Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in Physics

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. 

research honors students

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

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

Pouyan Ghaemi

Area of Research: Condensed Matter Theory

Desired Experience: coding

Minimum Coursework Completed: Quantum, Solid states

Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

James Hedberg

Area of Research: Sci-Viz / Planetarium

Minimum Coursework Completed: ASTR 305, Intro to Theatre

Opportunities include: Group member, Independent study

Website/Contact →

Alexander Khanikaev

Area of Research: Condensed Matter Experiment

Desired Experience: Some coding or lab work experience

Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

Michael Lubell

Desired Experience: Statistics

Opportunities include: Research Honors

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

Richard Steinberg

Area of Research: Physics Education Research

Minimum Coursework Completed: Any 300 level physics course

Opportunities include: Research Honors, Independent study

Website/Contact →

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

Website/Contact →

Sergey Vitkalov

Area of Research: Condensed Matter Experiment

Opportunities include: Group member, Research Honors, Independent study

Website/Contact →

Last Updated: 11/22/2021 21:09