AthenaK Summer School
July 7-17, 2026 — Penn State University Campus

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AthenaK Summer School 2026

Computational Astrophysics Summer School

When:

July 7-17, 2026

Where:

Penn State University
University Park, PA

Duration:

10 days

Who:

Early career scientists
(Graduate students & Postdocs)

What:

Recent trends in computational astrophysics
Collaborative research projects

Schedule:
  • Morning lectures on computational astrophysics
  • Bootstrap new science projects in collaboration with code experts
  • Ample space for collaboration and discussion
  • Accommodation, meals, and computing provided
  • Limited travel funding available

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

NASA Logo Support: NASA award 80NSSC25K7213

NSF Logo Computing: NSF ACCESS PHY250352

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Instructors


Manuela Campanelli Photo

Manuela Campanelli

Rochester Institute of Technology

Drummond Fielding Photo

Drummond Fielding

New York University

Jacob Fields Photo

Jacob Fields

Institute for Advanced Study

Goni Halevi Photo

Goni Halevi

Illinois Institute of Technology

Alan Lam Photo

Alan Lam

Penn State University

Eve Ostriker Photo

Eve Ostriker

Princeton University

David Radice Photo

David Radice

Penn State University

James Stone Photo

James Stone

Institute for Advanced Study

David Velasco Photo

David Velasco

Institute for Advanced Study

George Wong Photo

George Wong

Institute for Advanced Study

Lizhong Zhang Photo

Lizhong Zhang

Institute for Advanced Study

Hengrui Zhu Photo

Hengrui Zhu

Princeton University

Zhaohuan Zhu Photo

Zhaohuan Zhu

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

About


AthenaK Summer School 2026 is an intensive 2-week program where early career scientists will learn to apply the AthenaK code to their own research. You will team up with 2-3 other participants based on shared interests and tackle a project together with guidance from our instructors.

We will keep things flexible with morning lectures covering cutting-edge computational astrophysics, group lunches, and late-afternoon sessions where you can share your progress and connect with other participants. Most of your time will be spent working hands-on with your team in a collaborative research environment.

Penn State will provide office space and computing resources for all participants, plus accommodation. While most people will cover their own travel costs, we have some funding available to help out students who need it - especially those from smaller or minority-serving institutions.

The goal is to build the foundations and connections you need to continue advancing your work when you return to your home institutions.

Code of Conduct


The AthenaK Summer School is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and harassment-free environment for all participants. We follow the Eberly College of Science Code of Mutual Respect and Cooperation, which establishes expectations for respectful behavior and collaboration.

All participants are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect, creating an environment where everyone can learn and contribute effectively.

Apply to AthenaK Summer School


Applications are now open!

Application deadline: February 15, 2026