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Department of Physics

The Princeton Review 371 Best Colleges
ASU Physics Students

Undergraduate Research

The Department of Physics promotes undergraduate research among its students. The research is not required, but students who develop projects often have a competitive edge when applying for jobs or graduate school.

Research projects typically last one or two semesters and involve one-on-one work with Ph.D.-educated faculty. Areas of research include everything from computational plasma physics and medical imaging to solid state physics and observational astronomy.

Many of the research projects use advanced technology, and students can use the LabVIEW software program, an industry standard for laboratory automation. Research work also includes presenting the project or creating a poster with the data and results upon completion.

Undergraduates also have the opportunity to apply for the Robert G. and Nona K. Carr Student Research Scholarship Program, which allows students to get funding for their research.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
(SURF) Program

The Department of Physics helps students obtain National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) during the summer between their junior and senior years.

These programs are offered at research laboratories at graduate institutions around the United States. They generally provide transportation, living expenses and a stipend for qualified students.

These programs are typically announced in January with the closing dates in late February or early March each year.

Dr. Toni Sauncy serves as coordinator for this information. As program announcements are made, they will be posted for access through this page. For more information, see Dr. Sauncy or contact the addresses listed in each program.