research experiences for undergraduates (REU) in physics & astronomy

* * * * * *
the application deadline for Summer 2013 is February 15, 2013.
Application materials for Summer 2013 are posted below.

* * * * * *

REU PROGRAM FLYER

We host a summer REU program in Physics & Astronomy. The 10-week program introduces students to the nature of research-oriented careers in physics & astronomy, and fosters development of research-related skills and knowledge. Participants are matched with faculty mentors based on student interests. Weekly seminars, field trips and workshops provide students with additional skills development, professional development topics such as ethics and patents/intellectual property, and an introduction to common research resources. Many events occur in conjunction with concurrent LSU summer undergraduate science programs in space science, computational science, and biomedical sciences.

RESEARCH INFORMATION  |  ELIGIBILITY  |  APPLY  |  STIPENDS-LODGING-TRAVEL EXPENSES
PROGRAM CALENDAR  |  REU PROGRAM DIRECTOR

 

RESEARCH INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

  • You must be an undergraduate student in any academic year (freshman through senior) at the time of the summer program.
  • You don't need to have a declared major, but you must have already completed the introductory physics sequence at your school.
  • Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

TO APPLY . . .

  • Your application comprises:
    • The Application Form  →  PDF
      The PDF form can be filled out and saved in Adobe Reader or equivalent.
    • A Self-statement, up to 1 page in length:
      The 1-page Self-statement should describe your academic background, your interests, and your tentative career plans. The Statement should indicate why you feel REU participation would benefit you and your future plans; also, describe how you believe you can contribute to your mentor’s research topic. If applicable, you are welcome to describe prior undergraduate research experience, as well as any other information that you feel may be useful to our assessment. Finally, please indicate if you have a preferred mentor or topic area. (Note, however, that final mentor assignment occurs after selection of participants.)
    • Your current college transcript(s):
      A scanned copy of an official transcript is acceptable; please scan with at least 200 dpi resolution and format as a PDF file. If your school provides you with online access to your transcript or degree audit, a PDF printout of this may also be acceptable. In either case, the electronic copy of your transcript must be directly traceable to your school registrar. A handwritten list of courses, or a copied transcript modified by hand/typewriter/computer, will not be accepted.
    • Letters of reference from 2-3 professors →  PDF
      You can give this Referee Information Form to your professors. Your professors should send their letters directly to the REU program director.
  • All application materials must be sent to the REU program director. Please send all materials by e-mail to (). I will try to acknowledge receipt of all materials received by email. If an item cannot be sent electronically, please mail it to
    Dr. Kip Matthews
    REU Program Director
    Louisiana State University
    Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
    Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001

STIPENDS - LODGING - TRAVEL EXPENSES

  • You are paid a program stipend of $4,250 to cover the cost of groceries, on- or off-campus dining, and other personal expenses.
  • You are lodged in University housing at no direct expense to you. The housing is apartment style, with individual bedrooms and a common living area and kitchen. The apartments include utilities, internet, washer/dryer and basic cable. Your roommates will be participants in the various summer science programs.
  • Up to $700 per student is available to assist with travel expenses to get to LSU at the beginning of the program and to return to your home or school at the end of the summer.

PROGRAM CALENDAR - SUMMER 2013

  • February 15  →  complete applications are due by this date (late applications will be accepted as space permits).
  • Mid March  →  acceptance notifications will be sent around this date.
  • May 1  →  matching of participants to mentors will be finalized; travel arrangements should be completed.
  • May 27  →  first day of Summer 2013 Program.
  • August 1  →  Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), poster presentations from all students in the LSU's STEM summer research programs.
  • August 2 →  last day of Summer 2013 Program.

REU PROGRAM director

  • For all questions, please contact  →  Dr. Kip Matthews - (225) 578-2740 -

  • Mailing Address:

    REU Program Director
    Louisiana State University
    Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
    Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4001

 

Program Funding

National Science Foundation (NSF)

 

Our REU Program is funded by Award #1004822 from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
We thank the NSF for their Support.

          

           

             

           

             

Last updated:  February 11, 2013