Current Issue of AIP's "The Vector" News Letter is an Undergraduate Research Special

zone5physics
Jan 23, 2015
2 min read

Just in case some of you do not currently get The Vector electronic news letter from AIP, I thought I would include this issue on the site. It is all about undergraduate research opportunities!

Directly from AIP Physics:

Undergraduate Research = Transferrable Skills

In the November edition of the Vector, we discussed the importance of keeping track of the important skills that you obtain while finishing your undergraduate degree. Much of the experience and knowledge you acquire while earning your physics degree will be directly transferable to high-paying STEM careers, right after you graduate — provided that you have had some hands-on research experience as an undergraduate.

An undergraduate research program is not only an opportunity to explore new physics. It is also a way to:

Become familiar with modern laboratory techniques and standard equipment
Learn how to work collaboratively with others
Learn how to effectively communicate about your research (most undergraduate research programs include a presentation component at professional society meetings, such as APS)

Finding Research Opportunities

APS offers several resources for helping students identify summer research opportunities. The first is our Internships Page, which provides year-round information on several popular internships and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs.

You can also search the APS Job Board for positions that are being advertised right this minute. Simply visit the website, click the “Level” field and select “Summer Research/Internship.”

Lastly, you can also search the NSF REU Sites database, which includes all current NSF-funded programs, sorted by discipline. In addition to looking at Physics, you should also explore programs in related fields (such as Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Research, or Astronomy), since they would also be interested in recruiting physics undergraduates.

Strategies for Success

Because undergraduate research experiences are so valuable in preparing students for future careers, they can also be somewhat competitive. For detailed information on how to search for and successfully apply to undergraduate research programs, check out our webinar, “Finding Research Opportunities.”

Future of Physics Days Events at the APS March Meeting 2015

The Future of Physics Days Events are a series of activities at APS annual meetings designed exclusively for undergraduates! All students are invited to attend. For up-to-date information on the Future of Physics Days Events at the March Meeting, visit our FPD March 2015 page.

APS/IBM Research Internships

Interested in becoming an intern? Check out these two paid opportunities! The application deadline for both women and minority internships is February 15.