Summer 2023 Internship Information
MDSGC’s 2023 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 Friday, March 10, 2023. After that offers will be made on a rolling basis until all positions are filled or mid-May, whichever is first. UPDATE: all placements for 2023 have been finalized.
We are preparing for summer 2023 internships with the intent that 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: CTU students should not apply for an internship offered at CTU through this program.
- Available to commit for at least 10 weeks during the summer of 2023.
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 |
|---|---|
| CTU-1 | Title: ALPHA Observatory Operations Location: Capitol Technology University (CTU) Status: POSITION FILLED Faculty Mentor: Prof. Marcel Mabson Project Description: The Asteroid Large Aperture PHotometry ExoplAnet Transit Observatory (ALPHA), located at Capitol Technology University provides positional and light-curve measurements of asteroids (Near Earth, and Main belt) and comets, submitting results to the Minor Planet Center(MPC). Since ALPHA began observations in summer 2022 more than 60 unique objects have been observed. ALPHA also produces rotational measurements of small asteroids of less than 30km in size and generates light-curve measurements of variable stars. The ALPHA team is seeking one candidate to perform the following duties (see below), the position will require the student to operate the observatory on weekends and evenings weather permitting. Candidate responsibilities: -- Perform Target Scheduling and monitor observatory performance. -- Perform routine and emergency maintenance/repairs to the observatory. -- Perform image processing and submit asteroid / comet positional measurements to MPC. -- Perform image processing for generating color images using LRGB filters. -- Work with university marketing to publish ALPHA updates. -- Operate ALPHA remotely during observation periods. -- Install and configure ALPHA weather station (expected arrival Summer 2023). -- Install and configure processing software. Work location and hours: Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm) and Weekends (Weekends are weather dependent). Flexible hours are available. Remote work is available for observatory operation, in-person is recommended for training and image processing. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| CTU-2 | Title: Spacecraft Command String Modernization and Simulation Expansion Location: Capitol Technology University (CTU) Status: POSITION FILLED Faculty Mentor: Prof. Marcel Mabson Project Description: Established in 2013, the Space Flight Operations Training Center (SFOTC) trains students in spacecraft operations and mission planning using advanced spacecraft dynamic simulators and spacecraft control and mission planning software such as: Galaxy Telemetry / Command Subsystem and FreeFlyer flight dynamics software. The Spacecraft Command String Modernization project aims to refresh the existing command string with modern equipment, expand the workstation usage space and increase flight controller situational awareness. The project will also expand the simulation capabilities by including various new models such as solar array deployment, power, and propulsion. The selected candidate will perform the following duties. Responsibilities: -- Configure command string workstations, including monitors, networking, etc. -- Develop STOL training scenarios with developed simulation. -- Develop telemetry display pages for simulation models -- Test command string connection with spacecraft server -- Develop operations guide for new simulation models -- Test simulation models during Day In The Life (DIL) activities -- Develop simulation model Telemetry and Command Database The selected candidate will be trained in current SFOTC operations and STOL and database development. Work location and hours: Monday – Friday (9am to 5pm). Remote work is not available for this project. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| MSU-1 | Title: Systems and Design Analysis of a Liquid Propellant Rocket Status: POSITION FILLED Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Guangming Chen Additional Research Mentors: Mr. Marc J. Louise Caballes, Mr. Seydou Mbaye Project Description: Morgan State University’s ARROW Rocketry Team is developing a single-stage liquid-propellant rocket (LPR) with a targeted apogee of 50,000 feet. With the aim of commencing development of a world-class liquid propellant rocket facility, the team is seeking a highly motivated student who is passionate in learning (1) systems engineering design principles and analysis, (2) 2D and 3D modeling, and (3) rocket integration and testing (I&T) where it intends to utilize Virtual Reality (VR) technology in its design process. The intern will implement a pair of VR Systems, or a head mounted display, either the Oculus Rift or the Quest, to create and modify rocket components. Additionally, due to the rocket’s design complexity, the intern will be focusing on the rocket’s airframe, which is composed of three tanks – helium, liquid oxygen, and kerosene. During its design process, each component will be both simulated and analyzed using a rocket simulator to provide a predicted value of the expected apogee reached through the given specifications. Moreover, as part of the goal this summer, the MDSGC intern will be expected to learn additive manufacturing (3D Printing) skills to model, build, and fabricate the nose cone, airframe housings, tanks, piping connections, valve integration, boat-tail, and fins. The schedule for this internship will be both on-campus and virtual training from Monday through Friday (flexible schedule). Since MSU campus and student housing status in summer 2023 is not clear currently, it is advisable for the intern to have reliable transportation to commute to the Rockery Research Laboratory at Morgan State when necessary. The summer intern will participate in the further analysis and necessary modification of the airframe design and the improvement of coupler design in the fabrication of the airframe (with possible assistance from Army Research Lab) and integration and testing of the airframe for launch readiness. Lastly, it is recommended that that intern will have a working laptop that can run some light to medium programs. Required Skills: The intern is expected to have a background in using 2D/3D modeling software and to be able to analyze both simple and complex mathematical results. A background in using 3D modeling software, such as SolidWorks, AutoDesk Inventor, OnShape, etc., is desirable, but not required. Previous experience in using Virtual or Augmented Reality Devices is a plus, but not required. