YSP Projects and Application Information
Applications for the 2026 program are now available!
For quick access, you can submit the application form here.
But please do read and review the information below as well as in the FAQ document. And be sure you know to which project(s) listed below you are applying.
BMSIS provides opportunities for college students and those who’ve completed undergraduate degrees to participate as Research Associates with our institute, providing opportunities to participate in basic research and to learn about science communication, ethics, policy, and more. Our program is conducted entirely online, so there is no need for travel, and interns can take part from any nation on the globe (please note that there are some projects that have location requirements—we clearly state when this is the case).
YSP Research Associates (RAs) conduct supervised research under direct supervision by one or more BMSIS scientists and colleagues. The RA may work on-site or remotely, depending on the needs of the project, mentor, and RA. The program does not include payments/funding (unless otherwise noted for a specific project). Research Associate positions will last nominally three months, though some may last longer, especially those that are funded.
BMSIS Research Associates will often write a written report of their work for the project. This report may be used in a variety of applications, including (but not limited to): undergraduate project/thesis, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, magazine/newspaper articles, and writing samples for job applications. RAs will be expected to present the results of their work either internally (to an audience of BMSIS scientists and affiliates using virtual communication tools) or externally (to an audience at an academic conference, convention, or other meeting venue).
The Young Scientist Program includes required modules in science communication as well as ethics and society with guidance from project mentors and other research scientists at BMSIS. RAs also will attend monthly BMSIS seminars and will have opportunities to participate in a variety of seminars and meetings held by professional researchers, science communicators, and more.
Upon successful completion of the Young Scientist Program and required modules, Research Associates shall receive a Certificate of Completion. Alumni from the Young Scientist Program may also receive requests for follow-up program evaluation.
Applications for the Young Scientist Program will be accepted from 1 March through 10 April with limited available positions, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply or contact us for more information.
Eligibility Requirements
• Currently seeking a degree at a 2-year, 4-year, or 5-year university or a community college (or the equivalent), or have completed an undergraduate degree and currently considering graduate school.
• Please Note: we do not accept graduate students. Those who have completed credits towards Masters or Doctoral degrees are not eligible for the program. Graduate students are encouraged to instead apply to our Visiting Scholars Program).
• For further questions on eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
• Able to dedicate at least 5 hours per week for the duration of the program (time requirements may depend on the project)
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the country of the Young Scientist Program (note: this only applies to projects where the RA is working on-site. Applicants for the online program need only be capable of working within their country of residence)
• Also note: BMSIS cannot sponsor travel or work visas to the United States
• For further inquiries, please see our FAQ document. The FAQ document will be updated as needed during the application window.
Important Dates for the 2026 YSP
• 1 March 2026 – Applications will be open by 08:00 Pacific Time on this date (but we hope to open the applications sooner if possible)
• 8 April 2026 – Applications close (applications will be accepted until 20:00 Pacific Daylight Time)
• 5 May 2026 – Decisions communicated to applicants beginning on this date (due to the large number of applications we receive, some notifications may take longer)
• 1 June 2026 – YSP Begins
• 31 August 2026 – YSP Ends
Application Requirements
• Contact one or more BMSIS scientists expressing specific interests about listed projects (see list below) by sending inquiries to scientists at their email address listed in the table below. Please include a thoughtful message of introduction, but also be courteous of their time. We have some guidelines in the FAQ document as to how to best write your messages so as to be professional and polite.
• Satisfy any eligibility requirements specified by the BMSIS YSP and the “Required Skills” section of the project to be considered. Also, please note that some projects are only available to applicants from specific areas or regions (if there is a location requirement, it will be listed with the project—all other projects can accept applicants from anywhere on the planet).
