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Physics Summer Research Program

The Ohio State University Department of Physics is pleased to announce the 2024 Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Research can be done remotely or in-person, depending on the nature of the work and the preference of the supporting faculty member. 

The program features the following scholarships:

  • Robert P. Caren Family Endowment Fund
  • The Captain Forrest R. Biard Undergraduate Research Scholarship Fund in Physics
  • Grilly Scholarship Fund in Physics
  • James Smith Scholarship Fund
  • The Bunny C. Clark Student Support Fund
  • Dr. David C. DeMartini Undergraduate Research Endowed Fund in Physics

These scholarships will support undergraduate students pursuing research projects with an approved physics faculty sponsor during the summer of 2024.  Each scholarship will provide up to $5,000 in compensation for research work performed under the supervision of a supporting OSU Physics faculty member.

Students who are selected to participate in this research program will conduct summer undergraduate research under the supervision of a physics faculty member pursuing a research project of mutual interest to the faculty and student.  

Award Details and Requirements

Recipients of the scholarship:

  • Will receive a summer scholarship of $5,000.  All funds will be posted through financial aid for summer term 2024.
  • Will conduct research under the supervision of a Physics faculty member pursuing a research project of mutual interest to the faculty and student.  The proposals must describe what and how work would be done remotely.
  • Will devote approximately 30 hours per week - dates May 13 - July 19.  Vacation time is NOT included or expected during this time frame.  If you think you will be taking a vacation, plan for either before the start or after the end of the scholarship dates. If you already have a vacation scheduled, please mention on the application. You will not be able to take classes during this program time as well. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship program, applicants must...

  • Be a current OSU Columbus campus student enrolled in and making progress toward a degree in the Physics major or the Engineering Physics major.
  • Be in good academic standing at the university (overall GPA at least a 2.0).
  • Have found a physics professor to work with during the summer of 2024 at the time of submitting an application for this scholarship.
  • Be able to work in a research group at least 30 hours per week during the program dates May 13 through July 19.
  • Attend the program events, including lunches, poster session, and professional development activities offered throughout the summer as part of this program.

Application Information

A complete application packet will include (all must be included):

  • A completed application packet which includes:
    • a student applicant form (page 3)
    • a student agreement and acknowledgement checklist (page 4)
    • A complete faculty endorsement form from the Physics faculty research sponsor (page 5)
  • A letter of support from the Physics faculty research sponsor

The 2024 application is due 5pm on Friday March 8.