1 answer
Austin
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
581 views
What are some resources for undergraduate students seeking research opportunities in physics?
I am a sophomore physics major looking for undergraduate research opportunities to become more competitive for graduate school applications.
Login to comment
1 answer
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Austin, soooo buddy, first off — good on you for thinking about research early. Most people are still figuring out where their classrooms are sophomore year.
Now, what I had say is that the best starting point is honestly right under your nose.... your own professors-i know man, sounds painfully obvious, but most research gigs aren't posted like job ads but they're more like secret menu items you have to ask for.
Swing by office hours, talk to your physics professors, even the ones who seem intimidating — because chances are, they’re involved in research and might need an extra pair of hands. Also, check your university's research programs for undergrads (they're usually called "UROPs" or "summer research programs" I think so just swing by). Then, don't forget on REUs ... Research Experiences for Undergraduates funded by the National Science Foundation. It's competitive, but if you get in, it’s a total flex on your grad school apps. Its worth giving a shot trust me.
Now I had just say, if you’re feeling adventurous, email researchers at nearby universities and labs. Yeah, cold emailing is awkward, but trust me, it works more often than you'd think. Basically just ask, dig, and don’t wait for someone to hand it to you. Research opportunities in physics aren’t hiding they’re just waiting for someone nosy (like you) to come looking, and only by you reaching out to them will you be handed. so don't wait buddy.
Good luck and hope this helped even a little. Stay awesome Austin.
Now, what I had say is that the best starting point is honestly right under your nose.... your own professors-i know man, sounds painfully obvious, but most research gigs aren't posted like job ads but they're more like secret menu items you have to ask for.
Swing by office hours, talk to your physics professors, even the ones who seem intimidating — because chances are, they’re involved in research and might need an extra pair of hands. Also, check your university's research programs for undergrads (they're usually called "UROPs" or "summer research programs" I think so just swing by). Then, don't forget on REUs ... Research Experiences for Undergraduates funded by the National Science Foundation. It's competitive, but if you get in, it’s a total flex on your grad school apps. Its worth giving a shot trust me.
Now I had just say, if you’re feeling adventurous, email researchers at nearby universities and labs. Yeah, cold emailing is awkward, but trust me, it works more often than you'd think. Basically just ask, dig, and don’t wait for someone to hand it to you. Research opportunities in physics aren’t hiding they’re just waiting for someone nosy (like you) to come looking, and only by you reaching out to them will you be handed. so don't wait buddy.
Good luck and hope this helped even a little. Stay awesome Austin.