UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

Physics and astronomy are not static bodies of knowledge. They are dynamic fields of study where new discoveries are being made daily. This is how we learn about our universe. It is the means by which we are able to articulate the "laws" of physics (of nature), test them in new applications, and then correct them when they are don't agree with experimental results.

Universities are the environments in which much of this research takes place. It is a major activity of faculty and graduate students at large research-oriented universities.

At Valparaiso University, research in physics and astronomy is likewise done. In fact, we receive grants to help fund the following research: nuclear and elementary particle physics (U.S. Dept. of Energy), astronomy (NASA and National Science Foundation), condensed matter physics (Petroleum Research Fund).

However, we have the following distinctives:

  • At VU, our primary goal is to provide you a first rate undergraduate educational opportunity through excellent teaching and learning activities. (We do not have a graduate program in the sciences nor do we want one.)
  • At VU, one means of teaching is giving students first-hand experience in front-line research in nuclear and elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and space science.
  • You could be involved in undergraduate research at VU or even travel to and work at Fermilab, Argonne National Laboratory, or other national laboratories and astronomical observatories to do research with VU faculty.

IS THIS EXPERIENCE VALUABLE?
You can ask our students, either those who are here studying now, or those who are in graduate school or in employment, and have them tell you just how important these experiences were for their future activities.

And, you should visit the VU campus, talk with us here, and see our facilities (nuclear physics laboratory, astronomical observatory, advanced computing facilities, and more). This is clearly the best way to be informed and obtain the best information to help make your decisions. Call 1-888-GO VALPO to arrange a visit - soon!