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| MSU-2 | Title: Avionics System Integration and Testing into MSU Liquid Propellant Rocket Status: POSITION FILLED Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Seong Lee Additional Research Mentor: Mr. Samuel O. Alamu Project Description: Morgan State University's Rocketry Program is continuing with the pursuit to design and launch a liquid-propellant rocket (LPR) which is aimed at attaining an apogee of 50,000 feet with a single-stage rocket. This project relates to design, integration and testing of three main subsystems: telemetry, recovery deployment, and data acquisition (DAQ) needed for the overall LPR design. While working with the avionics subtask team, the intern may perform the following tasks, but not limited to: (1) completing the design stage of the three subsystems, redesigning of any failed component using the available CAD software, and programming with Raspberry pi flight computer for multiple sensors, (2) assembling and integrating the components and flight computer into the payload system with proper cable management, and (3) testing all the components and analyzing obtained data. The schedule will be mainly on-campus Monday – Friday with online meetings when necessary. Thus, the ability to commute to MSU campus daily is expected. Designing of components, Raspberry pi programming, components integration, and testing would be conducted as scheduled at the Morgan Rocket Laboratory under the faculty and research mentor’s direction. The summer intern is expected to present a project update in the weekly meeting. Desired skills: Skills related to Raspberry pi programming, data analysis, and hands-on experience on the flight components assembly, modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, CAD software), and basic knowledge of instrumentation of DAQ components including MC DAQ HAT, temperature sensors and pressure transducers, voltage and current distributions etc. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| MSU-3 | Title: Stress Indicators of the Urban Watershed using Satellite Images Status: POSITION FILLED Location: Morgan State University (MSU) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Zhuping Sheng Project Description: Morgan State University Water Resources Engineering Program is initiating research related to stress indicators of watershed systems with urbanization and climate change. This project intends to assess the current status and historic trend of impacts of urbanization on the watershed in terms of land coverage and land use (increased impervious land cover) and mitigation measures for stormwater management (detention ponds, stormwater collection system). The intern may perform the following tasks, but not limited to: (1) compile available land use and land cover (LULC) data and information (USGS LULC data, NASA satellite images, Google maps, and other sources) within a selected watershed in Baltimore, for example, Herring Run watershed, (2) analyze the satellite images and other images compiled to identify patterns of land use change over last thirty years, and (3) identify infrastructures implemented for stormwater management and other features of best management practices measures along the stream reach. The schedule would be arranged mainly for on-campus and in the field within Baltimore Monday – Friday with online meetings when necessary. Thus, the ability to commute to the MSU campus daily is expected. The project activities, including data compilation, image processing, and results interpretation would be conducted as scheduled at the Morgan Geotechnical & GIS Labs under the faculty and research mentor’s direction. The fieldwork includes ground truthing of images and verification of some infrastructure within the watershed (primarily in Baltimore City). The summer intern is expected to present a project update in the weekly meeting. Desired skills: Skills related to ArcGIS/QGIS, spatial data analysis, ENVI product for image processing, hands-on GPS survey, and basic knowledge of watershed hydrology, water resources, land use, land cover, and geographic information system, etc. Fieldwork experience and infrared image processing and interpretation plus. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| UMBC-1 | Title: Diagnostics and Data Analysis in the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment Status: ONE POSITION FILLED Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County / University of Maryland College Park Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carlos Romero-Talamás Project Description: The Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX) is a magnetized plasma experiment to investigate and demonstrate high-temperature plasma confinement with the ultimate goal of enabling the commercial availability of compact thermonuclear fusion reactors. The CMFX uses superconducting magnets to provide steady and precise magnetic fields in a large volume, and it is the first rotating plasma mirror to include such technology. The program is funded by the Department of Energy's ARPA-E program, and CMFX is currently operating at the University of Maryland, College Park. The summer intern will help with the construction and operation of plasma diagnostics and related hardware, including but not limited to gas mixture systems, magnetic probes, spectrometry, and interferometry. Data analysis may be necessary for all diagnostics in a variety of ways, including programming in Python, MATLAB, and from proprietary software. The summer intern is expected to work alongside graduate students, researchers, engineers, and technicians. The primary work location will be the University of Maryland, College Park. Interns are expected to be on-site every day. We anticipate the campus will be open during the summer, but will follow all rules and requirements with respect to covid-19 testing and vaccination. Remote work is possible in the event of campus closure. Desired student skills: SolidWorks, Matlab, and ANSYS finite-element software, among others, preferred but not required. Summer interns will be required to keep laboratory notes throughout their internship, and produce a final report that will become part of the technical library. Students working near high magnetic fields of 3 teslas or more, as well as accessing the electrical energy storage area, will undergo special safety training. Background in digital electronics will also be welcome but not required for successful applicants. 