CLASSE 2009 Research Experience for Undergraduates
2007 REU participants with Professor Rich Galik.
Cornell Laboratory for Elementary-Particle Physics
Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
Cornell Energy Recovery Linac Project
Download the
2008 REU Brochure
Download the
2008 REU Poster
Evaluation only guaranteed for applications completed as of 22 February 2009
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been asked to renew our grant for a
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences and Education (CLASSE), which encompasses the Laboratory for Elementary-Particle Physics (LEPP), the High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), and the Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) project. The renewal request is for the summers of 2009/10/11 and we expect verification of funding early in 2009.
Such a program has been run at LEPP, often incorporating projects from CHESS and ERL, since 1998.
Please see the
details for the 2008 program, which will
be similar to the 2009 program.
Under this program, up to ten science and engineering students from around the country will be invited to participate in research at the Laboratory. In addition there are several other REU programs on campus with whom we share housing and programs.
The ten-week program will start Monday, X June 2009 and end Friday, Y August 2009. In addition to participation in research, the program will include informal seminars, formal lectures, tours of research facilities, social and recreational events, and a forum at summer's end in which participants present the results of their research.
Participants will receive a stipend of $4500, a housing allowance, and a travel allowance for a round trip to/from Ithaca. Group housing will be available through
Cornell University Campus Life and it is hoped that all the students can participate in this arrangement.
Cornell Dining also has meal plans available at its various dining facilities.
Each student will work in a research group which typically involves a professor, postdoctoral research associates, and graduate students. These mentors will define the nature of the research project, organize access to the resources necessary to carry out the research, and guide the participant's effort through frequent interaction. The student projects are always important elements of the overall research program of the Laboratory. The areas of research will be:
- Accelerator Physics
- Microwave Superconductivity
- Advanced Instrumentation (electronics, lasers, cryogenics, etc)
- Synchrotron Radiation in Scientific Research
LEPP operates the
Cornell Electron-positron Storage Ring (
CESR).
An active program in accelerator physics research, called
CESRTA, is aimed at developing ideas for future higher luminosity electron-positron colliders, especially the
International Linear Collider (ILC), for which CESR serves as a prototype in some key areas. The accelerator physics program also includes research and development of microwave superconducting cavities, devices for more efficiently delivering energy to particles in accelerators. Research opportunities in developing instrumentation are also possible.
CHESS, the
Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Sourceprovides facilities to utilize the high energy x-rays (synchrotron radiation) produced by CESR for a wide variety of research projects in biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science, and physics. Members of the CHESS staff develop state of the art instrumentation to support users of the facility and utilize the x-ray beams for their own scientific research.
The Laboratory is engaged in developing a new form of x-ray facility known as an
Energy Recovery Linac (
ERL), which could improve the capabilities of synchrotron radiation science by orders of magnitude. Recent years' programs have had projects on aspects of the ERL as varied as ultra-high vacuum technology, electron gun design, superconducting RF cavity performance, and beam dynamics via simulation.
Good oral and written communication of results are essential elements of scientific research. To develop these communication skills, each student will:
- present an oral statement of the goals early in the program
- present an oral report on results at the end of the program, and
- write a report describing final results of the research.
In order to enhance the educational value of these efforts, mentors will assist students in preparing these reports. The written reports will be posted on the World Wide Web. The reports for 2005-2008, which can give one an idea of the types of research opportunities available, are found at:
The REU program is open, by NSF regulation, only to US citizens and permanent residents. If accepted, you will be required to show proof of citizenship or permanent residency. This CLASSE program is intended primarily for sophomore and junior students in science and engineering. In exceptional cases first year students could have enough familiarity with physics, engineering, or computer science to profit from their research experience. Students who have not yet enrolled as undergraduates and students who will have a Bachelors degree by the summer of 2009 are not eligible according to NSF regulations. Consideration of completed applications will begin mid-February, with first offers being made by 1 March. If accepted, you may have to show proof of health insurance coverage for the period of the REU Program.
Your application should include:
- A completed application form. Please use the online form below if your browser supports it. Otherwise, please send the information requested on the form to Ms. Monica Wesley by e-mail (man5@cornell.edu) or to the LEPP REU Program address by regular mail. [N.B.: We will not accept any forms before 1 November 2008.]
- A transcript (a photocopy is acceptable).
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals, at least one from a professor, who are familiar with your potential for research. Letters submitted by fax or email should be followed by the signed originals in US Mail.
- A short (1 or 2 page) personal statement describing your experience, skills, interests, and goals, and what aspect of the reserach at CLASSE is of special interest to you.
Please send your application materials to:
CLASSE REU Program
134 Newman Laboratory
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Applications completed after 22 February 2009 may not be considered.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Monica Wesley
(607) 255-4952 (ph)
(607) 254-4552 (fx)
man5@cornell.edu
Applications accepted, beginning 01 November 2008. (Online form will be active here.
Supported by the National Science Foundation.
