Astrophysics & Plasma Physics REU

REU@WVU

REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) is a 10-week summer program for undergraduate student research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). West Virginia University (WVU) is proud to host a REU site focused on astrophysical and plasma physics research.

Both the astrophysics and plasma physics REU programs will work alongside each other as part of the research experience in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Each student will be associated with a specific research project, where they will work closely with their faculty research mentor and other researchers. Students receive $500 weekly stipend, $157 weekly for food, $300 in travel expenses to and from Morgantown, and lodging in the WVU dorms.  For the 10-week program REU students will be paid a stipend of $5,000 and will be given an additional $1,570 to cover food costs.

May 18-July 24, 2026

What areas of research are included?

Research projects will focus on space and laboratory plasma physics, magnetic reconnection, pulsars, supernova remnants, and telescope commissioning.

Further details are listed under Research Opportunities.

What is included in the REU Program?

• Research Poster Session: REU students will present their research at a poster session at the conclusion of the 10-week program. Students will gain an experience similar to that of an academic conference and to hone their skills discussing research with a diverse audience.
  
• Professional conference attendance: Students in the REU program will be sent to the winter American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting, or an equivalent professional conference where they can discuss their research with scientists in the field.
• Seminars and informational meetings: Students will be exposed to a wide variety of topics related to working in STEM fields.
• Workshops: Workshops will be provided to give guidance on professional preparation, public speaking, professional interactions, and scientific poster creation. Topics include graduate school, career building (resumes, interviewing, elevator pitch), prestigious scholarships, and creating an effective research poster.
• Extra-curricular activities: The state of West Virginia has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities (e. g., biking, hiking, rafting) within a short drive of WVU that make ideal excursions during the program.
• Research stipends, a food allowance, and on-campus housing provided.

Who should apply?

Applications will be accepted from rising sophomores through rising seniors, as well as rising freshmen with advanced (Honors or Advanced Placement) Physics and Astronomy coursework or those involved in the First 2 network.

REU participants must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Qualified applicants will:

1. Have a grade point average 2.8 or above in their STEM undergraduate coursework
2. Be majoring in physics or astronomy undergraduate degree programs (baccalaureate or associate and part-time or full-time), and
3. Be rising freshmen through seniors

How to apply to the Astrophysics and Plasma Physics REU program?

Each applicant will be required to submit:

• A formal application which includes personal, academic (institution, major, level, coursework), and voluntary demographic information and future career plans
• Personal Statement
  
• Undergraduate transcripts
• References/Letter of recommendation from a STEM faculty member familiar with the applicant’s abilities/motivation
• Questions may be sent to: loren.anderson@mail.wvu.edu
• All interested applicants should apply at: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/8354/opportunity/11532

• Contact

  

  Dr. Loren Anderson
  Loren.Anderson@mail.wvu.edu