Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (REU)

::: SPECIAL NOTE :::

Applications for the REU summer of 2010 are being accepted – see below.
Notification of acceptances will be sent before the 2^nd of April, 2010. Thanks for your interest in our program.

The Physics Department welcomes applications for its Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (REU), supported by the National Science Foundation. Research projects will reflect the current research interests among the faculty. Opportunities are available in condensed matter and materials physics, nano-science and technology, biomaterials physics, and soft condensed-matter physics, atomic and nuclear physics, optics, astrophysics, and physics education. Research programs and potential faculty mentors may be viewed at the Physics homepage. REU application forms also may be filed online here. An important part of our program is the weekly REU seminar series that features faculty members presenting an overview of their research programs. There will also be a frequent lunch discussion group meeting to identify research issues that could become problems and find quick solutions to these. The weekly seminars are often followed by an informal lab tour. Additional informal tours of several campus and area research facilities gives each student an opportunity to learn about research activities in physics beyond their individual project. A university-wide program of more general important information such as safety procedures, poster preparation, social activities and group tours is also available to all REU students. Dates for the 2010 program will be from June 1 to August 7. If necessary, these dates may be individually tailored to the academic calendar of the participant's home institution. To apply, either use our web-accessible application form, send e-mail to: reu_physics@ncsu.edu, or mail an application to:       Prof. J. E. (Jack) Rowe       Box 8202, Physics Department       North Carolina State University       Raleigh, NC 27695-8202 Application evaluation ends March 20th, 2010. NCSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified women, minorities, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Who Can Apply? Although intended for students between their junior and senior years, an exception can be made for a well-qualified applicant who is between the sophomore and junior years. Interested students are invited to apply by sending a letter of application. Please include a brief statement of possible research interests, overall GPA, physics GPA, and the names and addresses of two persons who may be contacted as references. The NSF-sponsored part of the Physics REU program is only open to US citizens not enrolled at NCSU. However, NCSU students can apply through a special procedure by filling out this form. Why Should I Apply To This Program? The NC State REU program offers hands-on research experience, and: helps students determine if he/she is truly interested in research. helps students decide what field of research they would like to pursue. allows students to have an insider's look at NC State University (to which some students will apply for graduate work). makes students more desirable candidate to graduate school search committees. helps students meet individuals attending other universities, and these contacts can last a lifetime. exposes students to mentors that can make a big difference in the student's future academic development. allows students to work on a project that can eventually become his/her senior thesis. allows students exposure to all aspects of research (planning experiments, managing their time, writing up their results and presenting their work). exposes participants to the ethical issues of research. gives students a chance to experience some of the diversity in the area of physics research. What Is The Stipend For This Program? Is Housing Paid? Do I Get A Travel Allowance? REU Fellows will receive a $5,000.00 stipend in return for 10 weeks of participation. Room and board in on-campus housing is provided as part of the award. If the REU Fellow doesn't want to live on campus, he/she is responsible for his/her housing costs (i.e., on-campus housing allowances are not transferable). A travel allowance is available. When Can I Apply? How To Apply? The application and acceptance process is on-going, but earlier applicants will receive prompt attention and are more likely to be accepted to the program. To apply, either use our web-accessible application  form, send e-mail to: reu_physics@ncsu.edu, or mail an application to:       Prof. J. E. (Jack) Rowe       Box 8202, Physics Department       North Carolina State University       Raleigh, NC 27695-8202 NCSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified women, minorities, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Application evaluation ends March 20, 2010. Research Opportunities Students accepted into the program select several projects of interest. The program directors then match each student to the most appropriate research project. Students are encouraged to make any special requests to the program directors. Often, a new project can evolve. One example of such a project involved improvements to the data analysis of infrared spectra that allowed new higher resolution measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Each student presents a poster at the end of the program on their project and frequently these are selected for presentation at regional or national scientific meetings. Professors who mentored students in past REU programs include: Ade, Aspnes, Bernholc, Beichner, Blondin, Brown, Clarke, Daniels, Ellison, Gould, Haase, Hallen, Ji, Krim, Lucovsky, Mitas, Nemanich, Pearl, Reynolds, Riehn, Roland, Rowe, Sagui, Weninger, Young