The application period for FireSage 2024 has ended. Thank you for your interest. We will keep all applicants posted.

Summer Internship Opportunity: SJSU-NASA FireSage Program

Program Information: 

San José State University (SJSU) Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC), Geofly Lab, and Wilkin FireEcology Lab, in collaboration with NASA Ames Earth Science Division is pleased to announce 10-week paid summer internship opportunity FireSage Program. Selected students will have the opportunity to participate in internship splitting their time between NASA Ames Center and SJSU, engaging in research topics including:

• California Wildfire Remote Sensing: Utilizing NASA satellite data such as Landsat, MODIS, Sentinel, NAIP aerial imagery, and multi-platform drone mapping data for wildfire analysis.

• Wildfire Mapping and GIS Programming: Gain hands-on experience in fire mapping using GIS techniques, including data cleaning, Python programming, and leveraging Google Earth Engine. Emphasis will be placed on coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote sensing methodologies.

• Fire Behavior and Ecology: Explore the intricate interactions between fire and plant ecosystems, ranging from individual plants to entire communities, across various landscapes including wilderness areas and the wildland urban interface.

• Community Fire Resilience: Study strategies for enhancing community resilience to wildfires, including fire adaptations, Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), climate change resilience, prescribed fire techniques, and the concept of Fire Adapted Communities.

Interns will engage in a 10-week immersive research experience, spending 4 weeks at NASA Ames Center (summer) and 6 weeks at SJSU (2 weeks in summer plus 4 weeks in fall semester), working one-on-one with scientists in wildfire research. Additionally, students will collaborate with industry partners such as Google, PG&E, CalFire, etc, organizations recognized by the National Science Foundation as an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC).

Through co-mentorship with NASA's experienced internship team, and collaboration within an interdisciplinary research team in WIRC, interns will gain invaluable experiences and insights, preparing them to address the complex challenges of wildfire research and management within Silicon Valley's vibrant and innovative environment. This immersive program offers interns a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field. Apply now to be part of this dynamic and rewarding experience!

We highly encourage applications from students associated with historically marginalized or disadvantaged groups, including but not limited to Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous, Native American, Native Alaskan, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, other people of color, religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ community, individuals with disabilities, rural residents, and those affected by ongoing poverty or inequality. Our goal is to support 5 students in 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be current students at SJSU or Bay Area colleges, at the junior or senior undergraduate level, or enrolled in graduate programs.

• Majors should be in fields like Geography, Meteorology, Biology, GIS, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM fields.

• Candidates should have an interest in research and science, particularly interest or experience in areas like remote sensing, fire ecology, data science, Python programming, high-performance computing, and Google Earth Engine. 

• Applicants should be passionate about using technology to address wildfire risks and keen to develop skills at the intersection of AI and Earth System Science.

• U.S. citizenship is required.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume, transcript, and a one-page cover letter in one PDF file. The cover letter should highlight their interest and relevant experiences. Applications are to be submitted through a provided Google Form link. (Link).

Important dates:

• Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

• Selection Announcement: April 17, 2024

• Onboarding Meeting: May 13, 2024

• NASA Internship Start Date: July 8, 2024

• SJSU Internship Start Date: August 5, 2024

Situated in the innovative heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU and NASA Ames Center provide a dynamic backdrop for the FireSage Program, bridging academic learning with real-world industry experience. This strategic location offers unparalleled internship and job opportunities, fostering unique partnerships with leading tech companies and startups. If you are passionate about applying technology to understand and mitigate wildfire risks, we encourage you to apply. For questions please contact Dr. Bo Yang (Bo.Yang02@sjsu.edu).