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: Construction and Testing of the High Field HelicitySpace Magnetic Nozzle Status: UNFILLED Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carlos Romero-Talamás Project Description: UMBC's plasma research group is participating in the engineering design and construction of a novel propulsion concept that will use nuclear fusion as its energy source. The work is a collaboration between HelicitySpace (sponsor), Caltech, and UMBC. A first prototype has already been built and successfully tested without plasma to match the theoretical model. We are now working on the second prototype designed for high magnetic field compression inside a large vacuum chamber. The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate compression, heating, and thrust using magnetized plasmas at thermonuclear fusion temperatures and densities. The project involves completing the nozzle construction, testing, and preparations for shipment of parts to California for final assembly. Data analysis may be necessary for all diagnostics in a variety of ways, including programming in Python, MATLAB, and from proprietary software. The summer intern is expected to work alongside graduate students, researchers, engineers, and technicians. The primary work location will be the Dusty Plasma Laboratory at UMBC. Interns are expected to be on-site every day. We anticipate the campus will be open during the summer, but will follow all rules and requirements with respect to covid-19 testing and vaccination. Remote work is possible in the event of campus closure. Desired student skills: SolidWorks, Python, Matlab, and ANSYS finite-element software, among others, preferred but not required. Summer interns will be required to keep laboratory notes throughout their internship, and produce a final report that will become part of the technical library. Background in pulsed power and in digital electronics will also be welcome but not required for successful applicants. Special note: 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. |
| UMCP-1 | Title: Autonomous Multi-Robot Systems Status: POSITION FILLED Location: University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Otte Project Description: The intern will work with graduate students in the Motion and Teaming Lab at University of Maryland on a project related to autonomous multi-robot systems. The focus will either be related to the motion of the robots or cooperation between different robots; the particular project will depend on the state of the lab's research at the beginning of the summer. The intern will develop multi-robot algorithmic concepts related to a theme defined by Dr. Otte on one of the topics described above. The intern will then work to implement the algorithms on one of our lab's hardware systems. Our hardware includes turtlebot3 robots, kilobots, and crazyflies. Finally, the intern will perform experiments on the hardware to evaluate the properties of the algorithm. Desired skills: medium to expert coding experience (at least two or three semesters, or equivalent experience) in a language such as C/C++, Python, Java, Julia, etc. Experience with Linux is a "nice to have" but not a requirement. Schedule: The intern will be expected to work at UMD 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and the other 2 days can be remote. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMCP-2 | Title: Space Systems Laboratory Status: POSITION FILLED Location: University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Faculty Mentor: Dr. David Akin Project Description: Maryland Space Grant summer interns in the University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory will be working on the design, fabrication, and assembly of a small planetary rover for field testing. This rover will be used to study advanced suspension and steering systems, as well as to assess possible collaborations between rovers of different designs and capabilities. This work will involve mechanical design and fabrication, electronics, and software, so prior experience in one or more of these areas is highly desirable but not absolutely required. The details of the project will be adapted based on the skills and interests of the intern. This project aims to recruit one or two interns. |
