Applications Open for Research Mentoring (REM) and Summer Research Experiences for Students (RES) | College of Science
March 11, 2020

Applications Open for Research Mentoring (REM) and Summer Research Experiences for Students (RES)

Research Mentoring (REM) and Summer Research Experiences for Students (RES) at UNT Physics
NewLAW: Nonreciprocal phononics, nanophotonics and ultrasonic metamaterials

Well-qualified graduate, undergraduate, and high school students are invited to apply for a summer research experience at the UNT Department of Physics, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The eight-week long program will be held from June 7, 2020 to July 31, 2020 for graduate/undergraduate students; a four-week long program for two high school students will be held from July 5, 2020 to July 31, 2020. A stipend of up to $3,200 wil be provided for the graduate students, $3000 for the undergraduate students, and up to $1000 for high school students. Additionally, room and board at UNT will be provided for participants.

Fundamental and applied research to be undertaken as part of the RES program involves ultrasonic and optical wave propagation through acoustical metamaterials or and optical meta-surfaces. The REM program will provide mentorship and engage students on research supported by the NSF sponsored Emerging Frontier Research Initiative, (EFRI) one of the major emerging frontier multidisciplinary groups in Texas on promoting collaborative and cutting-edge research and educational activities. Some of the ongoing projects in UNT's EFRI program include- acoustic switches, SASERs - the acoustic analogue of LASERs, ultrasonic lens for deep tissue imaging, soft-robotics, acoustic and optical metamaterials for control and propagation of electromagnetic and acoustic waves. The EFRI program will also collaborate with UNT's Center for Adaptive and Advanced Manufacturing for the design and fabrication of ultrasonic devices based on additive manufacturing processes. Select topics on quantum and magnetic materials for photonics/phononics will be available. Priority will be given to students with a strong drive for graduate studies and future research careers.

The EFRI program is led by Dr. Arup Neogi, University Distinguished Professor in Physics, who fosters collaboration between the Colleges of Science, Engineering, and Center for Agile and Advanced Manufacturing at UNT, encouraging experts from complementary disciplines to work together to develop innovative scientific and engineering solutions to existing and emerging challenges in nano-photonics and meta-acoustics.

The program at UNT will engage high school and undergraduate students, high school teachers, and graduate student on research leading to the discovery of new knowledge, provide mentoring from a diverse research team, promote graduate study as a future professional goal, and provide instructive and appealing learning components. As part of the research experience, the participants will formulate a hypothesis, develop a research plan, carry out a research investigation, prepare progress reports using multiple technology-enriched approaches, present findings to a group of peers and research mentors through a variety of presentation modes, and reflect on achievements. In addition, specific periods will be set aside for structured learning and professional development activities designed to provide the participants with skills, tools, and training essential for success in research.

The RES program will provide industrial experience through visits to Tech Fort Worth and local industries in collaboration through NSF's academic liason with industry (GOALI program). UNT is a nationally ranked Tier One Research University (e.g., Carnegie Classification). The university has nearly 40,000 students and embraces a Learn by Doing educational philosophy.

Students interested in applying to the program should indicate such interest by email by April 10, 2020 to Dr. Hyeonu Heo (hyeonu.heo@unt.edu) Research Scientist of Physics or Dr. Ezekiel Walker (ezekiel.walker@echonovus.com). Dr. Neogi will send interested persons a formal application package directly. Applications will be reviewed starting April 10, and will continue until all ten research positions are filled. Graduate students who are interested in joining the EFRI research group will be encouraged. Program participants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States, per NSF requirements.