Undergraduate Research

Every undergraduate should try to get involved in research at some point. They have many opportunities as a physics major to find research projects on which to work. Students can look at groups in the Department, find some local opportunities, or find summer internships elsewhere. Physics is a practical science and students are missing out on the most exciting aspects of the field if they only experience it in the classroom. When students get involved in research, they not only learn about physics, they experience the excitement of doing physics!

Students can earn credit for research in physics through the Research Courses. For outstanding research in physics, the department offers a degree with special honors.

Summer Research

Several summer programs have sent us fliers advertising for participants. Keep in mind that there are application deadlines for many, if not all, of these programs. Typical deadlines are in late February or early March.

• Maria Mitchell Observatory: On the menu to the left, click on Employment Opportunities, and then click Internships. Mid-February deadline.
• Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory: At Harvard. Early February deadline.
• Keck Graduate Institute: A Biotechnology research center in Claremont, CA. Early February deadline.
• University of Washington: Early March deadline.
• University of Notre Dame: Mid-February deadline.
• University of Michigan: Mid-February deadline.
• Brigham Young University: Late February deadline.
• College of William and Mary: Early March deadline.
• National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network: Twelve different sites across the country.
• Kitt Peak National Observatory: Late January deadline.
• NASA Academies: Late January deadline.
• View More >>

Opportunities at GW

There are several research groups in physics who will involve undergraduates in research programs. The number of positions varies; please contact the responsible faculty member to find out about specific opportunities.

• Astrophysics
• Experimental nuclear physics
• Lattice quantum chromodynamics
• Nuclear physics data analysis
• Protein design
• Sub-micron microscopy

Other Research Opportunities

The Society of Physics Students keeps a databank of opportunities of all kinds. When the department receives other solicitations for undergraduate help, they will be posted here.

Also visit the GW undergraduate research site.