Undergraduate Research
Physics is a practical science, and some of the most exciting aspects of the field happen outside the classroom. Research helps students indulge their intellectual curiosity, solve problems and contribute to the development of scientific knowledge and instruments.
The Department of Physics encourages all undergraduate students to participate in research during their studies, whether through faculty projects, summer internships, special honors projects or research-intensive coursework.
"In the GW program in Mainz, Germany, I learned a tremendous amount. I cherished being able to work with physicists from all over the world, being directly involved in the research and contributing to the team’s work."
Sri Murthy
BS '16, Biophysics
Joining Research Groups
Many faculty-led research groups include undergraduate students in their labs, from experimental nuclear physics to protein design. Contact the responsible faculty member through their bio page to learn more about specific opportunities.
Summer Research Internships
Every summer, our undergraduate physics students embark on research experiences all over the United States and around the world. We help students apply early for National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs at other universities, and we place students at many of the prestigious laboratories where our faculty collaborate. Browse a sampling of the government and educational institutions we have worked with that offer summer research programs for undergraduate students, or use GW’s internship search resources to find more.
Internship Resources
- National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Directory
- NASA Internships
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM Summer Internship Program
- American Museum of Natural History
- The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
- GW Office of the Vice President for Research
- GW Internships and Career Services