A summer of research at CU ������ý����

This summer, 10 undergraduates came to CU ��ý�� from across the country to conduct cutting-edge research through the CU ��ý�� Physics and JILA Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.

Now in its 38th year on the ��ý�� campus, the program is part of a nationwide network of sites funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), designed to provide hands-on research experiences for undergraduates. Students are matched with faculty mentors in physics or a related discipline and spend 10 weeks engaged in a research project.

“The program's core mission is to educate and train the next generation of physicists by providing valuable research experience that is essential for students aiming to attend grad school or for those looking for a competitive edge in the job market,” said Mike Litos, associate professor of physics and principal investigator for the REU program.

Along with Litos, Christine Morrow and Professor Dan Dessau serve as co-principal investigators for the program, providing support and guidance for the program’s ongoing success.

This summer’s REU cohort explored a broad range of research areas including atomic, molecular and optical physics, condensed matter, liquid crystals, plasma physics, and nano-optics.

“We pride ourselves in our record of offering these opportunities to many students coming from institutions that may have limited or no research programs of their own,” said Litos.

In addition to research, REU students participated in professional development activities including courses in machining and electronics, seminars, and lab tours. “Our program goes beyond the laboratory experience by incorporating broadly useful training and skill-building sessions to prepare them for a future as research professionals,” added Litos.

The program culminated with a day of lab tours and presentations, where each student put their research on display. And after their summer of research, these students left ��ý�� with new skills, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a scientist.

Check out some photos from this year's REU lab tours: