The University of Notre Dame's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, which celebrated 30 years in 2016, provides opportunities for undergraduate physics majors to experience hands-on participation in research in many areas of physics. Students are granted stipends, university housing, and assistance with travel and food expenses. Basically, this means that if you are a rising junior or senior, you can come to Notre Dame and work with a professor for ten weeks. You will either help this professor with his or her work, or work on an experiment of your own. The REU program gives you valuable research experience, to help you decide if physics research is right for you. Students who are in those groups traditionally underrepresented in sciences (women, members of underrepresented minorities, and those with disabilities) are particularly urged to apply.
The students will work closely with faculty and graduate students on a variety of current research projects. The summer program not only provides each student direct experience with a specific project but also provides important exposure to all areas of physics research.