• Complete the online application form for the project(s). Note that the application form is not yet available (we will make it accessible once applications open). If you have questions about the application form, please read the FAQ document. The application form will include essay sections where you must describe why you are interested and a good fit for the project to which you are applying as well as how you see the YSP impacting your future. We require a resume/CV of no more than three pages in length as well as your educational transcripts. (Note: The application form only becomes available once the application window opens)
• Have two letters of recommendation sent to ysp_letters@bmsis.org. For more information about the letters of recommendation, please read the FAQ document. Please note: your application will not be considered complete unless we receive two letters of recommendation on your behalf.
• There is a $20 USD fee for applying to the program. Applicants who cannot afford this fee can submit their application through our lottery system (see the FAQ document for further information).
Here are the projects that are available for 2026:
| Project Mentor(s) | Project Title | Description | Required Skills | Skills the Interns will Acquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ken Williford ken@bmsis.org | Virtual Microscopy: Designing Digital Experiences for Ancient Life Exploration | The evostitch platform transforms thousands of high-resolution microscope images into seamless, explorable digital specimens viewable in any web browser. Example targets include fossil bacteria from the ~1.9 billion year-old Gunflint Formation. This project seeks a candidate to design and build virtual microscopy experiences that communicate the wonder and scientific significance of these specimens to broad audiences. The candidate will contribute to UI/UX design and frontend development (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML/CSS), develop Python backend tools for features like guided tours and annotation overlays, and create interpretive materials for public engagement. Final work may include implemented viewer features, annotated specimen tours, or educational content on evostitch.net. | Familiarity with Python programming; exposure to web development (JavaScript, HTML/CSS); interest in UI/UX design; curiosity about Earth history, paleontology, or microscopy; strong visual and written communication skills. | UI/UX design principles for scientific applications; frontend web development for interactive data visualization; Python backend development for image-based platforms; science communication and visual storytelling; fundamentals of microscopy and early life on Earth; experience building accessible, interactive tools for public engagement with science. |
| Graham Lau & Laura Rodriguez (LPI) lrodriguez@lpi.usra.edu grahamlau@bmsis.org | The Astrobiology Spectral Database | The Astrobiology Spectral Database (ASD) is a free, open-access online repository of spectral data from laboratory-generated abiotic organics and astromaterials such as meteorites and samples returned by NASA. We are seeking motivated undergraduate students to join our team as virtual research assistants this summer. Interns will contribute directly to an active astrobiology research resource by reviewing scientific literature related to the origin of life and organics found in astromaterials, compiling published spectral datasets, and working with researchers to help archive their data. Students will also provide feedback on website design and usability and assist in developing online tutorials for the broader scientific community. | We are looking for students who are curious about astrobiology and the origin of life and are comfortable reading scientific papers. Backgrounds in chemistry, geoscience, biology, or planetary science are especially welcome. Experience with analytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry or NMR), programming, machine learning, video editing, or web development is a plus, but not required. | Interns will develop a strong understanding of current research on the origin of life and organic chemistry in the solar system. Students will gain experience analyzing scientific literature, interacting with research scientists, and contributing to a real scientific database. You’ll also learn about the strengths and limitations of analytical techniques used to characterize organic compounds and best practices for publishing and sharing research data. By the end of the program, students will have made a tangible contribution to a resource designed to support research on origin of life chemistry and the search for life beyond Earth. |
