Student Opportunities

For undergraduate physics majors, research can be conducted either during the semester for class credit or during the summer with a stipend. Often, undergraduate research leads to thesis research, either as part of UVM’s Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research (FOUR) or for departmental honors. In many instances, undergraduate research results have been published in professional peer-reviewed scientific journals. Research faculty can apply for additional funds to support undergraduates in their labs.

Students have the opportunity to conduct a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Such projects can be carried out as part of their honors work to receive "College Honors,” or as a "Special Topics" course (Readings).

Physics Research

Undergraduate student researcher takes a sample in a physics clean room.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate physics majors at UVM can conduct research during the semester for class credit or participate in lab research during the summer with a stipend.
Physics Professor Randall Headrick works alongside a graduate in his lab

Faculty Research

Our faculty’s work spans fundamental investigations of properties of materials to explorations of complex biological systems, often blurring the boundaries between traditional scientific disciplines.
Physics faculty research Dr. Alex Kozen working with an undergraduate student in his lab

Research Experience for Undergraduates

CEMS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) offers exciting research opportunities for CEMS students to explore their interests and gain valuable experience working in a research environment while developing a personal working relationship with a faculty member.

Opportunities and Resources

UVM Society of Physics Students group photo along the Lake Champlain waterfront

The Society of Physics Students

The Society of Physics Students works to strengthen bonds between current students, alumni, faculty and the local community. We exist to guide you on your journey through physics and to engage the public in the joys of science and learning.
Student teacher explains an equation at a whiteboard

Preparing Future Physics Educators

The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program identifies and cultivates a pool of science undergraduate students and professionals interested in pursuing a grade 7-12 science teaching position and provides the support, education, and guidance to make this science education career possible.
A graduate teaching assistant hosting a physics help session

Physics Help Sessions

The physics department provides voluntary help sessions throughout the semester. There are multiple Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the different sections - any student can go to any TA's office hours which are held on the 4th floor of the Discovery building, at the large table in the atrium.