A: The JPL Education Office will notify the student when a placement has been made, typically about 3 weeks before program is scheduled to start.
Q: How do I go about contacting a Mentor?
A: Prior to selection, mentors will review the applications of students interested in their Announcement of Opportunity, and will contact candidate that seem to fit their requirements and preferences best.
Q: What if I am not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident?
A: NASA is a civilian space agency, and almost all the work done at JPL is unclassified. However, government security requirements apply at the Lab, so it is not feasible for the SIRI program to accommodate students who are non-citizens or do not hold a "green card." [Proof of status will be required to get onto the Lab.
Q: Is the work requirement of 10 - 15 hours per week negotiable?
A: A SIRI internship is an independent research course. It takes a commitment of at least 10 to 15 hours per week, typical of other courses, to experience the research environment, which is the primary goal of the program.
Q: What if I don't meet all the requirements on the Announcement of Opportunity?
A: Being selected for any SIRI research opportunity is based primarily on an agreement between the student and the JPL Mentor, with the concurrence of the college Faculty Sponsor. So the specific requirements may be negotiated. Strong interest in participating, and a willingness to learn "on-the-job," will often make the difference in being selected for a SIRI opportunity (as it does in having a successful research career). Also, SIRI is an ongoing program, and students who are not selected in one semester are encouraged to apply again.
