and space exploration. Interns will gain hands-on experience and will have an opportunity to present their work at the American Society of Engineering Education’s national conference in 2026. Applicants with a passion for interdisciplinary research in STEM are encouraged to apply. Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Basic knowledge in plant and environmental sciences/engineering and statistics; familiarity with software tools for data analysis such as Excel and Python; sophomore standing in a STEM-related undergraduate program. Additional Desired Skills: Knowledge of Arduino or similar platforms for robotic programming; strong communication and teamwork. This work will be carried out in-person; therefore the intern must reside on or near the UMES campus during the entire internship period. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| MSU-1 | Title: Control System Integration into Thermal Energy Storage for Solar Energy Collectors and Space Applications Status: AVAILABLE Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Seong Lee Additional Research Mentor: Dr. Sam Oludayo Alamu Project Description: This project aims to integrate advanced control systems into Thermal Energy Storage (TES) for solar energy collectors and receivers to enhance the efficiency and reliability of domestic heating systems and in space applications. TES plays a crucial role in solar energy by storing excess thermal energy during peak sunlight hours for later use when energy demand is high, or sunlight is insufficient. The project will focus on designing control algorithms that optimize the charge/discharge cycles of TES, regulate temperature, and improve energy transfer from solar collectors to storage devices. In space, thermal energy storage (TES) is primarily used to regulate spacecraft temperatures by storing excess heat during periods of high solar radiation and releasing it when needed during periods of low radiation, effectively acting as a "thermal battery" to maintain stable operating temperatures for instruments and systems, especially on missions with varying sunlight exposure; this is achieved through the use of phase change materials (PCMs) that absorb and release heat during their phase transitions between solid and liquid states. Key objectives include developing efficient control systems for TES integration with solar energy systems, implementing real-time data acquisition for monitoring temperature, energy flow, and system status, and simulating system behavior under different environmental conditions to improve overall performance and efficiency. Desired Skills: The intern participating in this project will need to have skills in sensor integration, real-time data acquisition, and control system design. They should be familiar with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and data analysis, and hands-on experience on 3D modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, CAD software), and basic knowledge of instrumentation of DAQ components, electric circuit configurations, communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, or Modbus for data collection from TES components. Knowledge of energy systems, especially solar energy collectors and receivers, will be beneficial. Intern should also be proficient in software tools like Python for data analysis and simulation and understand control algorithms to optimize TES performance. Work Location: This position will involve in-person engagement with hands-on projects in the Center for Advanced Energy Systems and Environmental Control Technologies(CAESECT) Lab at Morgan State University. Therefore the ability to commute to campus on a daily basis is required. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| MSU-2 | Title: Characterize precipitation patterns for triggering landslides using NASA GPM data Status: AVAILABLE Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Zhuping Sheng Additional Research Mentor: Atieh Hosseinizadeh Project Description: Morgan State University Geotechnical Engineering Program is conducting research related to landslides triggered by precipitation in Maryland and neighboring states. This project aims to compile precipitation using the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data, assess the historic and current patterns of precipitation, especially during heavy rainstorms and extreme storm events and understand how they have affected slope stability with infiltration of cumulative precipitations into the slope. As a major triggering factor precipitation has caused landslides, mudslides, debris flow and others, which caused damages to properties, highways, roadways, and railways and threaten people’s lives. The intern student may perform the following tasks, but not limited to: (1) compile available precipitation data and other related data available from NASA data portal and other sources within the selected areas in Maryland, for example, Prince George's and Baltimore counties (2) analyze precipitation data to characterize the temporal and spatial patterns, and (3) link precipitation patterns and infiltration of precipitation to the historical landslide occurrence with ground truthing and stabilization projects after landslides. Desired Skills: Skills related to ArcGIS/QGIS, spatial data analysis, hands-on GPS survey, and basic knowledge of topography, geohazards (landslides, slope failure, sink holes, flooding), rainfall and storm events, geographic information system, etc. Fieldwork experience and image processing and interpretation plus. Work Location and Schedule: This summer intern training would be arranged mainly for on-campus and in the field within selected sites Monday – Friday schedule with online meetings (when necessary). Thus, the ability to commute to the MSU campus daily is expected. The project activities, including data compilation, data processing and analysis, and results interpretation would be conducted as scheduled at the Morgan Geotechnical Labs under the faculty and research mentor’s direction. The fieldwork includes ground truthing of landslides and verification of some infrastructure within the selected areas. The summer intern is expected to present a project update in the weekly meeting. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| MSU-3 | Title: Computational Modeling of Vocal Fold Fluid Dynamics in Simulated Space Environments Status: AVAILABLE Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Research Mentor: Dr. Azure Wilson Faculty Advisors: Dr. Zheng Li and Dr. Guangming Chen Project Description: Prolonged exposure to microgravity during space missions may affect the biomechanical and fluid dynamics properties of the vocal folds, potentially leading to changes in voice production or an increased risk of vocal fatigue. Understanding these changes is critical to maintaining astronauts’ vocal health and communication efficiency during space missions. This project will explore how altered gravitational conditions influence vocal fold fluid dynamics using computational fluid-structure interaction simulations. The student will use existing imaging datasets to model vocal phonation under both Earth gravity and microgravity conditions. They will compare outcomes such as airflow patterns, vocal fold displacement, and pressure distribution to gain insights into how space environments impact vocal fold function. Project tasks will include: Review and synthesize literature on microgravity's effects on wound healing and tissue biomechanics. Use computational tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to model molecular interactions or simulate extracellular matrix changes in vocal fold tissues under microgravity. Generate hypotheses for therapeutic interventions to mitigate adverse effects on tissue repair. By the end of the project, the student will present their findings in a report or presentation, highlighting the nanoscale mechanisms of healing under microgravity and their implications for space medicine. Desired Skills: CFD background; COMSOL Multiphysics Modeling. Work Location and Schedule: The primary work location will be Morgan State University. The ability to commute to campus is required. Remote work is possible in the event of campus closure. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMCP-1 | Title: Asteroid Detection and Characterization Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tam Nguyen Project Description: The goal of this project is to find detections of asteroids in existing sky surveys that were not previously reported to support planetary science and planetary defense. The scope of the project will include software pipeline development, leveraging existing Python packages, to find potential data sets that might contain asteroids of interest. This project will include the development of a Python software pipeline to generate data sets with potential for new detections of asteroids of interest from ground-based and space-based telescopes. Specific tasks will include developing Python routines to check for asteroid visibility, query relevant data from online databases, and perform basic image analyses. Desired Skills: Python, Data query via online APIs, Astrodynamics. Additional desired skills: Astronomy, Image Processing. Work location and schedule: The intern can work remotely with occasional in-person meetings on UMCP campus. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMCP-2 | Title: Finding the Limits of Space Suit Design Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Akin Project Description: As we prepare to return humans to the Moon and ultimately to Mars, the demands on their space suits will become greater and more varied, and therefore the weight of the suits will increase. The Apollo space suit and life support backpack had a mass of 70 kg; current projections for Artemis lunar suits are 2 to 3 times more massive, and this problem will be exacerbated in the higher gravity of Mars. The UMCP Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) is researching the limits of human capability to work with such heavy suits and backpacks. The space grant intern will work with SSL personnel to find innovative ways to test lunar and mars gravity levels on earth, and to find the limits for designing the next generation space suits. Desired student skills: Experience with CAD, 3D printing and/or building hardware preferred. Work location: On-campus in the Space Systems Laboratory at UMCP. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMCP-3 | Title: Lint Roller for Astronauts Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christine Hartzell Project Description: Dust was a major problem for Apollo astronauts. NASA is planning to send humans back to the Moon. At UMCP, we are designing a lint roller that uses synthetic gecko skin instead of a normal adhesive to remove dust from spacesuits. We are looking for undergrad physics, engineering, or astronomy students to help design/build/test an appliance to make this gecko roller re-useable. Desired student skills: Coding experience (e.g. Matlab, etc.). Work location: On-campus at UMCP. