REU Site in Physics and Astrophysics at Rochester

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the renewal of the REU site in Physics & Astrophysics at the University of Rochester. This site supports twelve undergraduate students and two high school teachers each summer for ten weeks per summer in research projects on a variety of topics including astrophysics, particle and nuclear physics, quantum optics, condensed matter, biological, plasma, geo- and environmental physics, and physics education. Each student works with a faculty adviser on a specific project within the context of the overall research focus of the group. The program may include mini-courses in machining and electronics and a GRE preparation course offered in conjunction with other summer undergraduate programs. REU students attend weekly presentations by University faculty, tours of University research facilities, social outings and may also take part in the department?s summer outreach activities. The program concludes with a student symposium, at which each student speaks on his/her research project; students submit written abstracts and reports of their research experiences. The RET program sponsors teachers selected from area high schools. RET activities engage teachers in projects such as physical chemistry, cosmic ray and high energy particle detection, and geo- and astrophysics data analysis using web-based databases. This award is co-funded by the Department of Defense in partnership with the Physics and Astronomical Sciences Divisions in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.