Session Description

The Pre-Major in Astronomy Program (Pre-MAP)

Daryl Haggard, Eric Agol, Marcel Agüeros, Kevin Covey, Nick Cowan, Eric Hilton - Astronomy

The Pre-Major in Astronomy Program (Pre-MAP) is a new initiative housed in the University of Washington Astronomy Department. Pre-MAP is designed for entering UW students who are interested in math and science and who are traditionally underrepresented in astronomy: women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, and first-generation college students. The program introduces students to astronomical research techniques and guides them in applying these techniques to projects that involve the use of cutting-edge facilities and/or data available to UW astronomers. Every Pre-MAP student also receives one-on-one mentoring and peer support for at least the duration of the academic year, and has an opportunity to continue or expand their research project.

Pre-MAP is made possible in part by a two-year grant from the University of Washington's Diversity Appraisal Implementation Fund.