| Jacob Haqq-Misra & George Profitiliotis jacob@bmsis.org | Project Janus: Scenarios of Earth’s Future | Project Janus is an ongoing study of Earth's long-term future, based on a set of 10 unique scenarios of Earth and the solar system 1000 years from now. The Project Janus scenarios show a broad possibility space for our own future. This YSP project seeks candidates interested in analyzing these plausible future scenarios, drawing on methods from the interdisciplinary field of futures studies. Project members will conduct activities such as worldbuilding, cross-scenario comparisons, developing metrics or visualizations, and others intended to facilitate engagement with the scenarios. Completed deliverables will be implemented on the Project Janus website (futures.bmsis.org) and may also be included as part of other published materials. | Open to candidates from any background in the physical sciences, social sciences, or humanities with strong writing skills, analytical and creative thinking, and interdisciplinary interests. Technical and/or artistic skills are a bonus. | Project members will gain skills in: utilizing futures studies methods; conducting interdisciplinary literature review and analysis; combining solo and group work; and written communication. |
| Jim Cleaves henderson.cleaves@gmail.com | Comparatiive Exploration of Language Efficiency | Human languages use vocabulary, grammar and syntax to express meaningful statements, using both written symbols and audible (phonemes) signals. This project will explore how different language systems compare in their efficiency of encoding, and compare that non-human biological information, as well as hypothetical encoding systems. | Experience with python and web programming. | A knowledge of how to compare symbolic systems and their information content. |
| Rafael Loureiro, Luke Concollato, Sam Humprey, & Chad Vanden Bosch rafael@bmsis.org, lukeconcollato@gmail.com, chad.vandenbosch@bmsis.org | The Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) | The Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) Project is looking for research assistants to help search the scientific literature for all published and unpublished work related to plant research for space applications. Assistants who join this project will have an opportunity to choose a certain subset of “plants in space” research to specialize in, and contribute summaries of these papers to the database we are building. SALAD will be a free, searchable database online for researchers and space entrepreneurs to use to learn the state of knowledge on space agriculture to inform experiments and technology development | Fluent in the English language; strong reading comprehension for technical papers on plant biology; coding experience (Python) *A pre-acceptance assessment will be conducted with each finalist on their skill levels in each one of the categories listed above. The SALAD team reserves the right to dismiss any candidate based on their assessment scores. Being pre-accepted is not a guarantee for any candidate to participate in the project. | Utilize appropriate research methods and techniques to analyze and summarize research papers; Understand the interactions between plant omics and plant phenotype data; Compare and contrast different approaches and methodologies used in space agriculture research; Contribute to the development of a valuable resource for researchers and space entrepreneurs in the field of space agriculture. |
| Lev Horodyskyj levh@sciencevoices.org | Agavi: Teaching in Tech Deserts | In this project, the student will be working with the Agavi platform team at the Science Voices nonprofit, which is developing an adaptive learning platform for use in low resource (power, bandwidth, income) regions around the world. Potential work can involve developing surveys and focus group questions to better understand the digital literacy of teachers; investigating student access to technology in tech deserts; prototyping digital sims and widgets using AI for integration with Agavi; developing digital sensor kits for integration into Agavi; or other co-developed ideas. | Coding experience/familiarity (for programming and prototyping projects) | Developing community relationships, education research methodologies, AI programming pipelines, prototyping, asynchronous work with global teams |
| Lev Horodyskyj levh@sciencevoices.org | Beeworks: Global Tropical Stingless Bee Network | In this project, the student will help develop the Beeworks program at the Science Voices nonprofit. Beeworks is an extension program that integrates education and research with community development via stingless tropical bees and currently operates in Brazil and Indonesia. Work may include networking with community groups working on native stingless bee education (requires fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, or Indonesian), prototyping sensor kits for citizen science projects related to native bees, developing educational materials related to native bees, or other co-developed ideas. | Portuguese, Spanish, or Indonesian (for community networking projects); coding experience/familiarity (for programming and prototyping projects) | Developing community relationships, prototyping, AI programming pipelines, asynchronous work with global teams |
