Undergraduate Space Science Experience
About the USSE Workshop
The Undergraduate Space Science Experience (USSE) workshop is a two-week summer program geared toward undergraduate students of all STEM majors (Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics, etc.) who are interested in the Space Sciences. It is made possible with sponsorship by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) and is hosted by the South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI).
USSE, led by UTRGV Assistant Professor Dr. Liliana Rivera Sandoval, focuses on the various research areas that comprise the Space Sciences encompassed by STSSI. This experience supports the long-term goals for students along the US-Mexico border by expanding their involvement in and knowledge of STEM fields. It grants participants the unique opportunity to hear from, meet and interact with experts in cutting edge areas of Space Science, regardless of prior research experience. To explore the full scope of STSSI's focus, visit our Research Areas page.
During USSE Summer 2026, 15 to 20 participants will attend mini-courses and talks led by Dr. Rivera Sandoval and Dr. Ryan Oelkers related to observational astronomy, binary stars, observational techniques, and exoplanets. They will also hear from Professors Dr. Mario Díaz and Dr. Joseph Romano, as well as Post Doctoral Researcher Dr. Jan Kára. These subject-matter experts will discuss their experiences and illuminate the current landscape of their fields. Students will also receive advice on graduate school applications, writing a strong CV, tips for successful presentations, post-workshop research opportunities with STSSI members, and STEM-degree career paths beyond academia. Additional field trips and hands-on activities are also planned, including observations with telescopes.
For eligibility requirements, see details outlined below. Applications are due by Monday, June 1, 2026. Awardees will be notified approximately mid-June.
Priority is granted to qualified individuals in order of receipt of application. Don’t wait!
Submit your application today.
Program Details and Information
Workshop Dates and Times
- July 20-29, 2026, Monday to Friday
- 9 am to 3 pm
Featured Experts
- Dr. Liliana Rivera Sandoval | Observational Astronomy
- Dr. Mario Díaz | Multimessenger Astronomy
- Dr. Jan Kára | Observational Astronomy
- Dr. Ryan Oelkers | Exoplanetary Astronomy
- Dr. Joseph Romano | Gravitational-Wave Astronomy
- Other special guests and invited speakers to be announced
Application Deadline
- Monday, June 1, 2026
Location
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville campus
Stipends
- Participants will be awarded a stipend up to $600
- The stipend will be issued in two installments, one at the end of each week (July 24 and July 29)
- Participants that fail to attend workshop days will forfeit their stipend
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate student at UTRGV
- Must have completed their freshman year by May 16, 2026
- May be enrolled in summer classes, so long as they do not interfere with the USSE program schedule
- All are welcome to apply, including international students
Participants:
- Are required to have access to a laptop, either personal or borrowed, for the full duration of the workshop
Participants:
- Must be available to attend all workshops days between 9 am and 3 pm
- Forfeit their stipend if absent during any workshop dates or times
- Provide a letter of interest
- Maximum length: one-half a page
- Includes your areas of interest
- Explains your motivation for participating in the USSE
- Provide a curriculum vitae (CV)
- Prior research experience IS NOT REQUIRED. However, if you have any, please include relevant research experiences, academic achievements, and memberships in professional organizations and honor societies
- Provide current transcripts
- Provide a summer class schedule, if enrolled in Summer 2026 courses
Submit Your Application
Summer 2026 Undergraduate Space Science Experience applications are due by Monday, June 1, 2026. Don't delay.
Thanks to our program sponsor:
