Physics and Astronomy REU at Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook Department of Physics and Astronomy has a long and successful history of NSF funded REU programs dating back to 1991. Our 10 week REU program for 2025 will run from May 27th to August 1st 2025.  We aim to recruit 10 participants this year for this in-person program.

REU program enables undergraduates with US citizenship or permanent residency to work with faculty and researchers in one of the following tracks:

Experimental Track:     These students would be involved either in direct hands-on laboratory work in one of the labs in the department, potentially with some work also performed at Brookhaven National Laboratory, or, alternatively, analysis of data from some of the large-scale experiments in which our department participates.

Computational Track:   These students would carry out computational simulations, primarily in topics related to Astrophysics and Condensed Matter Physics. Students with programming experience will be desired for this track.

Theoretical Track:   These students would carry out more traditional theory projects, in association with our leading theorists at Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics. A strong mathematical background would be required for students taking this track.

In addition to the research with their individual mentors, participants will engage in professional development activities scheduled throughout the summer, which will help the students develop their soft skills and to learn about graduate school and careers in physics and astronomy. Students will also have the chance to forge enduring friendships facilitated by the close living arrangements, as well as through social events held within the department and those held in collaboration with other summer research programs on campus.

At the end of the program, each student will present a poster on their research as part of the campus-wide summer research symposium, conducted by the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA). The posters from the 2022 scholars can be viewed here. Finally, students will have the option of extending their stay for an extra week to participate in a 'Plasma Physics Immersion Program,' funded separately by an NSF CAREER Award.

Funding and Stipend:

• $6,000 in stipend
• $500 in travel stipend and $30/day food allowance
• Housing provided at Stony Brook University’s campus residence

Research Topics:

• Computational Astrophysics
• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Accelerator physics
• Nuclear Experiment
• High Energy Physics
• Experimental Atomic and Molecular Optics (AMO)
• Theoretical AMO/Condensed Matter
• Theoretical Cosmology
• Computational Condensed Matter
• Laser Teaching Center  

More details on these topics are provided here

Applying:

Submit an application here. Application review will begin January 15, 2025, but new applications will be accepted until midnight on Feb 1.

Application form consists of

• Personal, contact, and demographic information
• A resume or CV
• A personal statement. An impactful personal statement would include your previous experience, your career goals, and how this REU experience can help you bridge the two.  
• Two reference letters
• A transcript from your undergraduate institution