| Sanjoy Som, Serhat Sevgen (YSP 2020), Danna Jaimes (YSP 2021), & Nicole Jimeno (YSP 2024) sanjoy@bmsis.org | Influence of Archean Eon seawater on water-rock reactions | What did Earth’s oceans look like before oxygen filled the atmosphere? Which minerals formed as seawater interacted with a young, reactive crust, and could these reactions have released gases that transformed the planet? This project focuses on the Archean Eon (3.8–2.5 billion years ago), when ocean chemistry differed radically from today. The participant will review scientific literature on early ocean composition and simulate water–rock interactions using EQ3/6 geochemical modeling software. These models will predict mineral formation and potential gas emissions that may have contributed to Earth’s oxygenation. Depending on time and progress, the student will also learn to incorporate oxide data into computational analyses of water–rock reactions. The project is ideal for students interested in using geochemistry to investigate early Earth and planetary evolution. | Familiarity with the UNIX terminal; completion of basic mathematics and Earth science coursework; a strong interest in planetary environments and computational programming | Scholarly knowledge of the early Earth and familiarity with the powerful geochemical modeling tool EQ3/6. |
| Aubrey Zerkle | Communicating science with short-format videos | Short-format videos are one of the most popular and effective ways to distribute knowledge. As such, producing science content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok is becoming an increasingly powerful way to reach wide audiences and educate people. This YSP project seeks a scicomm-focused candidate interested in creating video content for the science news website and BMS initiative Sciworthy. The candidate will receive training in science writing following the Sciworthy house style and write at least one article on their topic of choice for publication on the website. Building from this knowledge base, the candidate will produce one or more short videos for their article and other Sciworthy articles, experimenting with different styles and formats to optimize audience engagement. Let’s be creative! | Strong motivation to communicate science, willingness to apply skills across scientific disciplines, some experience producing video content is preferable, creativity is a must | Science writing and communication, video production, social media marketing |
| Michael Malaska mike.malaska@bmsis.org | Sounds of Deep Ice Fluorescence: Ice borehole sonification | We have a unique dataset of a fluorescence spectral scan during a transect down an ice borehole with with 32 channels of data. It would be perfect for some type of data sonification, or conversion to a more complex musical product as a sci-art collaboration. This will make a very unique and fun art project. The ultimate goal will be to represent the data in the coolest way possible. Unfortunately, this project is not funded. However, it is also fully remote with a flexible schedule. | Programming ability, Data sonification experience, or the desire to research and learn. Musical ability at the science-art interface | Data manipulation, coding, understanding physical processes of ice deposition and conversion of snowflakes to glacial ice. Understanding spectral channels and fluorescence response. Science communication and art-science interface. |
| Tomasz Zajkowski tomasz@bmsis.org | Protein-Level Evolvability: Prion-Like Domains, Transposable Elements, and the Origins of Biological Memory | This YSP project explores how biological systems store, transmit, and regulate information beyond classical DNA-based inheritance. It focuses on prion-like protein domains and transposable elements as ancient, modular systems that enable episodic activation, dormancy, and bursts of biological novelty. While transposable elements move information through genomes, prion-like domains propagate information through protein conformational states. Research Associates will examine whether these systems can be compared as functional analogues operating at different biological layers and what this reveals about early evolution and biological memory. The project emphasizes critical literature analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and responsible science communication. It is fully remote and requires no prior laboratory experience. | Undergraduate-level coursework in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science, or a related field or demonstrated interest in these areas • Ability to read and discuss scientific literature in English • Basic scientific writing skills (e.g., short summaries, reflections, or reports) • Comfort with conceptual reasoning and abstract thinking • Curiosity about origins of life, evolution, or complex biological systems Not required (but helpful): • Prior exposure to protein structure, genetics, or evolutionary biology • Experience with bioinformatics, coding, or data analysis • Laboratory experience | By the end of the summer, Research Associates will have gained a mix of scientific, communication, and professional skills, including: • The ability to critically read scientific papers and distinguish evidence from speculation • A conceptual understanding of prion-like protein domains, transposable elements, and non-genetic inheritance • Experience synthesizing complex ideas across biology, evolution, and astrobiology • Practice framing and refining scientific hypotheses under uncertainty • Improved scientific writing skills, with an emphasis on clarity, structure, and plain English • Experience translating technical concepts for non-specialist audiences through short explainers or presentations • Greater confidence speaking about science in group discussions and public-facing formats • Exposure to ethical thinking about how science is conducted, interpreted, and communicated |
