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.

Applications to the 2027 cycle are currently OPEN! Apply here!
Where and When?

Winter Workshops take place virtually over Zoom each January.

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 may apply. Additionally, we accept applications from recent bachelor's or associate's program graduates who intend to pursue a career in STEM but have not yet applied to graduate school. Preference is given to students from institutions without significant research opportunities, including community colleges. Applications typically open by mid-October.

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 and Jupyter notebooks. These have been developed as part of the GRAD-MAP Code Lab project, funded by the Do Good Institute.

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

We have discontinued virtual tours since 2025. 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 (NRAO)

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 2026 are now closed. Applications normally open in February.