-	Assistant Director of Research, CASPER
-	Research Faculty Position in Complex (Dusty) Plasmas
-	Graduate Research Assistantships
-	Graduate Research Assistantships (Spanish)

FAQ

CASPER Partners

CASPER's Summer Undergraduate Research Program (sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Baylor University, the Physics Department and CASPER) offers outstanding undergraduates an opportunity for active research participation with Baylor University faculty in either the Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics & Engineering Research or the Baylor University Physics Department. The primary purpose of the Summer Research Program is to expose undergraduates interested in graduate research to an actual research environment. The ten week program begins around the first of June and ends around the middle of August. (The starting and ending dates are flexible and may be adjusted by up to a week to fit personal schedules.) Interns are paid $3500 for the ten weeks, a housing allowance and up to a maximum of $300 toward travel expenses.

Potential Research Areas

Current theoretical research areas within the Center include astrophysics, cosmology, hypervelocity impact physics, protoplanetary development studies, quantum gravity, shock physics, superstrings, M-theory and complex (dusty) plasma physics. Current experimental research areas in the Center include hypervelocity impact physics, in-situ sensor design studies, shock physics, nanofabrication and complex (dusty) plasma physics. Current research areas within the Department of Physics include theoretical surface physics and particle physics and experimental surface physics and particle physics.

Students 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, students 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, students can choose to work in one of two active labs. In the Laboratory for Surface Analysis and Modification (LSAM), students 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 Hypervelocity Impacts & Dusty Plasmas Lab (HIDPL) students can study shock physics using a light gas or electrostatic accelerator or investigate dispersion relationships, wave motion or nanofabrication techniques in either of two GEC rf reference cells. In the Space Science Lab (SSL), students can learn about flight system instrumentation, diagnostic and calibration using either 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

College undergraduates who have completed their freshman year and who are interested in pursuing a career in the physical sciences are eligible. (A limited number of international/non-US slots are available through University funding.) 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:

scholarship, curriculum and experience,
career objectives and scientific interest,
match of applicant interest with available research projects within the department and
letters of recommendation.

Applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2010 dependent upon receipt of NSF funding by Baylor. In order to receive full consideration, interested applicants are advised to complete their application no later than February 26, 2010. Submitted applications must include a completed application form, letters of reference and an official transcript before they will be considered.

To being the application process, please fill out the REU Application Form online. Transcripts and recommendation letters must be sent via snail-mail to the address below.

Awardees will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program and must acknowledge receipt of the email no later than five days from the date of the email. 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 their receipt of the email notification.

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

Dr. Truell W. Hyde, Director
CASPER
One Bear Place #97310
Waco, Texas 76798-7310

Phone: (254) 710-3763 Fax: (254) 710-7309
Truell_Hyde@baylor.edu


	Related Links

	REU Application Form CASPER Professors' Research Interests Physics Professors' Research Interests Fellows Evaluation Form Fellows Questionnaire Form Summer Archived Photos