Outcomes and Lessons Learned from the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Physics Site at Howard University over a 10-Year Period

The major goal of the REU in Physics Program at Howard University has been to provide hands-on and meaningful research experience to undergraduate STEM students in the areas of experimental, theoretical and computational condensed matter physics, optics and laser spectroscopy, with special focus on the characterization of condensed phase systems at the nanoscale. Besides cutting-edge research, another significant goal of our REU program has been to provide enrichment activities that help broaden the academic and professional perspective of the REU students enrolled in the program, with a special focus on underrepresented students. The REU program included midterm and final research presentations via electronic posters and PowerPoint slides, along with faculty seminars, and enrichment activities, such as field trips, python programming, and career path workshops and panel discussions. Key results of the physics research conducted will be highlighted, and outcomes from the comprehensive surveys conducted before and after the Summer REU program over a ten-year period (2015-2025) will be presented.

Financial support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Award #s PHY-1358727, PHY-1659224, PHY-1950379, and DMR-2349300 is gratefully acknowledged.