REU: Research in Symmetries at the University of Kentucky

This project is a 10-week summer REU Site for 8 participants in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky and 4 participants in satellite programs. The program includes individually mentored research projects in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, and astronomy, related to the central theme of symmetry. Research topics are taken from the research programs of faculty mentors funded by NSF, DOE, and NASA, tailored for accessibility to 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates. They involve advanced physics techniques that are not normally available at smaller institutions. REU participants will work along-side graduate students and postdocs in the lab, interacting daily with their mentors to produce publishable results in these areas at the frontiers of physics and astronomy. The program will also include professional development through a series of seminars and workshops, and include specific technical training in computation and data analysis. Students will present results at a local poster session and be encouraged to present at national conferences.