An Experimental Nuclear Physics Program at Chicago State University (CSU)

The experimental nuclear physics research program at CSU is centered on studying Heavy Ion Collisions at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) with the ALICE experiment. Our university’s location on Chicago’s South-Side has allowed us to work with a diverse group of undergraduate students, many of whom are first-generation college students and are from groups traditionally underrepresented in experimental nuclear physics. The program has resulted in several inner-city undergraduates ultimately working in STEM fields or in STEM education, with many attending graduate schools in physics, math, or engineering.  In this talk, we describe our experiences, challenges, and accomplishments working with underrepresented students in experimental nuclear physics. We will also describe how his program has impacted the Physics Department at CSU and the obstacles we have faced due to the pandemic during the last couple of years.