UC Merced Physics REU

Program Details

What is it?

The UC Merced Physics REU is a 10-week summer undergraduate research program held on the University of California, Merced campus and hosted by the UC Merced Department of Physics. The program provides research opportunities, professional development, and graduate school preparation experiences to participating students and is a part of UC Merced’s Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI), which allows students to interact with other undergraduates conducting summer research on campus. SURI provides a wide range of social and professional development opportunities, including on-campus social events, programs targeted at preparing for graduate school, and opportunities for off-campus trips.

Participants in the UC Merced Physics REU receive research and academic guidance by UC Merced faculty and work side-by-side with graduate students and scientists on projects in a variety of physics subfields. Participants in the program will get to do hands-on work in research faculty labs on cutting-edge topics in four broad areas.:

• astrophysics theory
• biophysics / soft condensed matter experiment and theory
• condensed matter and solar energy experiment and theory
• atomic, molecular, and optical physics and quantum optics experiment and theory

Please visit the UC Merced Physics REU projects page and Physics Department faculty pages to review research areas and faculty expertise.

In addition to the research experience and programming through SURI, the Physics REU provides additional weekly cohort lunch sessions, lectures, training, and social and networking opportunities. Participants will receive a stipend of $6000. Room and board, as well as travel expenses, are provided at no cost to participants. The research program runs June 3 to August 9, 2024.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants must be United States Citizens or Permanent Residents and at least 18 years of age by the beginning of the program. Applicants must be enrolled at a CSU or California Community College at the time of their application. Participants may not have graduated from their 4-year institution before the beginning of the summer internship, but community college students may be in the process of transferring to a 4-year institution.

When and How to Apply

Applications are due February 1, 2024. To apply to the program, go to the Application Home Page. In addition, you must ask two faculty members (or others familiar with your academic or work background) to submit letters of reference. Indicate their names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses in your on-line application where appropriate.