Undergraduate Research

Optics Research

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in research as an undergraduate! You could work as a research assistant for one of our world-renown optics faculty, or participate in a summer REU program through the NSF.

Research with Institute Faculty

If you would like to conduct research with an optics professor, we recommend you:

  • Explore research being conducted by current faculty
  • Check out the websites of faculty that conduct research that interests you
  • Start learning about the research area that interests you on your own
  • Contact the professor to talk about their research and let them know you’re interested in working for them in their lab*

*Contacting a professor does not guarantee a research position.

Research with optics faculty can be done for credit or pay, but not both.

Two students working with equipment in a lab.

Expand Your Opportunities

Summer Research for Undergraduates

The National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsors summer undergraduate research programs across the country. All these programs pay a stipend to participants, and many cover housing and other expenses.

Several departments here at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ offer NSF research experience for undergraduates (REUs), including the Institute’s photonics’ program.

These programs are only open to US citizens or permanent residents.