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| CTU-1 | Title: ALPHA Observatory Observation Campaign 12 and Remote Observatory Feasibility Study Status: AVAILABLE Location: Capitol Technology University (CTU) Faculty Mentor: Prof. Marcel Mabson Project Description: The ALPHA Observatory Campaign 12 Observation and Remote Observatory Feasibility Study will continue the Observatory mission of tracking Main Belt and Near Earth Asteroids and generate orbital information and tracking information. The project will also monitor 3 Hot-Jupiter exoplanets with rapid orbital periods of less than 4 days to monitor any variation in transit duration compared to past observations. The Campaign will track spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit(LEO), Geostationary Orbit(GEO), and High Eccentric Orbits (MEO) to calculate orbital data. To increase the number of observations the ALPHA observatory will ship an optical system to a remote site to test the feasibility of creating a secondary site to monitor targets of interest, and the secondary site will be used in combination with the ALPHA Observatory located at Capitol Technology University. Additional information is available at: https://www.captechu.edu/student-experience/centers-and-labs/alpha-observatory The intern will support the ALPHA Observatory in the following roles: --Develop Observation Plans to monitor the status of Target Of Interest (TOI) objects. --Maintain ALPHA Observatory and remote Observation Site systems. --Process Observatory Images and produce astrometric tracking data and produce a deep sky object image. --Generate statustics comparing observation sites. --Monitor selected asteroid, exoplanet, and satellite targets. Prerequisites and Desired Qualifications: Interest in Astronomy and processing observatory measurements to produce scientific data. Work Location and Hours: Capitol Technology University, with potential for remote observations. Mentor shall provide training for candidate during evening hours, and a flexible work schedule will be provided. Evening hours are required to setup and monitor telescope operations. The remote site is located in CST and some nights will be required to resolve issues at locations. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| CTU-2 | Title: Space Flight Operations Training Center Modernization Project Status: AVAILABLE Location: Capitol Technology University (CTU) Faculty Mentor: Prof. Marcel Mabson Project Description: The Space Flight Operations Training Center (SFOTC), Modernization project will replace and upgrade existing SFOTC infrastructure including servers, network devices and software. The effort will expand SFOTC capabilities including increasing spacecraft fleet size, ground and spacecraft procedure development, Command and Telemetry Encryption, and system testing. At the project's end, candidates will present the upgraded lab to university faculty and submit a project poster at the MDSGC Summer Symposium. For additional information, see: https://www.captechu.edu/student-experience/centers-and-labs/space-flight-operations-training-center-sfotc The intern will support the SFOTC in the following roles: --Install, Test and Configure updated servers and VMs --Configure and Test upgraded Galaxy Telemetry and Command Software --Upgrade and Develop STOL procedures and display pages --Configure VSAT Training Spacecraft Simulators --Update SFOTC Documentation and Procedures --Upgrade FreeFyler Simulation models and Orbits Prerequisite and Desired Qualifications: Candidates shall have the following qualifications: --Basic understanding of Spacecraft Mission Operations or Intro into Space --Experience with Linux and Virtual Environments and Networking --Experience with a command programming language (Python, Java, C++) --Ability to troubleshoot and resolve anomalies within the SFOTC Work Location and Hours: Capitol Technology University. Mentor shall provide training for candidate during evening hours, and a flexible work schedule will be provided. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMBC-1 | Title: Hardware Design and Construction for Centrifugal Mirror Experiments Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County / University of Maryland College Park Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carlos Romero-Talamás Project Description: New hardware for centrifugal mirror experiments at laboratories at the Baltimore County and College Park campuses of the University of Maryland is required to increase plasma temperature and densities in high temperature plasmas, while at the same time extending the duration of discharges without degrading the life of electrodes. New electrode and insulator designs that contain active cooling feedthroughs are required, but must be made with ultra-high vacuum compatible materials. The designs will first be made for a low temperature centrifugal experiment at UMBC, which may include construction and assembly of hardware to demonstrate operation at lower temperatures and higher densities than those planned for the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX) at College Park. Design of components will not only involve mechanical and electrical calculations, but also heat transfer ones. Prerequisites: Major: Mechanical or electrical engineering or related majors. Courses: Statics, Materials and Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer. Knowledge of Solidworks or similar CAD program. Additional Desired Skills: knowledge of finite element electrical and mechanical programs, such as ANSYS (Maxwell module). Work Location: The primary work locations will be on campus at University of Maryland, Baltimore County and/or University of Maryland, College Park. Interns are expected to be on-site every day. Remote work is possible in the event of campus closure. Special Note: Applicants should disclose any medical condition or device (e.g. pacemaker) that may limit their access to high magnetic fields. We welcome all qualified applicants and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate those with particular conditions or disabilities. