REU Activities
Seminars
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| Prof. Paul Crowell describes how he uses optical techniques to measure temporal properties of magnetic systems on incredibly short time scales. |
During the first half of the program, faculty members offer presentations on their research activities to the REU group. This is an excellent opportunity for the REU participants to learn about what is involved in conducting research in an academic environment. Speakers from several physics subfields describe what they do in their labs and offices and detail their unique perspective on what it means to be a physicist.
During the second half of the program, in order to gain experience in presenting their research results (an essential aspect of conducting scientific research), participants have the opportunity to prepare and present a talk to the REU group and select faculty about their own research project. Students also prepare a written report describing their project and results.
Poster Session
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At the end of the program, the participants present their research results at two poster sessions - one in the Physics department; the other in the Summer Undergraduate Research Expo (SURE). The SURE event (held on August 7 in 2008) includes participants from the other REU programs within the University's Institute of Technology, as well as Twin Cities area representatives from industry.
Physics GRE Preparation
REU participants interested in reviewing for the Physics GRE are offered GRE preparation sessions. Informational sessions in general graduate school application and composition of personal statements may also be offered by the Graduate School's Summer Research Opportunities Program.The Research Experience for Undergraduates program is contingent upon continued funding from the National Science Foundation.