Physics: Course 8
Here are some tips from the Physics UROP Coordinator to help you find a UROP in Physics.
- First, realize that the key word to be emphasized in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, is "opportunity" (for you), not "program" in the sense of a preplanned program for which you "sign up". Some faculty advertise by e-mail or posting a notice outside the physics education office. You can find the best positions through seeking them out via the web, acquaintances, in recitation, at departmental welcome parties, etc.
- Look at the Physics research web page at http://web.mit.edu/physics/research/index.html to decide what types of physics research appeal to you; the links on the left side of this page will bring you to the various research divisions in Physics, where you will find information on faculty and their research interests.
- Search for newly appointed professors (i.e. those not listed above) in the faculty list at the bottom of http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.physi.shtml- they are generally eager for new students and are often not yet listed in the latest departmental guide. Some professors may seem less approachable than others, but don’t let this dissuade you from contacting them - they may have UROP positions too. Some good physics is done in other departments or labs: theoretical particle physics in Math, atomic physics in EECS and Chemistry, condensed matter in EECS and the Francis Bitter Magnet Lab, plasma in the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, quantum information in Math, EECS, and ME. If your interests overlap other departments, scout for relevant professors in those departments.
- Go by to visit. If the Prof. is unavailable, get a copy of the annual group report, the latest Scientific American level paper that the group has written, a recent letter written on hottest results, etc. from the Administrative Assistant/Group Secretary (you can't overestimate the value of getting this person on your side). Read these materials to get ideas and knowledge about the given research area, then phone (e-mail is too easy to ignore) for an appointment.
- Network with upperclass UROPs. Often a group will have an opening when a senior finishes his/her thesis. You can find out about the UROP, the Prof., and the lab.
- When you do visit, remember that the visit shares many aspects of a job interview: take a resume (with phone numbers for your references, if any), stress your interest in and knowledge of this particular group's activities without being overbearing. Have a ready mental list of the skills you possess (these should be on your resume also) that might be applied to the group’s research. Even if you only helped build a room on your house, the knowledge that you can use a screwdriver is comforting to someone contemplating hiring you to work in his/her lab. The post-docs and graduate students will not only provide a lot of your supervision if you work in that group, but will be the likely beneficiaries of your work - so talk to them at length, if possible. Ask intelligent questions and seem vitally interested in their work.
- There is unlikely to be an immediate positive response; try to get them to indicate a date by which they will call you back, and contact a few days after that if they don't. Rather than accept a flat "NO,” emphasize your interest in this specific group and indicate your willingness to come by again next semester, your availability if anything comes up in the near future, etc.
- If the first group does not pan out, go back to step 3. Don't get discouraged.
- Consult helpful web sites:
- This site
- Physics Department Research
- Consult Staff in the Physics Academic Programs (4-315) or the UROP Office (7-104) if you have questions or need additional advice.
