Expertise

Undergraduate Research

Our Undergraduate Research Participation Program allows undergraduate students to gain experience in advanced physics laboratories.

• Astrophysics

  Observational astrophysics acquiring and using data from the Stocker AstroScience Center 24-inch telescope and the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy telescopes.

  Contact:  James Webb

• Experimental Nuclear Physics

  Students will be introduced to basic experimental nuclear physics techniques. Research projects include analysis of data for data taken in several experiments at Jefferson Lab and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; development and construction of detectors for experiments at Jefferson Lab; and construction of vacuum windows for the Hall A Spectrometer at Jefferson Lab. Support is also available for travel to and participation in experiments at Jefferson Lab.

  Contacts:  Werner Boeglin, Lei Guo, Pete Markowitz, Brian Raue, Joerg Reinhold

• Nanoscience, Nanobiotechnology and Biophysics

  Dr. Jin He is seeking enthusiastic undergraduates (not limited to Physics majors) who are interested in nanoscience, nanobiotechnology and single-molecule biophysics. Students who are motivated to participate can receive training in nanomaterials preparation, nano- and micro-fabrication, computer programming (for both hardware control and data analysis) and work on new nano and bio projects. They will also have chances to present their research findings in local, regional and national scientific conferences

  Dr. He is also a mentor for the MARC U*STAR fellowship program for biomedical research; eligible students should consider applying. Students are also encouraged to apply to the McNair Scholars Program. Applications for a Research Experience for Undergraduates position are accepted. Students will learn microfluidics and the fabrication of whole-cell biosensor and single-cell analysis.

  To apply, students should send Dr. He a CV and a description of the student's research interest and career plan. Students should have finished at least 12 credits of science and engineering courses.

  Contact:  Jin He

• Quantum Optics

  National Science Foundation-funded research assistantships for undergraduate students are available in the laser and optical physics group. The research interests of the group include cavity quantum electrodynamics, atomic coherence and interference in cold atoms, light manipulation of neutral atoms, and coherent nonlinear optics at low light intensities.

  Contact:  Yifu Zhu

• Theoretical Biophysics of Protein Folding

  Students will be given the opportunity to participate in theoretical research in the physics of protein folding. The mathematical physics of nonlinear dynamics and polymer physics will be applied to the biologically critical question of how proteins can fold to the very specific conformations necessary to be able to carry out their biological functions. The mathematical physics involves a nonlinear dynamics formalism similar to the study of chaotic systems. In addition, students will use advanced graphical visualizations of the folding process on a Silicon Graphics workstation.

  Contact:  Bernard Gerstman

• Theoretical Solid State Physics

  Students will be introduced to basic topics in quantum theory such as wave equation, spin matrix and many-body interaction while working on the application of quantum theory in realistic systems. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the calculation of many-body interactions in simple atomic systems and in improving the Monte Carlo procedure used for the calculation. The results will be used to calibrate parameters in various mean-field approximation schemes, which will lead to more precise predictions of the properties of complex systems.

  Students involved will also be exposed to other current research topics in theoretical solid state physics and will gain valuable experience with the mathematical tools and numerical procedures commonly employed in various areas of the physical sciences.

  Contact:  Xuewen Wang