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMBC-2 | Title: Equilibrium Profiles for the Rotating Mirror Status: AVAILABLE Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carlos Romero-Talamás (UMBC) Additional Mentors: Dr. Maxim Umansky (LLNL), Dr. Justin Angus (LLNL) Project Description: The rotating mirror is a plasma confinement device being explored as potential pathway to fusion energy. The centrifugal force associated with the rotation of the plasma in a mirror magnetic field greatly improves axial confinement over standard non-rotating mirrors. Additionally, the shear associated with the rotation stabilizes interchanges modes leading to classical collisional transport across the magnetic field lines. Equilibrium profiles for the rotating mirror are used as initial conditions for nonlinear numerical studies of stability and transport [1]. Using force balance in an ideal plasma, one arrives at an elliptic partial differential equation known as the Grad-Shafranov equation. The solution is a function of the plasma density, temperature, and rotation profiles. The first task is to write a program to solve for the flux function solution of the Grad Shafranov equation. This can be done using advanced languages such as C++ or using a scripting language such as MATLAB or python. Standard numerical techniques for solving elliptical partial differential equations can be applied. Previous numerical studies using the ideal MHD equations have shown that equilibrium profiles for density and temperature are approximately parabolic [2]. The second task will be to obtain non-ideal corrections to these equilibrium profiles by numerically solving the 1D classical cross-field transport equations (see Eqs. 2.10-2.12 of Ref. [3]). Standard numerical methods can also be applied to these time-dependent diffusion-source equations. The equilibrium profiles from this study will then be used in the equilibrium magnetic field solver developed during task 1 of this project to assess the effect of collisional transport on the equilibrium magnetic field. References: 1) W. C. Young, A. B. Hassam, C. A. Romero-Talamás, R. F. Ellis, C. Teodorescu, “Diamagnetism of rotating plasma”, Physics of Plasmas 18 (2011). 2) Yi-Min Huang and A. B. Hassam, “Velocity Shear Stabilization of Centrifugally Confined Plasma”, Phys. Rev. Lett., 23 (2001). 3) N. R. Schwartz, I. G. Abel, A. B. Hassam, M. Kelly, C. A. Romero-Talamás, “MCTrans++: a 0-D model for centrifugal mirrors”, J. Plasma Phys., 90 (2024). Prerequisites: Major: Physics or physics aligned engineering. Some programming experience (matlab/python, c++, fortran) Courses: Electricity and Magnetism, fluid mechanics. Special Note: Applicants should disclose any medical condition or device (e.g. pacemaker) that may limit their access to high magnetic fields. We welcome all qualified applicants and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate those with particular conditions or disabilities. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
How to Apply
For full consideration, applications should be received by March 5, 2025. After that, offers will be made on a rolling basis until all positions are filled or mid-May, whichever is first.
(I) Interested students must obtain the endorsement of the faculty coordinator at their home institution or one of the internship mentors. Coordinators can help guide students toward appropriate projects and will provide the password needed to submit an application via the link below. Contact your home institution’s coordinator to request their endorsement (and application password) and get their advice:
Capitol Technology University — Prof. Marcel Mabson
Hagerstown Community College — Prof. Ed Sigler
Morgan State University — Prof. Guangming Chen
University of Maryland, Baltimore County — Prof. Carlos Romero-Talamás
University of Maryland, College Park — Prof. Mary Bowden
University of Maryland, Eastern Shore — Prof. Abhijit Nagchaudhuri
(II) Completing the application requires (1) current student information including contact information and GPA; (2) a PDF resume or CV; (3) a PDF “statement of interest” (one page or less) that should explain your goals for the internship and your overall career; (4) contact information for one person who can provide a letter of recommendation; (5) your top three choices among the projects listed on this page.
(III) Here is the link to the password-protected application page. Contact your home institution’s coordinator to request their endorsement and the password.
Stipend and Housing
MDSGC will provide a 10-week stipend of $8200 and in some cases may be able to assist interns in arranging housing near campus. Interns will be responsible for paying housing and transportation costs out of their stipend.
For general questions, please contact MDSGC.