Department of Physics
226 Physics Building
825 West Dickson Street
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
P 479-575-2506
E-mail: physics@uark.edu
Physics Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
May 21 - July 28, 2023
Application Deadline: Mar. 10, 2023
A 10-Week summer research program in physics for undergraduates.
If there are questions, please email physreu@uark.edu. Thanks.

Supported by the National Science Foundation
Overview
Selected undergraduate students perform frontier research for 10 weeks during the summer of 2023 on experimental and theoretical projects in one of their chosen research areas.
Research Areas:
- Nano-materials and Condensed Matter
- Photonics, Lasers, and Quantum Optics
- Soft Condensed Matter and Biophysics
Additional activities include social events jointly with other REU's, field trips to industrial labs, seminars on ethics, use of a research library, and technical writing and research presentations.
Physics majors or those in fields related to Optics and Materials Science are eligible to apply. Students from small colleges and groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The project descriptions below will give you an idea of the type of project that you will work in the associated professor's lab. Actual projects may vary somewhat from these descriptions. To find out more about a project, click on it. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, *=Projects for Physics REU 2023
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics
1 E=Experimental
T=Theoretical
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter
QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers
SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics
The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student and Instituion |
Professor | Research Area | Project Title |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Using liposomal models to study the binding kinetics of cytoskeletal proteins | |
Dr. Hiro Nakamura | E, QOPL | Building Raman measurement system for 2D materials | |
Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Optimization of Quantum Device Fabrication for the MonArk Quantum Foundry | |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | The Effects of Magnetic Field on Bacterial Motility | |
Dr. Reeta Vyas | E T, QOPL | Laguerre-Gaussian Beam Fraunhofer Diffraction of Varying Radial Indices | |
Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Searching for Superconductivity in Twisted Double-Bilayers of WS2 | |
Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Characterization of Ge, SiGe, and GeSn Films Grown on Si Using UHV-CVD Reactor | |
Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | Orthonasal Versus Retronasal Olfaction: How the Brain Encodes Sensory Input | |
Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Flux Growth of hBN single crystals | |
Dr. Jiali Li | E, SMBP | De Novo Assembly of DNA and mRNA Reads from Nanopore Sequencing | |
Dr. Surenda Singh | E, QOPL | Polarization Synthesis of Hermite-Gaussian Beams Using a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer | |
Dr. Hiro Nakamura | E, QOPL | Growth of Few Layer WSe2 for Nonlinear Optics Study | |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | Silver Ion’s on Bacteria Tumbling rates and Fluorescent Flagella Labelling |
The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student and Institution |
Professor | Research Area | Project Title | |
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Hope Dannar, University of Northern Colorado | Dr. Surenda Singh | E, QOPL | Exploring Different Ways to Generate LG Beams |
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Dawn Ford, Univeristy of Virginia | Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Property Tuning of Layered Materials by Electrochemical Intercalation |
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Christopher Hocevar, Oklahoma State University | Dr. Gregory Salamo | E, NMCM | Using Raman Spectroscopy to Determine Composition of our Growth of Germanium-Tin Nano Structures |
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Juan Martinez, University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Dr. Reeta Vyas | T, QOPL | Diffraction of Laguerre Gaussian Beams from two parallel slits |
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Xavier Mleziva, University of Wisconsin Whitewater | Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | The Growth of Escherichia Coli in Microgravity |
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Ayla Osgood, Mount Holyoke College | Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | Using Deep Learning to Improve Motion Tracking |
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Steven Rhodes, Middle Tennessee State University | Dr. Huaxiang Fu | T, NMCM | Numerical Analysis of LiZnSb as a Candidate Hyperferroelectric |
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Kaylee TenBarge, Butler University | Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Dimensionality Engineering of Electronic Bands in Layered ZrGeTe4 and HfGeTe4 |
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Mark Whitledge, Arkansas State University Jonesboro | Dr. Hiro Nakamura | E, QOPL | Building an Ultralow-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy System |
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Seth Williams, Arkansas Tech University | Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Analyzing motility of E. coli using Differential Dynamic Microscopy |
The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student and Institution |
Professor | Research Area | Project Title | |
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Brycelynn Bailey, Arkansas Tech University, AR |
Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Nanostructures Growth of Topological Quantum Materials |
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Anna Corbitt, Southern Arkansas University, AR | Dr. Jin Hu | E, NMCM | Growth and Characterization of 1T-TaS2 and 1T-TaSe2 |
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Albert Du, North Central College, Naperville, IL | Dr. Salvador-Barraza Lopez | T, NMCM | Energy barrier of ferro-to-paraelectric transitions of hole and electron doped group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers |
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Kayleigh Johnson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Bacterial motility and chemotaxis at dierent concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate |
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Matthew Kurilich, Middle Tennessee State University, TN | Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | The Motion of Bacteria in Various Media |
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Michael Mastalish, Marquette University, WI | Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Measuring the Excitonic Insulator Transition in Ta2NiSe5 |
