Research For Undergraduates
There are several ways to participate in physics research while pursuing your undergraduate degree. You can become a group member in a lab, participate in the Research Honors program, or do an independent study with an approved mentor.
Research Honors for Physics Majors
The Research Honors Program is a more formal way for undergraduate students to participate in faculty research projects. Such projects, if judged to be of sufficient quality and quantity, may lead to a degree with Research Honors.
Physics 30100-30300: Honors I-III
Approval of Department Honors Supervisor is required and should be obtained in the semester prior to the one in which the work will be performed. A “B” average or better in major courses is required in order to take Honors (or Independent Studies) courses. A written report by the student is required every semester. Presentation of the results of their work by students is required at the Honors and Independent Study symposium in the spring of their senior year.
In order to graduate “with Research Honors,” the student must maintain a “B” average or better in the major subject, submit an Honors paper which is a report in research publication format, and be given a minimum of 6 credits of “A” for this work by the mentor. Only a maximum of 12 credits of honors courses can count toward the degree.
The student’s Research Mentor will provide a written document certifying that the student has fulfilled the criteria established for graduating with Research Honors.
Many of our Faculty have opportunities for Undergraduates to either complete Research Honors projects, or join the group as a researcher, or just help mentor an independent study course. Below is a current list of those who would be interested in hearing from you.
Robert Alfano
Area of Research: Photonics
Desired Experience: Any hands on experience
Minimum Coursework Completed: 208, EM
Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study
Sriram Ganeshan
Area of Research: Condensed Matter Theory
Desired Experience: Coding, complex analysis (optional)
Minimum Coursework Completed: 361
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Swapan Gayen
Area of Research: Photonics
Desired Experience: Basic computer usage, some statistics
Minimum Coursework Completed: PHYS 20700, 20800, 20900
Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study
Pouyan Ghaemi
Area of Research: Condensed Matter Theory
Desired Experience: coding
Minimum Coursework Completed: Quantum, Solid states
Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study
Marilyn Gunner
Area of Research: Biophysics
Desired Experience: A willingness to learn new things in a range of disciplines (physics, chem, bio, programming)
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
James Hedberg
Area of Research: Sci-Viz / Planetarium
Minimum Coursework Completed: ASTR 305, Intro to Theatre
Opportunities include: Group member, Independent study
Alexander Khanikaev
Area of Research: Condensed Matter Experiment
Desired Experience: Some coding or lab work experience
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Ronald Koder
Area of Research: Biophysics
Desired Experience: Comfort with programming is helpful but not necessary.
Minimum Coursework Completed: Physics 208.
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Michael Lubell
Hernan Makse
Desired Experience: Expertise in coding and big-data analytics
Minimum Coursework Completed: Computational Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Machine learning, Computer Programing in Python or Matlab, R or similar.
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Vinod Menon
Area of Research: Photonics
Desired Experience: Coding, Knowledge of optics
Minimum Coursework Completed: required: Phys 209, E&M, QM (will be good)
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors
Carlos Meriles
Area of Research: Condensed Matter Experiment
Desired Experience: Coding would be good but is not mandatory; other special skills are also welcome
Minimum Coursework Completed: Quantum mechanics
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Mark Shattuck
Area of Research: Granular materials
Desired Experience: Coding a plus, but can learn on the job.
Minimum Coursework Completed: 207/208
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Richard Steinberg
Area of Research: Physics Education Research
Minimum Coursework Completed: Any 300 level physics course
Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study
Brian Tiburzi
Area of Research: High Energy Theory
Desired Experience: Coding skills desirable
Minimum Coursework Completed: PHYS 361, PHYS 551
Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study
Sergey Vitkalov
Area of Research: Condensed Matter Experiment
Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study
Last Updated: 11/22/2021 21:09