Physics
IDMR Summer Experience in Physics
The Department of Physics at the University of Dayton welcomes applications for the IDMR (Increasing Diversity through Mentored Research) Summer Experience in Physics. Accepted students will perform mentored research under a University of Dayton faculty member for 10 weeks, working directly with faculty and/or graduate students on a research project. Students interested in applying to IDMR should submit an application through the REU program in Semiconductor Electronics and Photonics.
Why Join this Program?
Students will:
- Have a dedicated faculty mentor who can help guide them into their future career in science or engineering.
- Gain valuable laboratory experience to prepare for a career in research and development and/or engineering.
- Improve their chances for acceptance to graduate school.
- Perform research on cutting edge scientific and engineering projects. The research project will be individualized to fit the student’s and mentor’s needs and goals.
- Gain valuable skills through professional development workshops. Learn about topics like giving scientific presentations, how to apply for graduate school, looking for jobs in industry,
- Establish a network of contacts through research collaboration.
- Explore possibilities for authorship on scientific publications.
Eligibility Requirements
Enrolled participants must:
- Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled at one of our partner schools listed below, or any other Historically-Black College or University (HBCU) or Hispanic-serving institution (HIS) with a projected graduation date of Fall 2022 or later. If you are Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or LGBTQ+ but are not enrolled at an HBCU or HSI, please contact us. We may have other ways to fund you for the summer.
- Be a major in physics or a related discipline (e.g. engineering).
Participants DO NOT need to be a US citizen to apply.
Partner Schools:
- Grambling State University, Grambling, La.
- Howard University, Washington, D.C.
- Morehouse College, Atlanta,
- Morgan State University, Baltimore, Md.
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M.
- St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas
- University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas
Program Outline
Important housing and program details:
- Students receive $3k fellowship to support the student's success in their summer research project.
- Program includes weekly online seminars and professional development workshops.
- Students will give online presentations at the UD Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Application Requirements
Your application will need the following items:
- Completed Application Form
- Personal statement – Please describe your background, your career goals, why you are interested in our program, and any other information you would like us to consider. This statement is important, as we are looking to have an impact on students and help their career. If you have a lower GPA, tell us what has led to that.
- Unofficial transcript – We need a record of what courses you have taken and what your grades were so that we can see what level you are at.
- Two letters of recommendation – You will need to submit contact information for two references, and we will contact them directly to request letters of recommendation. Choose faculty who can speak to your academic and technical ability and/or know you well.
Research Topics
The following faculty research areas are available for exploration:
- Photonic and electronic materials
- Optical spectroscopy
- Photonic devices
- Nanomaterials and nanophotonics
- Nanomanufacturing
- Nanofabrication
- Theoretical quantum mechanics
- Quantum optics
- Biological sensing