| UMES-1 | Title: Soft Robotics and other Embedded Systems Design and Applications with Arduino and Raspberry Pi Status: POSITION FILLED Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Faculty Mentors: Dr. A. Nagchaudhuri and I. Mamoun Project Description: Mechatronic and robotic systems design and development efforts have been ongoing at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Robotics Laboratory for the past several years in the areas of automation applications in earth system science and smart agriculture as well as agile manufacturing. Synergistic integration of educational and experiential learning projects in the growing field of soft robotics has also been explored by students in recent years. Students have not only worked with the laboratory manager and the PI to integrate an advanced soft robotic gripper system with a six degree of freedom industrial robotic arm but have also used 3-D printed molds to cure elastomers (elastic polymers with low modulus of elasticity and high failure strain) to form various shapes including soft fingers that can close and open using pneumatic controls. The summer intern will get an opportunity to work with other UMES undergraduates, a graduate student, the UMES laboratory manager, and the PI to develop demonstration applications with the newly installed commercial soft gripper system and pneumatic controller mounted on the industrial robotic arm; as well as design and develop a small-scale soft gripper system using a pneumatic controller activated using an Arduino Nano. The intern will also get an opportunity to work with other embedded systems platforms integrated with Arduino UNO, Raspberry Pi, and Raspberry Pi Pico, Pixhawk boards and enhance programming skills using C++, Sketch, Bloxter, Python, micro-Python, and MATLAB. 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 other robotic devices, solid modeling, and 3D printing capabilities available in the Robotics, Automation, and Manufacturing (RAM) laboratory at University of Maryland Eastern Shore(UMES). UMES faculty will also facilitate the oral and written communication skill development and the poster and/or Powerpoint presentation development that will be presented at the symposium towards the end of the 10-week internship. The scope of the summer exchange internship project will be appropriately modified and adapted to the experience, skills, and interests of the student selected. Desired Qualification and Skills: Sophomore or Junior in engineering or computer science program. Familiarity with CAD and 3-D printing, basics of sensors and electronics, and programming skills in C++, Python, and MATLAB. Ability to work in teams in field and laboratory settings. This project aims to recruit one intern. |
| UMES-2 | Title: Sustainable Robotic Farming with Farmbots for Discovery and Experiential Learning Status: POSITION FILLED Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Faculty Mentors: Dr. M. Mitra and Dr. A. Nagchaudhuri Project Description: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) mission is to drive advancements in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to benefit humanity and advance our knowledge of the universe. NASA has a long history of developing and using advanced technologies to support food production and resource management in space. These technologies could potentially be adapted and applied to agriculture on Earth, helping to improve food security and sustainability. Additionally, NASA's research into sustainable resource management and conservation could benefit from the application of Farmbots in agriculture. These technologies could help to monitor and protect ecosystems and biodiversity, and contribute to the development of sustainable farming practices. Experiential learning can be an effective and engaging way for students to learn about robotic farming. This approach can help students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and applications of these technologies, and develop practical skills that can be applied in the real world. The student intern will work during the summer with the multidisciplinary team of engineering and science faculty and a graduate student from Food Science and Technology to learn about the components and functionality of a Farmbot, as well as the AI algorithms and sensors used to optimize crop yields and farm management. Through hands-on experimentation, the intern can develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and applications of these technologies. The hands-on activities/research will include conducting small-scale field experiments on energy smart robotic farming platform to investigate harvest characteristics of summer crops based on rainwater irrigation levels (tunnel house FarmBot), and study the impacts of seaweed-based biostimulants on the growth, and micronutrients of indoor-grown plants using indoor FarmBot. Desired Qualification and Skills: Basic programming skills, and a strong quantitative background with knowledge in statistics. Suitable for undergraduate students from majors such as Environmental Science and Technology, Mechanical, Agricultural, Environmental and Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science with an interest in agricultural robotics and/or applied plant sciences. 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 intern. |
| USNA-1 | Title: STEM Center Internships Status: POSITIONS FILLED Location: United States Naval Academy (USNA) Faculty Mentor: Mr. Joseph McGettigan Description: Interns will assist the USNA STEM Center with execution of its summer programs as well as conduct faculty-supervised research in an area of interest to the intern. STEM Center programs include the Summer Hero's Youth Program involving travel to local area middle schools to teach STEM modules and Set Sail, which is two weeks of teacher training. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn/practice soldering skills, work on electronics projects and gain exposure to various STEM platforms such as flight simulators and the USNA planetarium. Interns will also be guided to choose a research subject in any STEM area for an independent project under the supervision of USNA faculty and/or STEM Center personnel. Qualifications and skills: There are no prerequisites. 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 minimum remote-work. This project aims to recruit two interns. |
How to Apply
For full consideration, applications should be received by March 10, 2023. After that offers will be made on a rolling basis until all positions are filled or mid-May, whichever is first. UPDATE: all placements for 2023 have been finalized.
(I) Interested students must obtain the endorsement of the faculty coordinator at their home institution or one of the internship mentors. Coordinators will 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 $7300 and may be able to assist interns in arranging housing if needed. Interns will be responsible for paying housing and transportation costs out of their stipend.
For general questions, please contact MDSGC.