Computational Astrobiology Summer School

Introduction

The University of Hawaii NASA Astrobiology Institute (UHNAI) will host the invitation-only Computational Astrobiology Summer School (CASS) from August 1-15, 2010. This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students in computer science and related areas to learn about astrobiology, and to carry out substantial projects related to the field.

The two-week on-site part of the program will be an intensive introduction to the field of astrobiology. NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) scientists will present their work, and the group will discuss ways in which computational tools (e.g. models, simulations, data processing applications, sensor networks, etc.) could improve astrobiology research. Also during this time, participants will define their projects, with the help of the participating NAI researchers. Suitable projects are significant team or individual programming efforts that result in useful tools for astrobiology research. Some examples of past CASS projects can be found here:
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~binsted/CASS/projects.html

On returning to their home institutions, participants will begin work on their projects, under the supervision of a mentor. The amount of time required to complete a project will vary, but the effort should be roughly equivalent to a one semester, three credit-hour course. Indeed, we anticipate that most participants will arrange to earn credit for their project at their home institution. When the projects are completed, participants are expected to submit a poster to an astrobiology-related conference (to be determined).

Send an application package by email (preferred) or post to:

Kim Binsted
binsted@hawaii.edu
514-880-0534
POST 317
Information and Computer Sciences Department
University of Hawaii
1680 East-West Road
Honolulu HI 96822

More...