Student Research in Physics and Astronomy
All physics and astronomy majors have the opportunity to perform meaningful and potentially publishable research, working closely with our faculty. Our current research areas include quantum computing, observational cosmology, nonlinear physics and fluid dynamics, extragalactic astronomy, biophysics, and nanoscience.
Students interested in a research career can explore the depth of their interest, and try out a particular subfield. We also feel it is important for students interested in other careers to get a taste of what research is really like. For example, some real experience with scientific research would aid the decision making of a graduate who went into government, or assist a teacher who might counsel students on career choices. Also, not infrequently, students discover a real love of research and revise their career plans.
Research in Physics
In physics, most of the student research experience is connected with the senior paper and talk, which form the backbone of Physics 399, our Senior Seminar course. All physics majors must complete such a project; about 80% base the paper on original research they have performed (either at Haverford, or elsewhere in the summer), and about 10% write a paper summarizing the research literature on a particular topic. The remaining 10% consists of students working toward a teaching certificate, who are required to put in a very substantial effort in student teaching at local schools. Their experiences and observations, together with readings in the literature on education, often form the basis for their paper.
Resarch in Astronomy
In astronomy, where a senior paper is not required, student research is still strongly encouraged, and enters the students' curriculum as a course (Astro 404). This course is open to Bryn Mawr students: they like their Haverford peers may also do astronomy research as their senior project in physics.
Research and Faculty involvement
For those doing original research, about 70% begin work with a Haverford professor
for 10 weeks in the summer before the senior year, and continue it for academic
credit during the school year. In physics, about 10% perform research off-campus
(e.g. at an REU site) during the summer
before their senior year, and then develop this into a senior thesis under the
supervision of a Haverford professor, with continued input from the summer reserch
supervisor. The proportion is larger in astronomy because a higher proportion
of off-campus opportunities are available, including those at other colleges
which are part of the Keck
Northeast Astronomy Consortium. About 10% of our students begin original
research with a Haverford professor in the senior academic year. The remaining
10% begin original research during their senior year, but in an area outside
the direct expertise of any of the faculty. A faculty mentor supervises this
research, which must usually be supported by a significant literature research
project in order to make a meaningful thesis.
Summer Research Opportunities
There are also summer research opportunities at Haverford for rising juniors and sophomores, Each year, we encourage students at all levels to discuss their interests with any professor they may wish to work with. Students who wish to pursue summer research then submit ranked lists of the professors they wish to work with. As a department, we consider these lists, and attempt to make the best matches between students and faculty. All rising seniors who wish to do research here are essentially guaranteed a summer position. However, there is no preference given to rising juniors over rising sophomores. In general, we have been able to accomodate the majority of juniors and sophomores applying for summer research, although there are variations due to class size.
During a typical summer, there are about eight students doing research in physics here, of whom six are rising seniors. We have ample funding for summer student stipends. All the tenure-track faculty have outside grants, which generally include funds for stipends. Some students working in biophysics receive stipend support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through Haverford's Hughes scholars program. Finally, the College has monies to support summer students for projects which are not yet externally funded.
Off-Campus Research
We also strongly encourage students at all levels to apply for off-campus research positions. We rely largely on announcements from REU sites and the like, or summer research opportunities which arise through our professional contacts.
Research Differences between Physics and Astronomy
Research opportunities for students in physics differ from those offered in astronomy in one important way. In physics, all members of the faculty perform the bulk of their research on campus, and fold students into these activities (as you will see when you visit labs in Stokes). The astronomers, like most of their colleagues at other colleges and universities, generally use remote facilities. To involve students in astronomy research, then, means taking them with us, and we do. Scores of Haverford students have participated in observing runs at KPNO, the VLA, the Wyoming Infrared Telescope, etc.
We are proud of the quality of research our students complete. It is frequently of quality to merit publication in good journals (Astrophysical Journal, Nature, Physical Review Letters, and the like).