PIXE-PAN is a summer science program for high school students, as well as teachers, students who are working toward teaching certification, graduate students, and science museum administrators. Basically, the sole criteria for participants is an interest in exploring topics in modern science and nuclear physics/astrophysics.

The program introduces participants to the fundamentals of the extremely small domain of atomic nuclei and its connection to the extremely large domain of astrophysics and cosmology. Lectures and hands-on experiments are led by senior faculty and staff of the Institute for Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics (ISNAP) at the University of Notre Dame.

What you learn: Lectures, discussions, demonstrations and hands-on experiments are the signature of this program. While MSU's PAN program has a cosmic ray scientific focus, PIXE-PAN will have a PIXE focus. PIXE (Proton-Induced X-Ray Emissions) is an accelerator-based technique used to analyze art and artifacts.

When: PIXE-PAN will be held on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in summer. (Dates for 2010 summers program have not been determined due to renovations in the Nuclear Structure lab.)

Requirements:

• Interested individuals fill out application forms online or available by mail. (No forms are available for the Summer of 2010 for now.)

• Students should have some background in math and science at the freshman/sophomore level.

• Students must be recommended by two teachers (at least one from science, lab, or math).

Cost: Free. Lunches are provided, as are other meals for out-of-town instructors. We will also pay for dormitory expenses for out-of-towners who are at least 18 years of age; those who prefer to stay at a local hotel/motel may do so at their own expense. Due to dormitory regulations regarding youths under the age of 18, students should reside within commuting distance, or have parental approval for arrangements involving local accommodations.

Sponsors:
Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics
Institute for Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics
University of Notre Dame

Contact Information:
JINA Outreach
Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA)
225 Nieuwland Science Hall
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame, IN 46556

Office address: 180 NSH
Office phone: 574/631-4087
Email: jinaout@nd.edu