2026 Summer Internships
Applications for our 2026 summer internships are now open, and will close on February 15th, 2026. Learn more about our available projects below. To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to westernspace@uwo.ca with the subject:"Summer Internship with Dr. (insert name)."
Eligibility:- Applicants must be undergraduate students attending Western University during Winter 2026 (full or part-time)- Students must be planning on attending the Fall 2026 term at Western- These internships mainly target 3rd-year students, but final decisions about internships are up to the Faculty- Students must be available to participate in the research activity between May 5th and August 31st, 2026
Project 1: Radar analysis of Mars analogues
Professor:
Department:
Department of Earth Sciences
Project Description:
If humans are to travel to Mars, they will need resources like water to survive. Water ice is abundant on Mars, but its exact location in the human-accessible mid-latitudes remains unclear. Fortunately, water ice has an unusual radar signature that can be observed from an orbital instrument. Dr. Neish is working with a team from the Canadian Space Agency and York University to develop a radar instrument that would identify the location and properties of this water ice on Mars. To validate this approach, we seek to investigate locations on Earth that are known to have buried water ice. The selected student would analyze radar observations of sites in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and compare them to ground-truth observations of the same locations. We seekto determine the conditions under which water ice could (and could not) be identified on Mars.
Required qualifications:
Knowledge of remote sensing, Experience with GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.), Interest in planetary geology
Project 2: Spectral Energy Distribution Modeling of Rapidly-Rotating Stars in Support of the Mauve Satellite
Professor:
Departments:
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Project Description:
Be stars are rapidly-rotating main sequence stars that eject circumstellar disks. The UV portion of the star'sspectrum provides a new way to measure stellar rotation rates, particularly very rapid ones. The Mauve Satellite will (hopefully) begin collecting a sample of UV-optical SEDs for Be stars in January 2025, and I require a student to assist me in the analysis of the data.
Required qualifications:
Astronomy students preferred. Physics background required. Coding skills (python required; matlab useful)
Project 3: Modernization and preservation of Western's Meteorite Collection
Professor:
Departments:
Department of Earth Sciences
Project Description:
Our meteorites are getting a fresh start. The summer intern will work with the Geoscience Collections Curator to modernize and preserve the Western University Meteorite Collection. Our meteorites are getting a fresh start. The summer intern will meticulously transfer our meteorites to museum-grade storage vessels, and box and label the specimens for optimal preservation within their new state-of-the-art storage environment. The intern will also add the meteorite storage locations into our newly updated database, and accession new specimens as necessary. In addition to working to modernize the Meteorite collection, the student will complete research on the Western Meteorite Collection and the Western Institute for Earth and Space Exploration membership, to understand the needs of members and identify meteorites that are related and potentially significant for their research projects. They will also be provided with a list of current projects at the Institute and identify specimens in the collection that would be valuable to these projects, further fostering interdepartmental collaboration with the Western Meteorite Collection. In addition, the student will identify gaps in the current collection based on research projects and interests of the Institute membership and propose meteorites that could be acquired to fill these gaps.
Required Qualifications:
The intern must be a student in the Faculty of Science and have shown an interest in meteoritics and planetary science research. Ideally, the student has taken courses in planetary sciences. It is crucial that the intern demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and responsibility in labeling and documenting each meteorite, as every specimen is unique and irreplaceable. The intern must be organized, patient and enthusiastic for the planetary sciences and meteorite research.
Project 4: Validation of an Organoids-on-Chip Model for Radiation Exposure Experiments
Professor:
Department:
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Project description:
Understanding the effects of radiation exposure on human tissues is crucial for applications in space exploration, cancer therapy, and radiation safety. Traditional in vitro and animal models have limitations in accurately mimicking human physiological responses to radiation. This proposal involves the validation and refinement of an organoids-on-chip platform aimed at creating an advanced micro physiological model for assessing radiation-induced cell damage including the interaction between cell types. Tasks will include the fabrication and implementation of an organoids-on-chip platform, testing different membranes and flow methods, mapping flow perfusion using particle image velocimetry, and testing overall performance.
Required Qualifications:
Background in physics, biophysics, or engineering. Design and programming experience will be an asset.
Project 5: Detection of Microfossils in Malagasy Stalactites
Professor:
Department:
Department of Earth Sciences
Project description:
Mineralized microbes and microbial communities are commonly found within stalactites. Microbes can become encased within successive mineral layers as the stalactite grow, effectively serving as natural traps that records microbes over long periods of time. These structural biosignatures offer direct insight into past microbial ecosystems, cave environmental conditions, and biomineralization processes. More interestingly, stalactites serve as analog environments for potential subsurface habitats on other planets where evaporites and mineral precipitates could similarly preserve microbial life. This project not only advances knowledge of terrestrial microfossil preservation but also contributes to developing robust criteria for recognizing structural microfossils in planetary materials. This project investigates the presence, morphology, and preservation of mineralized microbes/biofilms within Malagasy stalactites using a multi-analytical approach including light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Light microscopy will be used for initial thin section analysis to locate regions containing“organic textures” (i.e., laminations) and to observe their distribution. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy will allow for high resolution imaging of mineralized microbes and elemental composition. X-ray diffraction will be used to confirm mineralogy of the stalactite. By integrating these analytical methods, the project aims to distinguish genuine microbial microfossils from abiotic mineral structures, building a framework for recognizing biosignatures in mineralized environments. This project is well suited for third-year students who intend to pursue a research project in Earth Sciences 4490E or Environmental Sciences 4999E beginning in September 2026. While applicants from these programs are strongly encouraged to apply, all qualified candidates will be given equal consideration.
Required Qualifications:
equired qualifications include strong communication skills across diverse disciplines and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates must demonstrate initiative, a willingness to learn, and the capacity to take on a leadership role within the project. Effective time management is essential.
