Undergraduate Research in Physics at Kent State University
All physics program majors at Kent State University are strongly encouraged to
become involved with undergraduate research projects. This can be
done (i) through coursework, such as Individual Investigation or Senior
Honors Thesis; (ii) through work as an undergraduate research assistant;
or (iii) by participating in a summer internship or REU program (see below).
Our website lists the topic titles for some recent examples
of undergraduate research projects of physics program majors at Kent State.
See the Winter 2007 issue of Kent State Magazine
for an article about Amanda Yoho,
a 2007 physics program graduate from Kent State University, who talks about the importance of undergraduate
research.
NSF
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
The National
Science Foundation makes possible a number of opportunities for
undergraduates to join research projects each summer. This allows students
to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out, and to contribute
consequentially. The principal support by NSF of such activities is
through the Research
Experiences for Undergraduates Program.
REU "Sites" are
established in all fields of science, mathematics, and engineering.
Each Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates, who work
in the research programs of the host institution. Students are in general
accepted from throughout the country. Each student is assigned to a
specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty,
post-docs, and graduate students. In addition, seminars, lunch meetings,
and social functions are organized to facilitate interaction between
the undergraduates.
Students are granted
stipends, and in some cases assistance with housing and travel. Students
who are in those groups traditionally under-represented in science (women,
members of under-represented minorities, and those with disabilities)
are particularly urged to apply. Students with special personal needs
or requirements, or who can attend a Site only under special conditions,
are also encouraged to apply, and to discuss this with Site Directors
in advance of the application dates.
Below you will find
links to lists of all the REU Sites, arranged by NSF program area, and
of some other activities supported by NSF that have similar summer programs.
These lists should be checked periodically. Contact each Site directly
for specific information, and for application procedures and deadlines.
Finally, below are some useful links to KSU Sites for undergraduate research.
This page maintained
by D. Mark Manley. Last modified on July 21, 2008.
