Potential Research Areas

For those RET Fellows that so desire, they can become involved in any of the research areas available to the NSF REU Fellows. Current theoretical research areas within the Center include astrophysics, cosmology, hypervelocity impact physics, protoplanetary development studies, quantum gravity, shock physics, superstrings and complex (dusty) plasma physics. Current experimental research areas in the Center include hypervelocity impact physics, in-situ sensor design studies, shock physics and complex plasma physics. Current research areas within the Department of Physics include theoretical surface physics and particle physics and experimental surface physics.

Fellows interested in theoretical research can study a variety of projects within the Center such as the computer modeling of protoplanetary and planetary ring systems or ordered lattice formation and electromagnetic wave scattering within complex plasmas. Within the Department, they can pursue numerical simulations of QCD on a discrete space-time lattice with Monte Carlo statistical methods or the study of metal surfaces with and without adsorbed layers of atoms with the Solid State Group. In the experimental areas, RET Fellows can choose to work in one of two active labs. In the Laboratory for Surface Analysis and Modification (LSAM) they can learn to characterize surface atomic and electronic structure(s) using highly surface sensitive diagnostic tools such as angle-resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (ARUPS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), angle-resolved X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (ARXPS) or electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). In the Hypervel ocity Impacts & Dusty Plasmas Lab (HIDPL) RET Fellows can study shock physics employing either a light gas or electrostatic accelerator or conduct complex plasma research in one of two GEC rf reference cells. In the Space Science Lab (SSL) Fellows can learn about flight system instrumentation or diagnostic and calibration methods using a light gas accelerator or an electrostatic accelerator. Each of the above projects will be directed by a faculty member within CASPER or the physics department. Brief descriptions of the research areas listed above can be found on the CASPER Professors' Research Interests page and the Physics Professors' Research Interests page.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Current teachers in math or any of the physical sciences (or education majors interested in pursuing a career in STEM) are eligible. Applicants will be considered for appointment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age, handicap status or any other non-merit factor. Appointment selection is competitive on a national scale and will be based upon the following criteria:

1. career objectives and scientific interest,
2. match of applicant interest with available projects within the Center or the Department and
3. letters of recommendation.

Applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2010 dependent upon receipt of NSF funding. Interested applicants must complete their application before March 30, 2010 to insure they receive full consideration.

To begin the application process, please fill out the RET Application Form online. Recommendation letters must be sent via snail-mail to the address given below. Letters of references must be on school letterhead and delivered in a sealed envelope.

Awardees will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program. Awardees must acknowledge receipt of the email within five days of the email notification. For final confirmation of appointment, successful applicants must sign a letter of acceptance (or rejection) of the offer to participate within one (1) week of the email acknowledgement.

This program is funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Education and Baylor University.