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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Being in a research environment stimulates learning and reinforces concepts and critical thinking skills needed for success.  Our faculty members provide a vibrant research environment for students and we encourage all undergraduate physics majors at Purdue to participate.  

Undergraduate Research Projects
Professor / Website Research Area Additional Info Date Added
Dr. Hadiseh AlaeianWebsite AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) We have some opportunities in my laser lab at Birck nanotechnology center.
The qualified applicant should have some background in programming or hands-on experience in an optics/laser lab.
Fall 2022
Dr. Arnab Banerjee, Website Quantum Information Science/ Condensed Matter I can use some help immediately on some quantum programming. Fall 2022
Dr. Yong Chen, Website Quantum Information Science/ AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics)/Applied Physics/ Condensed Matter Physics We normally can accept 1-2 undergrads in 1)AMO and 2)nano/materials lab. Prefer students who have completed modern physics. (sophomore or higher) Fall 2022
Dr. Andreas Jung, Website Quantum Information Science/ High Energy Physics Undergraduate students at Purdue University can contact Prof Jung at any time and check for UG research projects in the Jung group. Fall 2022
Dr. Qi-Yu (Grace) Liang, Website AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) We always welcome undergrads in the summer. Fall 2022
Dr. Miaoyuan Liu, Website Astrophysics and Relativity/ High Energy Physics I have research opportunities for undergraduate students to work on experimental particle physics research on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. Specifically, they will work on particle physics instrumentation on silicon trackers. The students will study and test the building blocks --modules-- of large scale silicon detector systems. They will learn the basics of semiconductor devices, how to electrically categorize semiconductor device; operate probe stations with a full data acquisition system, perform data analysis of the testing results and develop quality control/assurance criteria. There are also opportunities to work on CMS and Dark Quest data analysis using ML for example. Fall 2022
Dr. David Nolte, Website Condensed Matter Physics/Biophysics/Applied Physics An undergraduate position is open in Prof. Nolte's group to explore digital holography using common-path holography configurations. The project is experimental, using low-power lasers, Fresnel lenses, and digital cameras interfaced with computer acquisition. Data analysis involves numerical Fourier transforms. A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week for a Phys 593 or 590 is needed to make significant progress on the project. The 10 hours includes time spent in the weekly group meeting. Reasonable familiarity with programming is required, although no specific programming language is needed. Fall 2022
Dr. Jukka Vayrynen, Website Condensed Matter Physics My group has always opportunities for outstanding undergraduate students interested in quantum condensed matter theory and/or quantum information physics. Fall 2022

 

Past Undergraduate Research Projects
Student and Project Professor Semester
Kaustub Anand's project (PDF) Dr. Lee Summer 2019
Yuxin (Vic) Dong's project (PDF) - SURF Dr. Milisavljevic Summer 2019
Dr. Jung's Group project (PDF) Dr. Jung Summer 2019
Dr. Lang's Group project (PDF) Dr. Lang Summer 2019
Abby Santos' project (PDF) - SPIRA Dr. Mugler Summer 2019
Andrew Santos' project (PDF) Dr. Fischbach Summer 2019
Matt Schulz's project Dr. Manfra Summer 2019
Colin Burke's project (PDF) Dr. Peterson Summer 2017
Zhuo Hann Cheah's project (PDF) Dr. Hung Summer 2017
Charlie Guinn's project (PDF) Dr. Manfra Summer 2017
Josh Leeman's project (PDF) Dr. Fischbach Summer 2017
Dr. Jung's Group project (PDF) Dr. Jung Summer 2017
Nick Cinko's project (PDF) REU Michigan Summer 2016
Gavin Cox's project (PDF) Dr. Lang Summer 2015
Alison Hoe's project (PDF) Dr. Pyrak-Nolte Summer 2015
Ting-Wei Hsu's project (PDF) Dr. Chen Summer 2015
Rachel Maxwell's project (PDF) Dr. Horgan Summer 2015
Dylan Smith's project (PDF) Dr. Caffee Summer 2015

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Research Courses

PHYS 29000/39000/49000 – Special Assignments

These courses deepen and broaden understanding of physics by providing learning experiences tailored to specific faculty research and teaching interests.  While many of these courses are lecture based, they can also be a pathway for undergraduates to earn course credit for participating in research.  Recent opportunities include courses in infrared spectroscopy, physics education, dark matter research, and Bose-Einstein condensates.  Check the course catalog each semester for new opportunities.

PHYS 59000 – Reading and Research

This individual study course is available to physics seniors and graduate students.  Students conduct research while receiving individualized supervision and guidance from a faculty member.

PHYS 59300 – Independent Research

This is a required course for Honors Physics and Applied Honors Physics majors.  Students conduct research while receiving individualized supervision and guidance from a faculty member.    

Last Updated: Nov 30, 2023 11:07 AM

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