General Information
During the Summer of 2006, the Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy (CGWA), at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC), will sponsor its fourth two-week intensive program in gravitational wave astronomy (GWA). The purpose of the program is to provide senior undergraduate and junior graduate students with the necessary background to begin research programs in gravitational wave astronomy. Students will be exposed to some of the world's leading experts in these fields who will present a series of lectures. Instructors include:

The school is open to students from around the world. A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying students. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2008. For more information contact Adrienne Zermeno at gwasummer@phys.utb.edu

Location
South Padre Island Center

The GWA summer school will be held at the South Padre Island Center on South Padre Island, a resort located on the Gulf of Mexico, twenty miles from downtown Brownsville, where UTB/TSC has facilities including classrooms and meeting rooms. The SPI Center is recognized as the only historic building on South Padre Island. Built in 1923, it served as an active Coast Guard station until the 1970s.

 SPI Center
Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved by CGWA at the Super 8 Padre, which is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the SPI Center.

  • CGWA will confirm reservations for all participants selected for the workshop.
  • Transportation from the hotel to the workshop venue in the mornings and form the workshop venue back to the hotel in the evenings will be provided through a free shuttle system serving South Padre Island and Port Isabel. Buses run from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily.
  • Lecturers and observers need to contact Adrienne Zermeno to reserve rooms at the stated rate.
Super 8 Padre
4205 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: 956-761-6300 or 800-800-8000
Fax: 956-761-6083
   Super 8 Padre
Transportation

South Padre Island is served by two airports: Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), and Valley International Airport (HRL). An airport shuttle and taxicabs are available between the airport and hotel. In addition, there is a free shuttle system serving South Padre Island and Port Isabel. Buses run from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily.
Financial Aid

A number of scholarships, which include travel (1), accommodation (2), and/or per diem expenses (3), are available for qualified applicants (4). Senior undergraduate and junior graduate students majoring in physics are eligible to apply. Please send your completed application packet before March 15, 2008. Late applications will only be accepted under special circumstances. Selected candidates will be informed via email by April 11, 2008.

  1. Seven to ten days after the GWA summer school takes place, CGWA will reimburse the cost of an airline ticket up to $600.00. The Center will not cover ground transportation to and from the airport or visa expenses for international students.
  2. Two to three students will be lodged in each hotel room. The cost of the room and any applicable taxes are covered.
  3. Per diem expenses will be covered at a rate of $20.00 per day.
Application

All participants must submit a completed registration form.

Registration Form

Scholarship Information:

If you are interested in obtaining a scholarship, please read the guidelines before applying (PDF). Your scholarship application packet should include the following:

  1. Personal statement of research interests
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. 2 letters of recommendation, one of which should be from your immediate supervisor
  4. Transcript
  5. Verification of enrollment form for the Spring 2008 semester

Please send your application packet to:

Adrienne Zermeno
CGWA SETB 2.210
University of Texas at Brownsville
80 Fort Brown
Brownsville, TX  78520
Phone: 956-882-6684
Fax: 956-882-6722
Email: gwasummer@phys.utb.edu
Additional Information
Lecture Notes: PENDING
School Schedule: PENDING
Suggested Reading: Astrophysics (Abstract)
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (Abstract)