2 answers
Rylen
Student
Boise, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
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What are some steps I can take to have a successful future in physics research during my undergraduate education?
I'm currently a high school senior and I plan on going to college to major in physics and electrical engineering. I have a passion for physics and am excited to learn more about it.
#Spring25
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2 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
209
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Generally, there are not that many opportunities for undergraduate students in physics to engage in research. One would be busy taking all the necessary mathematics courses besides a heavy physics course load.
On the other hand, some physics professors may offer undergraduate physics students to have a taste of research early on in their undergraduate years. One must make effort to find such opportunities.
When I was an undergraduate physics student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, after serving one year as his General Physics I & II as a grader, this professor offered me an opportunity working as a lab assistant for his Ph.D. student. I was basically taught how to do research by a Ph.D. candidate.
On the other hand, some physics professors may offer undergraduate physics students to have a taste of research early on in their undergraduate years. One must make effort to find such opportunities.
When I was an undergraduate physics student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, after serving one year as his General Physics I & II as a grader, this professor offered me an opportunity working as a lab assistant for his Ph.D. student. I was basically taught how to do research by a Ph.D. candidate.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
646
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Rylen,
Check the website for your department (and other interesting departments e.g. in engineering) and look up the area of research for each faculty member. Does anything spark your interest? Is any of the professors who teach you interesting and engaging? Those are your first contacts. Ask if they have space for an undergrad student in their group.
Check if the department has a formal undergraduate research program (like an REU) that you can participate in.
Look for any student competitions, like the solar car challenge, that you could participate in.
Whenever there are presentations and talks by graduate students, attend. Talk to the presenters. Talk to the TAs in your classes about the research they do. Ask if you could shadow for a day and/or if they can use an undergrad student in their group.
Look for summer internships at the national labs.
I left a few links to programs at Boise State University and Idaho National Lab for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.boisestate.edu/undergraduate-research/get-involved/summer-opportunities/
https://inl.gov/internships/
https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/high-school-internships/
https://www.acs.org/education/students/highschool/seed.html
Check the website for your department (and other interesting departments e.g. in engineering) and look up the area of research for each faculty member. Does anything spark your interest? Is any of the professors who teach you interesting and engaging? Those are your first contacts. Ask if they have space for an undergrad student in their group.
Check if the department has a formal undergraduate research program (like an REU) that you can participate in.
Look for any student competitions, like the solar car challenge, that you could participate in.
Whenever there are presentations and talks by graduate students, attend. Talk to the presenters. Talk to the TAs in your classes about the research they do. Ask if you could shadow for a day and/or if they can use an undergrad student in their group.
Look for summer internships at the national labs.
I left a few links to programs at Boise State University and Idaho National Lab for you below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: