University of Minnesota
School of Physics & Astronomy

Undergraduate Research

REU Student Grace Elwell who built a clean room in Vuk Mandic's laboratory as a summer project.
photo by Alex Schumann

Physics majors have the opportunity to work part-time for various research groups. This can help them identify a field of interest should they to decide to continue into graduate school. It can also help in building relationships with graduate students, postdocs and faculty.

There are five ways to get involved in physics research.

  • Part-time and summer employment in a research laboratory.
  • Take a course in directed research PHYS 3994, 5994, 5993 or 3993.
  • Join the honors program and do an honors thesis.
  • The Research Experiences for Undergraduates REU summer program,
  • Apply for the UROP the University of Minnesota Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Undergraduate Research Request Form

If you are currently enrolled as a physics major, and would like to find out more about a research position, email us the following information and you will hear from us soon.

  • Your Name
  • Email Address
  • Address (street, city, zip code)
  • Physics courses taken (ex. Physics 1401)
  • Relevant work experience
Send mail to mueller@physics.umn.edu.