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Summer research

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 5:48 pm
by CyberShot
Hi. So I'm currently an undergrad sophomore about to end the school year. I haven't got much research so far in physics (I only recently started a once a week Monte Carlo research with a professor).

I'm wondering if there are ANY summer programs/internships/experience I could do? Or have I completely missed all the deadlines.

If I can't do these official programs, what else should I be doing over the summer to build my research resume for grad school?

Thanks!

Re: Summer research

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 6:15 pm
by ComboOrgan
Ask a professor at your school if you can do something over the summer. You'll probably have to work for free

Re: Summer research

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 6:27 pm
by cryingsun
The deadlines for research at other universities are usually in Feb or Mar, so It's not likely that any such programs still have opening. You should try to talk to some professors you know and know you to see if they are willing to hire you.

Re: Summer research

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 6:31 pm
by HappyQuark
CyberShot wrote:Hi. So I'm currently an undergrad sophomore about to end the school year. I haven't got much research so far in physics (I only recently started a once a week Monte Carlo research with a professor).

I'm wondering if there are ANY summer programs/internships/experience I could do? Or have I completely missed all the deadlines.

If I can't do these official programs, what else should I be doing over the summer to build my research resume for grad school?

Thanks!
Generally deadlines for summer research are finalized at least a couple months before summer even starts, meaning it is probably pretty unlikely you will find any open spots. Your best bet would probably be to talk to one of your professors or an academic adviser (at my school professors were academic advisers but I've heard this isn't universally true). Find out what your professors are working on and tell them that you would like to assist them in doing that research. A lot of the time the professor might already have his research team picked out but he/she will be willing to let you get involved or assist the team as a sort of volunteer helper. You likely wouldn't get compensated in any way or get your name on any publications that may come out of it but it will give the opportunity to show the professor and the department that you have MaD Phyzikz SkiLLz!!1 and it may put you at the top of the list when next year rolls around.