Physics Department Hosts Undergraduate Research Day Nov. 15

Friday, November 14, 2014, By Cyndi Moritz

More than 100 students from 16 colleges and universities are expected to descend on Syracuse University for the Department of Physics’ ninth annual Undergraduate Research Day, Saturday, Nov. 15. The daylong event, which is free and open to undergraduate physics majors within driving distance of Syracuse, will take place in the Physics Building.

The program is organized by professors Scott Watson, Steven Blusk and Stefan Ballmer, all of whom serve on the physics faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout the day, attendees will attend poster sessions, lectures, and demonstrations; tour the facilities; and engage with peers from other institutions. Organizers say the event highlights not only cutting-edge research at Syracuse, but also its nationally renowned graduate program in physics.

“We have a fascinating day planned and are eager to see how it will be received,” says Watson, assistant professor of physics and chair of the organizing committee. “Our department is doing tremendous work, and we hope events such as this one will enable us to identify the next generation of rising stars.”

Scott Franklin, professor of physics at the Rochester Institute of Technology, will present the day’s keynote address titled “Research with—and on—Undergraduates: How Two Seemingly Unrelated Interests Became a Hugely Satisfying Career.” An expert on soft condensed matter, he is also an accomplished physics education researcher.

Other speakers include Syracuse professors Jay Hubisz, Liviu Movileanu, Jennifer Schwarz, Sheldon Stone and Gianfranco Vidali.

With the exception of the lab tours, all events will take place on the second floor of the Physics Building. Talks will be given in the main conference room (Room 202/204), and posters will be displayed in the north-side hallway on the second floor. Refreshments and lunch will be served in room 202/204 and in the lobby near the elevator on the second floor.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Watson at gswatson@syr.edu.