Student Projects

The Wow! Signal was a strong, narrowband radio emission detected in 1977 by the Ohio State University "Big Ear" Radio Observatory during the Ohio SETI Project. Since its discovery, the signal has intrigued scientists as a possible candidate for extraterrestrial communication. The Planetary Habitability Laboratory’s Arecibo Wow! Project is investigating this historic event while also searching for similar signals in both archival and modern radio telescope data.

We are seeking undergraduate students interested in exploring the Wow! Signal and related topics. These projects are ideal for students with backgrounds in radio astronomy, computer science, software engineering, or data science, especially those proficient in Python programming and Linux systems. To learn more about the Wow! Signal watch this documentary.

Available Projects

Summer 2025

• Ohio SETI Data Analysis 1970s: Design an OCR and AI-based software pipeline to transcribe and analyze the 1970s dataset from the Ohio SETI Project.

• Ohio SETI Data Analysis 1990s: Develop tools to read, process, and analyze digitized data from the 1990s Ohio SETI Project.

• Ohio SETI Software Conversion: Convert and test the original Ohio SETI signal-processing software by translating it from Fortran IV to Fortran 77 and Python.

Semester 2025-2026

• Ohio SETI Data Archive: Transcribe and archive the full 1970s and 1990s dataset from the Ohio SETI Project.

• Ohio SETI Zooniverse Interface: Create a citizen science platform on Zooniverse to engage the public in verifying, correcting, and analyzing the transcribed data.

• Wow@Home Telescope Software: Build control and analysis software for a global network of small radio telescopes participating in the Wow@Home initiative.

• Wow@Moon Concept Mission: Contribute to the conceptual design of a lunar mission to place a radio interferometer on the far side of the Moon for astrophysics and technosignature science. This project is also part of NASA's LUNA-DS Project.

Requirements

• Interest in radio astronomy science.

• Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited institution in Puerto Rico.

• A minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher is required.

• Preferably in one of the following fields: physics, astronomy, planetary science, computer science, engineering, or data science.

• Programming experience in Python and Linux/Unix command line.

• Familiarity with Git/GitHub.

• Participation in regular virtual meetings or check-ins with the research team.

• Able to commit 40 hours per week during summer, or 10 hours per week during the semester.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Hands-On Research Experience: Work on real-world scientific problems in radio astronomy, signal processing, and astrophysics.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with astronomers, computer scientists, engineers, and data scientists in a collaborative research environment.

• Technical Skill Development: Gain practical experience in radio telescope operations and data analysis.

• Research Publications & Presentations: Contribute to publishable research and present your work at symposia, conferences, or campus events.

• Career and Graduate School Preparation: Strengthen your résumé or graduate school application with meaningful, project-based experience.

• Research Stipend: Receive financial support: $600/week for summer opportunities, $800/month during semester-based projects.

These opportunities are subject to the availability of funding. The Arecibo Wow! Project is funded by NASA and the NSF.

APPLY FOR THESE OPPORTUNITIES

Deadline: June 13, 2025

Questions? Contact abel.mendez@upr.edu