1. Physics & Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (PACER) A NSF funded student research experience program for Minority Serving Institutions. Bring faculty / student teams to LSU for a 9-week intensive summer workshop. Just before burst 105,000 ft Establish a core of expertise at multiple HBCU institutions around which a local sustainable student research experience program can develop. Attract students from the ranks of minorities and women to science and engineering programs Mentor institutions for up to three years as they develop their own student balloon research program. Teach skills in electronics, programming, mechanical systems, project management, which the team then uses to develop their own high altitude balloon payload.

2. PACER Participants Grambling State University (2007) Norfolk State University (2008) Interamerican University of Puerto Rico – Bayamon (2008)

3. Summer 2009 Dates: June 1 through July 31 Contact:Dr. T. G. Guzik, Dept. Physics & Astronomy Louisiana State University NOI due date:February 20, 2009 Application due date: March 20, 2009 Request application materials by sending an e-mail to guzik@phunds.phys.lsu.edu