REU Site in Physics and Astrophysics at Rochester

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

The REU-Site in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester offers sophomores and juniors the opportunity to take part in forefront research in eight subfields: astrophysics, biological and medical physics, condensed matter, particle physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics and fusion, quantum optics and lasers, and physics education. On-site housing and stipend support are provided to all participants. Over 10 weeks, each student works with a faculty adviser on a specific project in the context of an active research group. Mini-courses in machining and electronics are offered. REU participants gather informally for weekly lunches with University faculty, tours of university research facilities (such as the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and the Mees Astronomical Observatory), and outings to sites of local interest. Students may take part in community outreach activities, including a physics program for high school students and public tours of the Mees Observatory. The program concludes with an informal symposium at which students present their projects; students also submit written reports of their research experiences. REU students are encouraged to continue their projects toward publication and to present their findings at both student and professional conferences. An 8-week RET program runs in parallel with the REU program, sponsoring teachers from local-area high schools and middle schools. RET program activities engage teams of REU students, high school teachers, and their students in projects with supervising faculty, focusing in two main areas: instrumentation for high energy physics detectors, and geo- and astrophysics data analysis using web-based databases. Both projects are designed to enable teachers and students to continue the research in their high schools. The REU/RET program thus aims to provide a model in which forefront research activities are integrated with teaching, mentoring, and outreach activities.