| Clément Vidal contact@clemvidal.com | Power density as a biosignature | The search for biosignatures requires universal concepts that could apply to recognize any kind of life or technology. For example, power density is indeed orders of magnitude higher in living and technological systems than in non-living systems. Power density has been extensively applied to find biological scaling laws, but has not yet been applied in astrobiology. We propose to probe the stellivore hypothesis using the tools and methods for assessing power density and scaling laws in biology. The prediction is that the power density of compact accreting objects has a slope and properties similar to living systems. We propose to control the prediction with another instance of accretion in astrophysics, the one of Pre-Main Sequence (PMS) stars. Whatever the outcome, this interdisciplinary study promises to bring new insights and approaches to characterize accretion patterns in astrophysics and in biology. | Astrophysics, biology, data analysis | Interdisciplinary thinking, scaling laws in complex systems |
| Clément Vidal contact@clemvidal.com | Kinematics of spider pulsars | A subset of binary millisecond pulsars called “spider pulsars” are in an asymmetric configuration, evaporating their companion star. Recently, Vidal has proposed the hypothesis that this asymmetry is creating thrust, much like a rocket engine; in other words, that these systems might actually be “spider stellar engines” in action. To test this hypothesis, we analyze the kinematics of known spider pulsars for anomalous motion such as goal-directedness, controlled acceleration, deceleration, or other maneuvers such as gravitational assists. | Astrophysics, astrometry | Technosignatures, pulsar astrophysics, basics of rocketery |
| Clément Vidal, Pedro Maldonado (Institute for the Philosophy and Science of Complexity, Chile) , & Soluciones Analíticas SpA., Chile contact@clemvidal.com | Artificial Nuclear Life | All life and technology on Earth is based on the manipulation of electromagnetic and chemical forces. However, chemical reactions may be just one way to organize matter into complex, living systems. This project explores in how far nuclear reactions could lead to complex organizations. High-energy and dense environments are natural places to study such reactions, such as on the surface of white dwarfs or neutron stars. Up to now, nuclear reactions seem raw and hard to control because we only know how to manipulate them for creating power plants or bombs. However, their potential for creating complex and high-energy machines and organizations is almost completely unexplored (see however doi:10.1162/ISAL.a.914). The algebraic framework of chemical organization theory is well suited for a first exploration, as it can be applied to any kind of reaction network (not only chemical reactions). | Foundamentals in nuclear physics | Familiarity with the algrebraic framework of chemical organization theory |
| Alex Strange & Mark Neyrinck alex.strange@bmsis.org Mark.Neyrinck@bmsis.org | How Does Dimension Shape Physics? Phase Transitions in Theoretical Physics | Why does spacetime have the dimensions it does? How does structure emerge from disorder? What happens at the boundaries of black holes? Some of the biggest open questions in physics are connected by a surprising thread: phase transitions. The same physics that explains how a magnet becomes magnetic also shows up in quantum gravity and the structure of the universe. In this project, the candidate will build intuition for these questions by studying phase transitions, using computational techniques to explore fundamental questions in theoretical physics. The candidate will simulate the Ising model in 1D, 2D, and 3D to investigate how dimensionality changes phase transitions and produce visualizations showing how order emerges from disorder. The research direction is flexible and will be shaped by the candidate’s capabilities, potentially connecting to open questions in the field. | Fluent in English Coding experience (Python) Ability to read and interpret scientific literature Background in physics Interest in theoretical physics and/or physics research Computational experience is preferred A brief coding assessment will be given to finalists to verify Python proficiency | You will develop skills in physics research methodologies, computational techniques for research, scientific communication, and academic networking. |
| Mark Neyrinck Mark.Neyrinck@bmsis.org | (How) Does the Cosmic Web Help to Form Galaxies? | Galaxies form, embedded in a flowing cosmic web of matter. There are hints that those flows help to concentrate matter and form stars, and ultimately planets and life. In this project, we will use cosmological gravitational simulations to investigate how the natural asymmetries that produce filaments in the cosmic web might help to make the process of galaxy formation more efficient. | Knowledge of Python programming is essential; Julia also would be a plus. A physics or astronomy major would be ideal, but not essential. Having taken some course in cosmology would help. Good written and verbal communication is also important; an aim will be to ultimately write a paper about the project. | The intern will learn how to frame and investigate controlled numerical experiments, how to give a coherent scientific verbal presentation, and how to present it in written form, as well. |
| Mike Simmons mike@mikesimmons.net | Supporting organizations worldwide using astronomy to improve lives in marginalized communities | Astronomy for Equity seeks a candidate interested in joining a team that supports organizations worldwide that introduce STEM, inspire girls, and otherwise include marginalized communities in education and outreach programs using astronomy. Projects include sharing resources to introduce hands-on science in developing countries and rural communities where science facilities are lacking and sharing resources and methods for including blind and low-vision people in existing astronomy outreach programs. The Big Impact Astronomy video podcast that tells the stories of people and groups using astronomy for education in developing countries and for other marginalized groups. Placement will depend on the successful candidate’s interests and the needs of the A4E team. | Good communications skills and the ability to work with a diverse team are required. Helpful skills include organization and project coordination, writing, and video editing. Cross-cultural experience is helpful while cultural sensitivity is essential. | The intern will gain experience with people and organizations in different countries and cultures, improve communication skills (written and oral), and learn other skills depending on the project(s) the interns take part in, both from the experience and from others on the project team. |
| Celia Blanco, Ricardo Cabrera (Universidad de Chile) celia.blanco@bmsis.org ricabrer@uchile.cl | Mineralogical Context of Extraterrestrial Amino Acids | This project will develop a data driven framework to examine whether mineralogical characteristics reported for meteorites can serve as indicators of variability in amino acids abundance and distribution. We will integrate published measurements of meteoritic organics with literature derived descriptors of mineralogy and sample history in order to evaluate large scale patterns across meteorite classes. The work will focus on dataset harmonization, comparative analysis, and statistical modeling to explore links between inorganic context and organic inventories in extraterrestrial materials. | Candidates must be able to search and read scientific literature. A background in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry is preferred. | Scientific literature review. Data collection and analysis. Science communication. |
| Jen Blank jen@bmsis.org | Designing Future Human Habitats on the Moon and Mars | Are you passionate about visualizing the future of human space exploration? Join us in shaping the future of space habitation through art and innovation! This internship offers a unique opportunity to create realistic and imaginative planetary illustrations for education and outreach. Together, we’ll explore planetary architecture by analyzing depictions from movies, concept art, international design competitions, and scientific research. We’ll examine the technical requirements and in-situ resource utilization necessary for sustaining human communities on the Moon and Mars. As an intern, you’ll develop your own original habitat design—to support a community of ~100 people—integrating both surface and subsurface structures on these rocky worlds. Using graphic design software and AI-generated imagery, and guided by physical constraints as we know them today, you’ll bring your vision to life. Final design(s) will be distributed as e-posters and there may be an opportunity to showcase them through the NASA Communications website. | This internship would be most suited for an undergraduate with skills in art and graphic design -- and interest in space, planetary science, and human habitats. Familiarity with simple drawing platforms (e.g., Canva) and AI image generation (e.g., Dall-E 3, MidJourney, Stable Diffusion) is desirable. As is an interest in discussion of habitat architecture with a NASA scientist. | This is an opportunity for creativity with a dash of technological restraint! I have evaluated space habitat competitions for many years and, as a Subject Matter Expert for NASA, know a lot about considerations for human life support in Space and on the Moon. We'll inspire one another and you'll generate some interesting illustrations guided by scientific and engineering parameters as we know them today. You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your work to a larger public (not a requirement). |
You can only submit your application by using the application form. Please review all of our advice on how to successfully apply in the FAQ document that we’ve linked in several places on this webpage.