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Nathan Murillo, Oklahoma Baptist University, OK | Dr. Surendra Singh | E, QOPL | A Comparative Study of the Phase Structure of HG and LG Beams |
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Victoria Norman, The University of Scranton, PA | Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | Behavioral Consequences of Abnormal Development of a Fly’s Nervous System |
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Jake Richter, Texas A&M University at Commerce, TX | Dr. Gregory Salamo | E, NMCM | Analyzing Linear Dislocation Density of Ge1-x Snx/Ge interfaces as Layer Thickness changes using X-ray Diffraction |
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Fernando Salazar-Salas, East Central University, Ada, OK | Dr. Paul Thibado | E, NMCM | Modeling, building, and Analyzing, Energy Harvesting Circuit for Graphene |
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De'Neshia Strawter, Fort Valley State University | Dr. Reeta Vyas | T, QOPL | Diffraction of LG beam by square aperture and cantor set |
The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student and Institution |
Professor | Research Area | Project Title | |
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Ariel Rogers, Truman State University, MO |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | Single-Cell Investigation of the Effects of DC Electric Current on Bacteria |
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Aiden Glaser, Vassar College, NY | Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Stochastic Analysis of Phenotypic Switching and the Development of a Portable Photometer |
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Emily Walla, University fo Arizona, AZ | Dr. Surendra Singh | E, QOPL | The Role of Symmetry in the Diffraction of Laguerre-Gauss Vortex Beams |
The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student and Institution |
Professor | Research Area | Project Title | |
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Sophia Andaloro, University of Dallas, TX |
Dr. Surendra Singh | E, QOPL | The Diffraction of Laguerre-Gaussian Vortex Beams Carrying Equal and Opposite Angular Momentum |
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Alex J. Bishop, University of Alabama, AL |
Dr. Paul Thibado | E, QOPL | Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Monolayer Graphene |
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Lauren Corby, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR |
Dr. Fisher Yu | E, NMCM | Study of high-temperature operation of materials and LEDs for 3D high density power modules |
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Nicholas Corkill, Loyola University, Chicago, IL |
Dr. Gregory Salamo | E, NMCM | Probing In(ga)N/GaN Quantum Wells Using Photoluminescence |
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Joseph Delmar, University of Scranton, PA |
Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez | T, NMCM | Two-dimensional transitions and structural degeneracies of silicene |
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Maya Kedem, Fort Valley State University |
Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | New techniques for automated analysis of rat behavior |
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Sophia McKinney, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Dynamic Response of Yeast Cells using Automated Microfuidic Devices |
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Peter Murphy, SUNY at Geneseo, NY |
Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Optoelectronic Properties of Phosphorene |
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Janet Piefer, Juniata College |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | Translational and Rotational Diffusion of Bacteria Under the Influence of Direct Current |
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Ariel Rogers, Truman State University, MO |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | Single-Cell Investigation of the Effects of Low Electric Current on E. coli Bacteria |
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Connor Ross, Rhodes College, TN |
Dr. Reeta Vyas | T, QOPL | Higher Order Intensity Functions for Degenerate Parametric Oscillators |
The table below lists various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student & Institution | Professor | Research Area | Project Title | |
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Zachary Browley, University of Central Arkansas, AR |
Dr. Joseph Herzog | E, QOPL | Characteristics of Au Nanowire Arrays on GaAs for Optimal Optical Enhancement |
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Crystal Brown, Ouachita Baptist University, AR |
Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez | T, NMCM | Majorana Fermions |
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Bria Collier, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR |
Dr. Fisher Yu | E, NMCM | Optically Pumped GeSn Laser |
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Emily Ebeling, Truman State University, MO |
Dr. Yong Wang | E, SMBP | Fitness Benets: A Lesson from Hybrid Organization of High-Copy Number Plasmids in Bacteria |
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Orion Guan, Truman State University, MO |
Dr. Jiali Li | E, SMBP | Artificial Photosynthesis Using Bilayer Lipid Membranes |
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Cameron Hart, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN |
Dr. Gregory Salamo | E, NMCM | Photoluminescence of Compositionally Graded AlGaN Semiconductors |
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Kionna Henderson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Metabolism of Bacteria |
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Hamilton Johnson, Ouachita Baptist University, AR |
Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Methods of Stacking Atomically Thin Materials without High Temperature Heating |
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Michael Linn, Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO |
Dr. Huaxiang Fu | T, NMCM | Computational Methods for Determining Ferroelectric Properties of Potassium Niobate |
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Steven Murray, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Real-time dynamics of cell-division of Saccharomyces cerevisiae |
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Hyrum Richardson, Brigham Young University, UT |
Dr. Surendra Singh | E, QOPL | Linear and Nonlinear Properties of Pancharatnam's Phase |
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Jazmin Urioste, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR |
Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | Experimental Systems for Studying the Sense of Touch in the Rat Whisker System |
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Grace Woods, UC Santa Cruz, CA |
Dr. Hugh Churchill | E, NMCM | Order-Disorder 2D Phase Transition of Layered GeSe |
The table below lists title of the projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.
