Students in the Boulder Solar Alliance (BSA) REU program receive first-hand training in conducting scientific research, working closely with mentors drawn from a diverse range of Boulder’s scientific institutes. Led by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, the BSA consortium includes esteemed institutions such as the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) National Solar Observatory (NSO), NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) High Altitude Observatory (HAO), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder, the Boulder branch of the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), NorthWest Research Associates (NWRA), and occasionally, smaller research groups and institutions. This unique environment not only allows students to gain valuable research experience but also provides early-career scientists with mentorship opportunities, fostering collaboration and strengthening ties between institutes.
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is a world-renowned research institute dedicated to exploring and understanding space and atmospheric science. With a rich history of developing spacecraft, instruments, and scientific missions for NASA and other agencies, LASP plays a critical role in advancing our knowledge of the Sun, planets, and space environments. Through hands-on research, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to education, LASP provides students and researchers with unparalleled opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking space science missions that have a lasting impact on our understanding of the universe.
More information can be found here: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

NSF’s National Solar Observatory
The National Science Foundation (NSF)’s National Solar Observatory (NSO) is the premier research organization in the United States dedicated to studying the Sun. With cutting-edge facilities like the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the world’s most powerful solar telescope, NSO leads the way in solar research. NSO’s work is crucial for understanding solar phenomena, such as solar flares and sunspots, which have direct impacts on space weather and Earth’s climate. By providing valuable insights into the Sun’s behavior, NSO supports critical research and education, offering students and scientists the opportunity to explore the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our closest star.
More information can be found here: National Solar Observatory

High Altitude Observatory
The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) is a leading research institution focused on understanding the Sun and its influence on the Earth’s atmosphere. As part of the NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), HAO conducts cutting-edge research on solar and space physics, studying phenomena such as solar magnetic fields, solar wind, and the Sun’s impact on climate. HAO’s work is essential for predicting space weather events and understanding the Sun’s role in Earth’s climate system. Through its innovative research and educational programs, HAO offers students and scientists the chance to delve into the mysteries of our Sun and its interaction with the space environment, contributing to a deeper understanding of the processes that shape our planet’s atmosphere.
More information can be found here: High Altitude Observatory

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is the United States’ official source for space weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts. SWPC plays a vital role in monitoring and predicting solar activity, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, which can impact satellites, power grids, communication systems, and even astronaut safety. By providing real-time data and forecasts, SWPC helps protect critical technology and infrastructure from the effects of space weather. The center also supports research and educational initiatives, giving students and researchers the tools and knowledge needed to explore the dynamic and influential space environment that surrounds our planet.
More information can be found here: NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center

NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is the world’s largest repository of environmental data. NCEI manages and provides access to an extensive range of atmospheric, oceanic, and geophysical data, essential for understanding Earth’s changing environment. From tracking climate trends and natural disasters to monitoring space weather and ocean conditions, NCEI supports critical research and decision-making across multiple fields. By offering comprehensive data and tools, NCEI enables students, researchers, and policymakers to explore and address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
More information can be found here: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information

Southwest Research Institute
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is one of the oldest and largest independent, nonprofit research and development organizations in the United States. With a broad range of expertise spanning from space science and engineering to environmental science and applied physics, SwRI is at the forefront of innovation and discovery. The institute conducts cutting-edge research on planetary exploration, spacecraft instrumentation, and space weather, among many other areas. Through its collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, SwRI provides valuable opportunities for students and researchers to engage in pioneering science and engineering projects that address complex challenges and advance our understanding of the universe.
More information can be found here: Southwest Research Institute

NorthWest Research Associates
NorthWest Research Associates (NWRA) is a leading scientific research organization specializing in atmospheric and space sciences. NWRA’s work spans a wide range of topics, including space weather, atmospheric dynamics, and oceanography. With a strong focus on both fundamental and applied research, NWRA contributes to the advancement of knowledge in understanding Earth’s environment and its interactions with space. The institute is known for its collaborative approach, bringing together experts from various fields to solve complex scientific problems. Through its research and educational initiatives, NWRA offers students and scientists the opportunity to engage in innovative projects that have a real-world impact on our understanding of atmospheric and space phenomena.
More information can be found here: Northwest Research Associates
