GRAD-MAP Winter Workshop

A one-week immersive online experience that introduces students to coding, professional development, and hands-on research skills while building community with graduate student mentors. This program is open to all undergraduate students from U.S. institutions.
Where and When?

The 2025 GRAD-MAP Winter Workshop took place online (over Zoom) in January 2025.

Cost

The Winter Workshop has no fee. Participants need only have internet connection for the duration of the workshop.

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student at a U.S. institution interested in physics or astronomy and who supports the GRAD-MAP mission may apply. Preference is given to students from institutions without significant research opportunities, including community colleges. Applications open at the beginning of November.

Professional Development
  • Practical, honest discussions about internships, grad school, and careers with a PhD.
  • Workshops on essay writing, presentation skills, and navigating barriers.
  • Facilitated panels and informal discussions during the workshop.
Scientific Computing with Python

Interactive tutorials using Python, Jupyter notebooks, and the Anaconda distribution. These are adapted from the Goddard Python Bootcamp and designed for students new to coding.

Research Projects

Participants work on mini-research projects with faculty and graduate mentors in fields like cosmology, stellar astrophysics, planetary science, and more. The workshop concludes with a student presentation session.

Tours of Scientific Facilities

In 2024, all tours were virtual. Past facilities include:

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank

GRAD-MAP Summer Scholars

Our flagship 9-week research experience pairs students with faculty, postdoctoral, and graduate mentors to work on exciting projects in physics, astronomy, and related fields. Scholars present their research, attend seminars, and prepare for the next step in their academic journey.
Application Info

Applications for Summer 2025 are now closed. Applications normally open in February.