NASA/IPAC Teacher
Archive Research Program

I've been involved in many professional development activities and this is by far the best one I've ever done

Chelen Johnson

Variability of the Mid-IR Sky: Using archival Spitzer Space Telescope data to look for variability of stars at mid-infrared wavelengths.

I think the best part about the trip and NITARP as a whole is the chance to do authentic research and learn the methods and techniques used to tease as much information out of the data as possible. It still amazes me (and this is what I try to instill in the students in my astronomy classes) that we can learn so much from a tiny point of light if we are just clever enough to know how to look at it.
I am grateful for NITARP and appreciative for all those that put in the long hours so the program can be as successful as it is. I had heard about the program at a workshop in 2012 and decided to apply since I heard what a great program it is. My experiences have gone way beyond my expectations. Thanks [..] for giving teachers and students the opportunities you do!
Watching the students present the research we had been working on the last year was absolutely the best part of the experience for me. They made me so proud