REU Site: Renewal of REU at ODU: Accelerator and Nuclear Physics

Old Dominion University Research Foundation, Norfolk VA

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at Old Dominion University and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The goal of the REU site is to continue exposing eight undergraduates per year to the sense of excitement and accomplishment that accompanies independent research and to provide information and contacts that improve their chances of choosing scientific careers. In rigorously peer-reviewed projects in Jefferson Lab's state-of-the-art facilities (an environment with a longstanding tradition of mentoring and nurturing students) selected students will be guided to make meaningful contributions to advances in superconducting RF structures, novel accelerator design, and particle detectors. The students will interact with a broad range of experts, namely, ODU faculty, graduate students and post-docs and Jefferson Lab staff scientists and engineers as well as with a large group of other undergraduates. A seminar series tailored for the undergraduate students and the normal colloquia and seminars, which regularly occur at Jefferson Lab, will complement the research program. The students will be trained in both written and oral presentations of their research work because effective communication is critical for successful careers. The site is co-funded by the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program.