Nevis Labs Experimental High-Energy Physics REU

This Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site at Nevis Labs provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in scientific research, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). During the 10-week program, each participant joins one of the ongoing experimental efforts in high energy particle physics (HEP) and astroparticle physics research. These research areas aim to identify the most fundamental constituents of the universe and probe their interactions. Experimental groups involved in the Summer REU program at Nevis investigate pressing issues in HEP and astroparticle physics, including studies of the Higgs Boson, searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model, neutrino oscillations, and dark matter. Opportunities also exist to work on state-of-the-art electronics and detector development, or in radiation physics at RARAF. The first week of the REU program includes lectures and tutorials by Nevis faculty and scientific staff, discussing high energy physics concepts and tools used in experiments. During this week, students join a specific experimental group for the remainder of the summer. Following the introductory week, students collaborate with their assigned experimental group on research under the direct supervision of a faculty member, who helps identify a well-defined research project achievable within the REU timeframe. The final week is dedicated to writing a scientific report summarizing the research project and progress, culminating in a 30-minute oral presentation to other students and Nevis scientific staff.