Partner with professors in their research
As a student in physics and astronomy at Calvin, you have the opportunity to experience cutting-edge research that will prepare you for your career and graduate school.
As a research assistant, you can:
- develop a mentoring relationship with an experienced scientist
- use specialized equipment in well-equipped research facilities
- co-author publications and presentations in scholarly research journals with your research partners and professor
Find research positions
Summer on campus - Each summer, 10-13 paid, full-time research positions are available with physics and astronomy professors. The application process occurs in February each year. Learn more and apply for these positions through the science division.
Year-round - Physics and astronomy professors regularly employ students for research assistance throughout the year. If you are interested in doing research during the year, talk with your professors about available opportunities.
Summer off campus - Undergraduate research opportunities also exist off-campus, often at national labs or observatories. These positions offer a stipend and often a travel or housing allowance. Positions are advertised in late fall, with many applications due in January and February. Follow the links below to learn more about available opportunities (please send an email to Professor Deborah Haarsma, Department Chair, dhaarsma@calvin.edu if you have suggestions for other links here).
- The National Science Foundation funds Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs at institutions around the country in physics and astronomy.
- Searchable list of many positions from American Institute of Physics
- List of astronomy related positions from American Astronomical Society
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory - Kitt Peak
- Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy
- NASA Undergraduate Summer Research Program
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory
- Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy
- University of Chicago
- California Institute of Technology
- German Academic Exchange Service
- Canadian Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics (for Canadian citizens)
- The IAESTE Placement Program matches U.S. university students majoring in technical fields with paid internships abroad.
- APS/IBM Research Internships (for women)
- Summer Fellowship program from the Council for Undergraduate Research (provides money for students to do research here at Calvin)
- Registry of Undergraduate Researchers and Graduate Schools from the Council for Undergraduate Research (sends your name to graduate schools which are recruiting)
- the Apker Award from the Americal Physical Society for outstanding undergraduate research
