REU Site: Research in Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site in Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University. The impact of this program is fostering interest in careers in science by introducing students to the nature of research-oriented careers in physics and astronomy and by developing research-related skills and knowledge. REU students are recruited nationally; students can be of any academic year and need not have a declared major, but must have completed the general physics sequence at their school. For the ten-week program, the participants are matched with faculty mentors based on student interests. Students join their mentors in active research projects, such as: - characterizing optical components for long-baseline gravitational-wave interferometer detectors; - performing analysis on data from the long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment T2K; - simulating black hole mergers and supernova explosions; and - investigating the magnetocaloric properties of new materials. Weekly seminars and workshops introduce the students to faculty research, to skills development, to common research resources, and to professional development topics such as ethics and patents/intellectual property. Students participate in field trips and other activities, some of which are coordinated with concurrent LSU summer science programs in computer science, biomedical science and other areas. Students from all programs are lodged in proximity at on-campus apartment-style housing to foster group interactions and a sense of community.