NSF REU EXPLORE 2026 @ UMBC

In summer 2026, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) will offer the EXPeriments in Earth and Atmospheric Science: Learning Opportunities and Research Experience (EXPLORE) program. Hosted at UMBC, EXPLORE presents 10-week-long research internships.

Specific details about EXPLORE, including the 10 UMBC-affiliated projects and how to apply, are available at UMBC’s EXPLORE website: https://explore.umbc.edu/. The EXPLORE flyer (PDF) also includes the QR code, where you can access the application site. Note: Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2026.

GESTAR II-led Projects

GESTAR II scientists Dr. Jasper Lewis, Dr. Ivona Cetinić and Dr. Andy Sayer will be among the mentors for this NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates.

The goal of this study is to investigate spatial and temporal correlations between aerosol profiling stations within the Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET), a federated network of Micro Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems. Since its inception in 2000, MPLNET has operated using a standardized instrument and common suite of data processing algorithms with thorough uncertainty characterization, which makes for straightforward comparisons between sites. Lidars, like those in MPLNET, use pulses of laser light to probe the atmosphere and identify clouds and aerosols (i.e., particles of smoke, dust, and pollution). MPLNET sites co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to provide both column and vertically resolved aerosol properties.

Studies of how aerosols vary spatially and temporally are rare, but critical, for understanding Earth’s climate and radiative forcing. In this study, we will use aerosol optical depth (AOD) and backscatter profiles from co-located MPLNET and AERONET sites in the eastern United States and Canada to investigate mesoscale (ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers) variability in aerosol distributions on temporal scales ranging from several hours to one month.

Thanks to remote sensing we can track atmospheric deposition events into the ocean, and follow the response of oceanic chlorophyll concentration to that input of needed nutrients. NASA’s PACE satellite has capabilities that can take us a step further, offering insight in aerosol and phytoplankton composition. This project would use atmospheric and oceanic PACE data to look at selected events (volcanic eruptions, dust storms, fires) and search for the biological response in downwind waters.

Undergraduate students involved in this project will gain experience to advance their career path through:
•Working with scientists who develop and evaluate atmospheric and ocean science data algorithms and products;
•Working on cutting-edge scientific problems which have the opportunity to improve our understanding of atmosphere-biosphere interactions.