Computer science major Bryson Thill ’12, just completed a 10-week program at the world’s leading Earth Sciences laboratories at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, located in Greenbelt, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.

Thill was one of only 10 undergraduate students accepted into the prestigious Summer Institute in Earth Sciences (SIES) program this summer. The Summer Institute provides students the unique opportunity to conduct an intensive research project, both theoretical and experimental, in earth sciences.  Students were matched with a Goddard earth scientist to conduct their projects.

Thill worked with his mentor NASA scientist Eyal Amitai, Ph.D., associate professor at Schmid College of Science and Technology, on a project titled “Evaluating Satellite Precipitations.”

The summer program also included an earth science seminar series, NASA tours, and a variety of optional social and professional development events.  To complete the program, both an oral report and a written report of the research effort were required.  Bryson and Professor Amitai’s collaborative research effort will be presented in several conferences, and is expected to be summarized in scientific manuscripts.