Undergraduate Research

All physics faculty are committed to student involvement in their research.

Most physics majors participate in one or more research projects before they graduate. Recent ones include:

surveys of neutral hydrogen in galaxies using Arecibo Observatory
metal-bearing protein structure using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
crystal growth
thermodynamic and optical properties of the materials that comprise the surfaces of the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn
pulsar timing and tests of general relativity
studying magnetic nanostructures such as nanoparticles and films
non-standard dark-matter distributions in galaxies
design and construction of a confocal fluorescence microscope for characterization of quantum emitters
building optical setups and characterizing ferroelectric materials via Raman spectroscopy

Emily Wright '19 at the Arecibo Observatory control console

Ethan Garvey '19 discussing dark matter research with Prof. Thomas

Xiaoqi Huang '19 works with Prof. Dougherty on apparatus to study thermodynamic properties of the icy moons of Saturn

Nia Burrell '19 at work with Prof. Exarhos

Jackson Miller '19 and Prof. Boekelheide at work in her lab

Students can participate in research in the Lafayette Physics Department in the following ways. In all cases, the best way to get involved is to speak to individual Physics Department faculty members.

The College’s EXCEL Scholars undergraduate research program, which pays stipends and offers free housing during the summer and interim session.
Senior honors theses. See the Physics Senior Honor Thesis Information and Timelines document for more details.
Independent study for academic credit, PHYS 391.