Our Program

After building up gradually over several years, in 2007 our program sent a group of five students to three international laboratories doing gravitational wave research in two different countries.  Their mandate was to work on a specified research project while fostering international contact; part of that mandate included getting a broader view of the world and becoming acquainted with a foreign culture.  Inevitably, there were opportunities for personal growth and development as well.  Our students achieved high scores in every aspect of their mission.  All destination sites carry out research in gravitational wave physics.  This year's projects covered many aspects of gravitational wave detection - instrumentation, data analysis and digital interferometry.  Our preferred pool of students includes under-represented minorities from small schools with limited research opportunities and international contacts.  It does help, though, if students have already worked in a lab somewhere, and have a mentor who could comment on their research and academic abilities. Opportunities for that kind of experience exist in many domestic REU programs, such as the one here, and through the SURF program at Caltech.

Destinations and Students

Germany

Australia

Australia

Images from a Summer well spent

Scientific aspects

Sightseeing opportunities

Travel opportunities

Meeting other scientists

Cultural sites

Personal opportunity

Reflections

Within the field of gravitational physics, this is an exceptional program.  All sites were ones already tested in previous years.  Sometimes adjustments were necessary:  mentors, conditions, projects.  We try to act quickly when a need arises.  Regardless, there seems to have been a general consensus that a good time was had by all.  We are especially keen to ensure that quality projects are offered to our students. This gives them the best chance for superior accomplishment, affects their level of engagement in their respective work, and motivates them to quickly assimilate and understand the intricacies of their assigned projects.