E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.
REU Student & Institution | Professor | Research Area 1 | Project Title | |
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Gabrielle Abraham, University of Arkansas, AR |
Dr. Joseph Herzog | E, QOPL | Optical Enhancement of Photoluminescence with Colloidal Quantum Dots |
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Kathryn Andonoro, Carnegie Mellon University, PA |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Effect of pressure and temperature on transcription elongation of T7 promoter by RNA polymerase |
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Christopher Blankenship, Northeastern Oklahoma State in Talequah, OK |
E, SMBP | Characterization of Lipid Membrane, Ion Pump, and Salt Solution in Artificial Photosynthesis | |
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Sara Diletti, University at Buffalo, NY |
Dr. Pradeep Kumar | E, SMBP | Gene regulatory systems in fluctuating environment |
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Alex Dorio, University of Oklahoma, Norman OK |
Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez | T, NMCM | 2D Lower Symmetry Materials for Valleytronics |
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Sarah Freed, University at Buffalo, NY | Dr. Reeta Vyas | T, QOPL | Time Evolution of Discord of Two Coupled Quantum Dots in a Driven Cavity |
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Joshua Nelson, Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS |
Dr. Jiali Li | E, SMBP | Tuning Fork Based Force Sensing Probe Tip for Nanopore Experiments |
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Nicole Nichiniello, University of Arkanssas at Monticello |
Dr. Woodrow Shew | E, SMBP | Real-time recording of neural activity and controlled sensory feedback based on action potentials |
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Paul Somers, Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO |
Dr. Jacques Chakhalian | E, NMCM | X-Ray Reflectivity Measurements on Thin Film Superlattice and Electron Transport Measurements |
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Kahlil Wade, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR |
Dr. Jacques Chakhalian | E, NMCM | Electrical Transport and Atomic Force Microscopy |
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Charlotte Welch, Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL |
Dr. Surendra Singh | E, QOPL | Electrical Transport and Atomic Force Microscopy |
Fellowship
Funding from the National Science Foundation will provide:
- Stipend of $6000 for each participant,
- Room and Board Allowance sufficient to cover dormitory and meal plan,
- Travel Support from and to home town of participants,
- Field Trip: sometime in June, to high-tech industrial labs in the Dallas area.
Eligibility
- Undergraduates with Physics Majors or those in a field related to Optics and Materials Science are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed 60 hours of college credit prior to the program start date with GPA greater than 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- US citizenship or permanent residency is required for NSF-REU fellowship.
- Students who will graduate before December of the program year are not eligible.
Application
Application for 2023 REU will available in Dec. Interested applicants should complete the following steps by Mar. 10, 2023. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if any positions remain open.
Completing the Online Application Form - What You'll Need:
- Ranked research projects - pick three research projects of interest and rank them. See 2023 REU Project Descriptions above.
- Statement of interest - Make PDF copy of statement of interest for uploading
- Resume and Transcript - Make PDF copies of your current CV/resume and transcripts for uploading.
Two letters of reference - Request two of your professors (preferably physics, math, or related areas) familiar with your academic work to send us letters of reference. The form that you will need is available here (REU Recommendation Form). Give this fillable form and/or its link to your professor. Letters of reference can be emailed (physreu@uark.edu) or mailed to Physics REU, Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
To Apply click [Apply Now!] at the upper right hand corner.
NOTE: Please note that demographic information provided in the application may be used to report statistics to the National Science Foundation or other reporting agencies in a summary form while keeping individual information confidential.
CONTACT
Professor Reeta VyasDepartment of Physics
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-6569 or (479) 575-2506
Fax: (479) 575-4580
Email: physreu@uark.edu or rvyas@uark.edu